Defense: Murder charges should be dropped

Woman's trial ordered to be heard next week, but deputy solicitor says that's unlikely

Morosi

The murder trial of a female escort who advertised her services on a racy Internet site is in jeopardy of not being called next week.

The delay means the charge should be dropped and the woman cleared, her attorney said Monday.

"If they are not going to take it to trial, they need to dismiss it," defense attorney Paul Thurmond said.

Stephanie Morosi is accused of shooting a man twice inside the bedroom of her brick ranch house in the College Park neighborhood of Ladson in September 2006. She pleaded not guilty to murder.

In March, Circuit Judge Markley Dennis ordered the case be given a "date certain" for the trial to go forward during the week of June 23. The timing was in response to a motion for a speedy trial filed by her attorney.

On Monday, 9th Circuit Deputy Solicitor Bryan Alfaro said it was unlikely the case would be called. He wouldn't elaborate. Beyond that, he said, no decision has been made.

If the case is not scheduled, one option is to ask the judge to drop the charge, saying the case evidence supports her claim that the shooting was self-defense, Thurmond said. Another possibility is for prosecutors to drop the charge, with the option of refiling the case if further evidence comes to light, he said.

Authorities contend Morosi confessed to firing two bullets into the head and abdomen of Jason Maxwell Truitt inside the bedroom of her Hartford Drive home on Sept. 14, 2006.

Truitt, 33, was dead when sheriff's deputies arrived. At the time of the killing, he was described as an ex-boyfriend and roommate. No motive was disclosed.

The killing exposed what many saw as a double life. Morosi, 30 at the time of her arrest, reportedly used

the Internet to run a discreet, high-price escort service from her middle-class neighborhood.

"If you have trouble parting with your money, you can't afford me," said a Web posting offering companionship. She also required a "donation" of $250 an hour to be collected at the "beginning of the date, so just hand it over."

She is not charged with any crimes other than the shooting, he said.

Thurmond said Monday the case evidence points to Morosi protecting herself. She was 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed 108 pounds when she was arrested.

Truitt stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 300 pounds.

Morosi was freed on $75,000 bail in December 2006, Thurmond said. The bond conditions have prevented her from traveling out of the state.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.

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