Man accused of 2020 murder released

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – A southern Kentucky man once charged with murdering his stepson is now free.

A Laurel County judge issued an order granting the former suspect immunity from prosecution for murder.

James Thomas Morgan was arrested in August 2020 and charged with the murder of his stepson Matthew Tosh.

Officials with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office said Morgan shot his stepson on August 25, 2020, after an argument.

After a lengthy court ruling, the judge admitted that it was indeed an act of self-defense.

The court stated that after its review, it was convinced that the defendant believed he was being threatened.

Prosecutor Jackie Steele told WYMT that it was a close decision and that the judge's decision must be respected.

Court documents also state that in the 911 call, Morgan can be heard yelling at his wife: “You saw what he did. He came at me.”

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