CROOKSTON, Minn. – An inmate at the Northwest Regional Corrections Center (NWRCC) in Crookston is facing serious charges following an alleged assault within the facility. Christopher Paul James Morrison has been charged with 1st-degree assault and 3rd-degree assault after Polk County deputies responded to a report of an inmate throwing boiling water on another inmate on March 24. Court records reveal that the victim suffered severe injuries, including peeling and bright red skin, burns on the chest, arm, shoulder, and neck, as well as blistering on the foot. Deputies described the injuries as exposing large wounds with layers of skin peeled off.
The victim, who is housed in the same unit as Morrison, recounted that he saw Morrison microwaving water while working out and suspected something was amiss. Video footage reviewed by officers showed Morrison approaching the victim as he walked or jogged laps around the unit and then dumping the boiling water on him. Officers concluded that the act appeared to be intentional. Due to the severity of the injuries, deputies believe the victim will likely suffer serious permanent disfigurement. Morrison, currently held at NWRCC for the U.S. Marshal’s Service, appeared in Polk County Court on April 11 and is scheduled for a hearing on May 7.
A review of Morrison’s criminal history revealed several prior convictions, including sex abuse of a minor or ward, failure to register as a sexual offender, terrorizing, refusal to halt, and possession of methamphetamine.