Morton murder suspect appears in court

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) - Mark Norwood’s attorney said it is likely that the murder trial will take place for several months because he believes it will take some time to go through the discovery provided to him by the prosecution.

Norwood, who is charged with capital murder in the 1986 death of Christine Morton, was ordered to make an appearance in a Williamson County courtroom Wednesday because the prosecution presented discovery to his attorney. That means they gave him all of the evidence they have against Norwood, things like interviews with witnesses and crime scene photographs.

Norwood was indicted on the capital murder charge on Feb 1. Her husband, Michael Morton, was exonerated by DNA evidence after spending 25 years in jail on a wrongful conviction.

DNA found on a crime scene bandana helped free Morton because officials have said the DNA belongs to Norwood. He was living in Bastrop when authorities linked him to the young mother's death.

His indictment was announced by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, whose office was brought in after the Williamson County District Attorney's Office recused itself in the case.

Norwood’s attorney said outside of the courtroom that his client is innocent and having a hard time being in jail.

“Mr. Norwood is pretty frustrated and he wants to clear his name, anyone would be frustrated sitting in jail not knowing the charges or what evidence there is,” said Russell Hunt.