Suspect In Home Invasion Said: "How Do You Want To Die?"

LITCHFIELD, NH — Ian Morris, 25, of Skyline Drive in Jaffrey faces attempted murder, kidnapping, and burglary charges as well as two counts each of first-degree and second-degree assault in what police call a violent home invasion. Morris was scheduled to appear in court Thursday but it was canceled due to Morris waiving arraignment.

Police responded to 10 Evergreen Circle in Litchfield Tuesday evening just before midnight for a report of a home invasion and assault in progress. While responding officers were advised by dispatch that a knife and ax were involved in the attack.

When they arrived, officers saw Morris on the floor of a bathroom tussling with a man, later identified as one of the homeowners — who was bleeding from several cuts to his head and face, an affidavit said.

The couple told police they were sleeping when Morris entered their bedroom with a hatchet. According to the court affidavit, Morris said "How do you want to die?”

Police said the couple both thought it was a prank. They got out of bed and put clothes on while Morris ordered the woman downstairs, according to court paperwork.

The man attempted to lure Morris outside but when he refused, "Ian began to strike the male victim in the head with the blunt end of the hatchet. The assault continued as the victim attempted to move down the hallway of the home.

At some point during the altercation, police said, Morris "lost possession of the hatchet" and the woman picked it up. She also managed to get a knife away from him during the altercation, the report stated, which was why she had possession of the weapons when police arrived.

Morris and the man "continued fighting into the bathroom" when police found them, the affidavit stated.

Morris was held on preventive detention and is due in superior court for a dispositional conference is scheduled for April 21.

An officer said, during questioning, that Morris told him he did not know the family, according to an affidavit.