Southern Illinois man charged in the death of his brother after `verbal altercation’

A 36-year-old West Frankfort man has been charged with murder in the death of his brother after what was described as a “domestic violence incident,” according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Kyle G. Morris initially was charged with aggravated battery and domestic battery after a “verbal altercation” with Justin D. Hauptman, 46, described as Morris’ brother, a news release from Sheriff Kyle Bacon states. The murder charge was added after a regional hospital informed the sheriff’s office around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 31 that Hauptman had died,the release states.

The sheriff’s office said they learned of the incident at the rural West Frankfort home about 3:33 a.m. on July 25, after Hauptman was taken to the emergency room by private vehicle. “The injuries were described as significant and the subjects condition was listed as critical,” the release states.

When deputies went to the home, they found Morris outside, the release states. “During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a verbal altercation occurred between the two” and Morris struck Hauptman in the head, according to the release.

Morris was taken to the county jail. “Due to the significant injuries received by Hauptman, States Attorney Abby Dinn argued for the continued detention of Morris and it was granted by the court,” the release states.

Morris remains in jail after the murder charge was filed.

An autopsy shows Hauptman died of “blunt force trauma of the head,” according to the release.