PERRYVILLE — The Perry County resident who called authorities to report he had just shot someone who came to his home and assaulted him now faces weapons and other charges.
Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf says 50-year-old John P. Morrison (in photo) of 113 Sandler Drive, who is a convicted felon, has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a 45 caliber pistol; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a Ruger Mark II with silencer; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a Russian made machine gun; Possession of a Controlled Substance: Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance: Diazapam, Unlawful Use of a Weapon While in Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine and Diazapam), and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Morrison’s bond has been set at $500,000 Cash Only.
The sheriff said on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 12:42 p.m. the Perry County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Morrison, of 113 Sandler Drive, in Perry County, who said that he had been assaulted at his residence and he had shot the person.
EMS and Law enforcement were dispatched and found 41 year old Mathew Donnely, of Perryville, laying on the ground in front of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Donnely died shortly after arrival.
Morrison stated Donnely came to his front door and assaulted him when he answered the door.
He then drew a firearm and shot Donnely one time, in the abdomen, causing Donnely to back out and collapse a short distance from the door.
Sheriff Schaaf said Morrison was cut on the back of his head with a hunting knife wielded by Donnely in the assault. He was treated at Perry County Memorial Hospital, and released to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office the same day.
He was then transported to the Perry County Jail, was interviewed and held pending the aforementioned charges.
Authorities are still investigating Morrison’s explanation of how this happened.