State v. Morton

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Herd, J.:

Cecilia Morton was convicted by a jury of murder in the second degree (K.S.A. 21-3402) for the death of her two and one-half year old foster son, Dennis Rizer, on June 17, 1980. This appeal followed.

Dennis and Denny Rizer, twin brothers, came to live with Steve and Cecilia Morton in Wichita in early June, 1980. Social and Rehabilitation Services had previously approved the Mortons as foster parents for the two boys. They appeared to be normal two and one-half year olds. Denny was the more aggressive of the two, sometimes hitting other children…