Father of Two Tragically Shot by Neighbor During Dispute Over Daughter Touching Mulch
Nate Morris/Facebook Canton Township Police
A father of two young daughters was tragically shot and killed by a neighbor in a suburban Michigan neighborhood after a seemingly minor incident escalated into violence. The confrontation occurred when Nathan Morris, 35, was out for a walk with his wife and daughters, ages 2 and 5, near their home in Canton on Saturday, just before noon.
According to Fox 2 Detroit, the incident began when their neighbor, Deveraux Christopher Johnson, 47, angrily confronted Morris after his young daughter “touched the mulch” on Johnson’s property. The Michigan GOP, with which Morris was involved as a local politician, reported that Johnson became irate and began threatening the family with a gun.
“The neighbor took a gun out and started threatening the family,” the Michigan GOP stated. In an attempt to protect his family, Morris reportedly sent his wife and daughters home while he stayed behind to try and defuse the situation. Tragically, Johnson fired multiple shots, killing the unarmed Morris.
When Canton police arrived at the scene, they found Morris lying in the street with a gunshot wound. Meanwhile, Johnson had barricaded himself inside his home. Morris was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
After repeated orders to surrender, Johnson eventually emerged from his home, reportedly chanting, “Praise to God Almighty.” He was taken into custody and has since been charged with first-degree murder and other felonies.
Morris, an engineer at Ford, had recently become active in local politics and was affiliated with the Michigan GOP in Wayne. The party remembered him as a kind and dedicated individual, stating, “Nathan is one of those few guys who are near perfect. He would do no harm and think no harm. He is just an amazing and gentle soul. He will be missed dearly.”
Morris had also recently run for the local school board, where he was recognized for his “can-do spirit and strong focus on the work and responsibilities,” according to a fundraiser set up for his family. Johnson, who had lived in the neighborhood for 12 years, reportedly had a history of assaulting neighbors and police officers. He also faced criminal sexual conduct charges dating back to the 1990s.
A not-guilty plea was entered on Johnson’s behalf, and he is currently being held without bond. The prosecutor’s office has requested a competency hearing, with Johnson scheduled to appear in court next on August 23.
