Witnesses told police that the shooting followed a confrontation between the two men which apparently began when Mr. Morris and his family were walking in the neighborhood. The verbal altercation may have been prompted by one of Mr. Morris’ young daughters playing with mulch in Johnson’s yard, according to early reports of the incident. Witnesses said Johnson threatened the family prompting Mr. Morris to send his wife and daughters home. He was reportedly attempting to ameliorate the situation when Johnson produced a handgun and began firing at the victim. Mr. Morris, who was unarmed, was struck several times, according to police reports.
Immediately following the shooting, the suspect barricaded himself inside his home. After issuing multiple commands, officers successfully engaged the suspect who ultimately surrendered to police custody, according to police reports.
Johnson has been charged by the Wayne County prosecutor with first-degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of felony firearm.
“This was a senseless act of violence toward the victim,” said Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh. “The Canton Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, and to the neighbors who may have witnessed this tragic event.”
Mr. Morris was an engineer who earned his degree at Michigan Technological University. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters. He served as the secretary for the Michigan 6th Congressional District Republican Party. An online fundraising effort for the family has been established.
“Mr. Nathan Morris was a family man, first and foremost,” the online fundraising effort reads. “He will be missed by the hundreds of people who knew him, loved him, and enjoyed his can-do spirit and strong focus on the work and responsibilities, which he took on at the cost of precious family time, especially reading to his children at bedtime.”
