Nathan Morris, Canton Township, Michigan man shot dead by neighbor, Devereaux Christopher Johnson following dispute over mulch in front yard.
An argument between two neighbors over a front lawn has led to a father of two young girls being shot dead with his 47 year old neighbor now standing accused of the parent’s murder.
Devereaux Christopher Johnson is alleged to have shot dead 35-year-old Canton Township, Michigan man, Nathan Morris after the two got into an argument just before noon on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Johnson according to Wayne County prosecutors initiated an argument with Morris as the victim was walking down the street with his wife and two young daughters. Johnson fired multiple times, killing the unarmed man.
Dispute over mulch in front yard
The gun violence erupted after one of Morris’ two young daughters touched mulch in Johnson’s front yard.
An incensed Johnson is alleged to have taken out a gun and threaten the young family. Morris is alleged to have sent his family home in an attempt to defuse the situation, but was instead shot and killed, FOX2Detroit reported.
Canton Township police responded to the 200 block of Cornell Street on Saturday circa 11:45 a.m, following reports of shots being fired.
Police found Morris with multiple gunshot wounds in the street and taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
When police arrived, the suspect barricaded himself inside his home, WXYZ reported.
After several orders to surrender, Johnson walked out of his house repeating, ‘Praise to God Almighty.’ The suspected shooter was taken into police custody.
Defendant had multiple confrontations in the neighborhood
Johnson was charged with first-degree murder, Felon in Possession of a Weapon and two counts of Felony Firearms according to a Canton Police Department release. A not guilty plea was entered on Johnson’s behalf who remains held without bond.
Johnson lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and had multiple contacts with Canton police for assaulting neighbors, and other incidents of him assaulting police officers, according to law enforcement. He also has criminal sexual conduct charges from the 1990s.
‘This was a senseless act of violence toward the victim,’ Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh said in a statement. ‘The Canton Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, and to the neighbors who may have witnessed this tragic event.’
If convicted, Johnson faces life in jail without parole.
The victim, who worked at Ford as an engineer, lived one street over from the suspect.
Nathan Morris is survived by his wife of 10 years and two daughters, ages 5 and 2, according to his church, St. Michael Lutheran Church of Canton.
The prosecutor’s office is asking for a competency hearing for Johnson. He’s due back in court on Aug. 23.
A fundraiser has been set up for Morris’s family.
