A father of two young daughters was shot and killed by a neighbor who was allegedly angry because his daughter had “touched the mulch” in his yard during a family walk in a suburban Michigan neighborhood.
Nathan Morris, 35, was walking with his wife and two daughters, ages 2 and 5, near his Canton home just before noon Saturday when police said his neighbor, Deveraux Christopher Johnson, 47, attacked Morris and the two got into an argument. Fox 2 Detroit reported.
Johnson was reportedly upset that Morris’ daughter had “touched the mulch” on his property. The Michigan Republican Party About Morris, a party member involved in local politics.
“The neighbor pulled out a gun and began threatening the family,” the post alleges.
“Nathan said he would try to get his family home and sort things out, but instead he was shot and killed.”
Prosecutors said Johnson fired multiple shots, killing Morris, who was unarmed.
When Canton Police officers arrived on scene, they found Morris barricaded inside the home and lying in the street suffering from a gunshot wound.
Morris was taken to a hospital where he later died, police said.
After several commands to surrender, Johnson emerged from the home repeatedly chanting, “Praise God Almighty,” and was taken into custody. He was charged with first-degree murder and other felonies.
Morris, who worked as an engineer for Ford, had recently entered politics and was affiliated with the Michigan Republican Party in Wayne.
“Nathan was one of the few men left who was close to perfect. He would never do anything to hurt anyone or have any intention of hurting anyone. He just had a great and kind heart. He will be truly missed,” the Michigan Republican Party said in a statement.
Morris recently ran for the town’s school board and was remembered for his “drive and intense focus on work and responsibilities,” according to a fundraiser held for his family.
Authorities told Fox that Johnson, who had lived in the area for 12 years, had assaulted neighbors and police officers on multiple occasions.
He has also been accused of criminal sexual conduct dating back to the 1990s.
He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.
Prosecutors have requested a competency evaluation for Johnson, who is next scheduled to appear in court on August 23.
