A neighbor shot and killed a father of two young daughters in a suburban Michigan neighborhood after a seemingly minor incident escalated into violence. The confrontation occurred as Nathan Morris, 35, was taking a walk with his wife and daughters, ages 2 and 5, near their home in Canton on Saturday shortly before noon.
According Fox 2 DetroitThe incident began when his neighbor, Deveraux Christopher Johnson, 47, angrily confronted Morris after his young daughter “touched the mulch” on Johnson’s property. Michigan Republican Partyin which Morris was involved as a local politician, reported that Johnson became enraged and began threatening the family with a gun.
“The neighbor pulled out a gun and began threatening the family,” the Michigan Republican Party stated. In an attempt to protect his family, Morris allegedly sent his wife and daughters home while he stayed behind to try to calm the situation. Tragically, Johnson fired multiple shots, killing Morris, who was unarmed.
When Canton police arrived at the scene, they found Morris lying in the street with a gunshot wound. Meanwhile, Johnson had barricaded himself in his home. Morris was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
After being repeatedly ordered to surrender, Johnson eventually emerged from his home, allegedly singing “Praise God Almighty.” He was arrested and has since been charged with first-degree murder and other felonies.
Morris, an engineer for Ford, had recently become active in local politics and was affiliated with the Michigan Republican Party in Wayne. The party remembered him as a kind and dedicated person, saying, “Nathan is one of those rare guys who are almost perfect. He did no harm and never thought of harm. He is a wonderful, gentle soul. He will be greatly missed.”
Morris had also recently run for the local school board, where he was recognized for his “entrepreneurial spirit and strong focus on work and responsibilities,” according to a fundraiser organized for his family. Johnson, who had lived in the neighborhood for 12 years, allegedly had a history of assaulting neighbors and police officers. He also faced criminal sexual conduct charges dating back to the 1990s.
Johnson has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bail. Prosecutors have requested a competency hearing and Johnson is scheduled to appear in court on August 23.