A Minnesota man, Houston Allen Morris, has recently pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend’s 13-year-old son, Isaac Hoff, during a violent altercation. Morris, 39, confessed to second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony. He also confessed to an amended felony charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.
The tragic incident took place in the early hours of March 24, 2022, as Morris engaged in a heated argument with Hoff’s mother. The couple had been dating for approximately one year, and Morris had moved into the woman’s apartment just two weeks prior to the attack. The mother had obtained a protective order for herself and her son on March 1.
The dispute escalated as Morris assaulted the woman, strangling her and striking her head with a pipe and a metal bed frame. In self-defense, she attempted to use a knife but Morris managed to seize it from her. As the struggle continued, Morris attempted to stab the woman but inadvertently stabbed her son, who was standing behind her.
Despite suffering from a chest wound, the brave teenager managed to call 911, alerting authorities that Morris was attacking his mother. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered the boy on the kitchen floor, surrounded by blood. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital due to his injuries.
Officers also found the woman’s one-year-old daughter covered in blood inside the apartment. The mother sustained cuts on her head and hands, as well as deep bite marks on one arm.
A GoFundMe campaign was established in honor of Isaac Hoff, who is remembered as a courageous young man who gave his life to protect those he loved. The funds raised will be used to create a lasting legacy in Isaac’s memory.
As a result of Morris’s guilty plea, prosecutors will dismiss the second count of second-degree murder, originally filed against him. Morris remains in custody at the Renville County Jail with a $500,000 unconditional bail.
His sentencing is scheduled for May 10 at the Renville County Courthouse. Morris’s attorney declined to comment on the case, citing its pending status.