Tragic Incident: Man Allegedly Shot in Canton Over Daughter Touching Neighbor’s Mulch
Canton Township of Michigan saw a terrible tragedy over the weekend when a 35-year-old man was allegedly shot dead by his 47-year-old neighbor, following a quarrel arising from a seemingly trivial issue.
Nathan Morris, the unfortunate victim, was on a weekend walk with his family when the incident escalated into violence that ended his life.
The Cause: A Child’s Innocent Touch
According to witnesses and initial statements from the perpetrator, the row started when Morris’s young daughter touched a pile of mulch in the yard belonging to Devereaux Christopher Johnson, the neighborhood resident who was later accused and arrested for this horrific crime.
Rotreaf to the Michigan GOP, Morris, in an effort to diffuse the tension, sent his family home and decided to confront Johnson alone. Unfortunately, this confrontation ended fatally for Morris.
The Police Response: A Standoff with the Suspected Shooter
Local police responded promptly after receiving reports of gunshots. Arriving at the scene just before midnight, they found Morris wounded on the street. Unable to save him, the victim was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Upon their arrival at the crime scene, the suspected assailant had barricotted himself inside his home. After several calls to surrender, Johnson eventually complied uttering “Praise to God Almighty” repeatedly as he was taken into custody.
The charges
Johnson has been charged with first-degree murder among other felonies. A ‘not guilty’ plea was entered on his behalf and the accused now awaits a subsequent court appearance on August 23rd. The prosecution is also requesting a competency hearing for Johnson.
The Victim: Remembering Nathan Morris
Morris, a father of two daughters, ages five and two, worked as an engineer for Ford. Known for his affable nature, he was also affiliated with the Michigan GOP in Wayne. The victim’s sudden and senseless loss has been deeply mourned by friends, family, and his GOP colleagues with an official statement calling him “an amazing and gentle soul.”
The Aftermath: A Community in Shock
This shocking incident has left the otherwise calm Canton Township in a state of fear and anxiety. One resident, Leonard Zabawski, expressed this disquiet when he said, “You never know, anybody with a criminal mind can get a mortgage and move anywhere.” The lament sums up the unpredictable nature of such frightening events, shattering the tranquility of their peaceful neighborhood.
Encounter with Law Enforcement: The Perpetrator’s Past
Johnson, the alleged shooter, was revealed to have had multiple encounters with the police in the past, involving issues such as assault and a criminal sexual conduct charge from the 1990s. He has been a resident in the neighborhood for over 12 years.
While his past legal issues didn’t hint at the potential for such a grave act, this shocking incident has left the community questioning what measures could have been taken to prevent this tragedy.
Closure: Fundraiser for the Deceased’s Family
In the wake of this catastrophe, a fundraiser has been set up for Morris’s family to help them get through this troubling time. The proceedings will go to his surviving family members to provide for their future endeavors and to honor the memory of the departed.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
