Troy Morrow, a member of the Morrow family involved in a violent incident that happened at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse on June 22, is being indicted on one misdemeanor count of menacing.
On Thursday, a Hamilton County grand jury reviewed the case and issued an indictment against Morrow. Court documents indicate that Morrow "knowingly caused Steve Raleigh to believe that the defendant would cause physical harm to the person or property of Steve Raleigh.”
“It’s a little disappointing, but we welcome the chance to tell the story,” Konrad Kircher, the attorney representing members of the Morrow family, said in regard to Troy Morrow’s charges.
Kircher told CityBeat that, at the time of the incident, Morrow had sustained a work-related injury and his hand was bandaged. He also noted that Morrow weighs 140 pounds and has physical disabilities that wouldn't have posed a threat at that time, particularly to WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh, whom Kircher claims is physically larger than Morrow.
“He was aggravated because Steve Raleigh was obstructing Troy’s father’s attempt to get the police to make a report. So yes, there was some discussion back and forth…it’s not rational for Steve Raleigh to claim that he was threatened or in fear from Troy,” Kircher said.
The other individual indicted in response to the incident is Steve Raleigh’s son, Kyle Raleigh, who was indicted Thursday on one count of felonious assault and two counts of aggravated assault. According to case documents, Kyle Raleigh "used deadly force" and "knowingly caused serious physical harm" to individuals involved in the attack "while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage."
“We are satisfied with those charges. We think they are certainly supported by the evidence. They are very serious charges, and the third-party witnesses did not buy the Raleighs’ story about why Kyle exhibited this tremendous violence,” Kircher said.
What happened?
The incident, which occurred on June 22, started when Carter Raleigh, son of WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh, allegedly crashed his grandfather's Cadillac Escalade into the Morrow family's Ford F-150 in the parking lot of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.
Following the collision, an altercation broke out when Carter allegedly confronted Douglas Morrow and his family. Steve Raleigh arrived and allegedly urged the Morrows not to call the police, becoming agitated when they did.
Witnesses reported that a physical confrontation ensued, resulting in serious injuries to Lois Morrow and her husband Douglas, who both suffered concussions and other significant injuries.
The aftermath
When asked about the Morrow family's situation after months of uncertainty and legal proceedings, Kircher revealed that Troy's mother, Lois Morrow, 76, continues to experience problems from post-concussion syndrome. He also emphasized the emotional and physical impact this process has had on the family.
The family's involvement in the legal proceedings is far from over. As key witnesses in the case against Raleigh, the Morrow family has ongoing responsibilities, especially with Kircher estimating that Raleigh's arraignment will take place sometime next week.
“My clients as victims have the right to have input on any pleas and any sentencing, and we intend to exercise those rights,” Kircher said.
Kircher stated that Lois and Douglas Morrow will also need to participate in Troy Morrow’s case, cooperating with the defense as witnesses to challenge the charges against their son.
CityBeat reached out to Merlyn Shiverdecker, the attorney representing the Raleigh family, but did not receive a response by press time.
Kircher declined CityBeat’s request to speak with the Morrow family.
