For Immediate Release
Aug. 4, 2016

Morris L. Smith, 47, was sentenced today by a Jackson County judge to life in prison for the January 2015 murder of Kimberly Hertzler, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced.

Smith was sentenced to life in prison today; he pleaded guilty in May to Murder in the 2nd Degree. In addition, the judge revoked his probation in an earlier stealing conviction.

According to court records, Morris told police called to the scene of Hertzler's beating death that they had had an argument. He said he and the victim had had a violent relationship. He told police he hit her in the face. Blood was apparent on pajamas he was wearing. During the interview with police, he said, "I'm going to jail for the rest of my life" and "I know you know I did it."

For more information, contact:

Michael Mansur
Director of Communication
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor
Work : (816) 881-3812
Mobile: (816) 674-3954
mmansur@jacksongov.org
http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com