Trial gets under way in slaying from 1988

Alcoholism and marital infidelity accusations likely will pepper the trial of a 68-year-old Gordonsville resident charged with killing a man whose wife he later married and some of whose children he later raised.

Alvin Lee “Butch” Morris is charged with first-degree murder, robbery and using a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with the 1988 slaying of Roger L. Shifflett, 38, at the now-defunct Southwind Grocery store on Route 20.

Morris’ trial is expected to be a long one, with more than 40 witnesses on tap. Court officials said the trial could run 12 hours a day for up to two weeks, although they expressed hope it would be shorter.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers on Monday questioned more than two dozen prospective jurors en masse and individually, trying to discern whether the jurors could provide Morris and the prosecution a fair hearing.

“This case is very likely to include marital infidelity and alcoholism on both sides,” William Hendricks, assistant Albemarle County commonwealth’s attorney, told the jury pool. “The case is also unique in that it’s a 21-year-old case.”

Hendricks, and defense attorney Dana Slater, asked the jurors if they had preconceived ideas about people with alcoholism or people who commit adultery, and if that would prevent them from providing an impartial hearing of the evidence.

Several prospective jurors admitted they had issues with alcoholics that could taint their decision-making process.

“I can’t be around people who drink a lot,” said one juror, who told the court that she grew up with alcoholics.

“I’m not prejudiced against people who drink, but people who are constantly drunk, definitely.”

Others admitted to issues with cheating spouses.

“I don’t think I have a problem with others, but if it was my husband, I’d have serious issues,” one juror said.

“I have very strong feelings about it,” said another, acknowledging that testimony of adultery “maybe” could affect her decision-making process.

Others questioned the age of the case and why it was brought 21 years after the killing.

“People change,” said one man. “They make mistakes. It’s a long time to wait before charging someone. I know there’s no statute of limitations on murder, but it doesn’t seem as a paramount to charge someone 21 years later.”

No one had been arrested in the shooting until last year, when DNA tests conducted on cigarette butts found at the shooting site matched DNA supplied by Morris, officials said. That led to his arrest.

Morris’ former wife, Diane Houchens, had testified in an earlier hearing that her husband used to smoke Salem Lights, the same brand as the butts found at the scene.

Morris divorced Houchens and later married Barbara Shifflett, the victim’s widow.

Roger Shifflett, a father of five, was found with gunshot wounds to the face, head and neck from a small-caliber handgun. He died at the convenience store he operated with his wife. An estimated $135 was taken from the store.

Road checks, interviews, tracking dogs, phone calls and rewards did not turn up solid leads in the days and weeks after the killing.

Morris retired from a 30-year career with Safeway stores and worked as a contract U.S. Postal Service driver for 12 years and spent five years in landscaping.