On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, ABC13 Eyewitness News reported that a Harris County judge declined a request from the District Attorney’s office to remove Judge Melissa Morris from a domestic violence case.
The request stemmed from allegations by prosecutors that Judge Morris displayed bias through her comments and facial expressions during the original trial, rendering her unfit to preside.
The case involves Aaron Wright, who was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison for shooting his ex-wife in 2021. In June 2025, Wright’s legal team filed a motion seeking a retrial.
In response, prosecutors filed a motion to disqualify Judge Morris, asserting that she had questioned the victim’s credibility and made critical remarks about the prosecution during the initial trial. They argued that her involvement in a potential retrial would be inappropriate.
To address the motion, Judge Susan Brown was assigned to review the matter. On Tuesday, Judge Brown ruled that Judge Morris would remain on the case, rejecting the prosecutors’ request for her recusal. With this decision, Judge Morris retains authority over the case and must decide whether to grant Wright’s request for a retrial.
Defense attorneys, including appellate lawyer Stanley Schneider, supported Judge Morris, stating that judges routinely express opinions and assess witness credibility as part of their duties. Schneider emphasized that such actions, when based on courtroom proceedings, are within a judge’s role.
Source: ABC13 Eyewitness News
