Canton Township Tragedy: Neighbor Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Family Man
A man in Canton Township is in police custody after allegedly fatally shooting his neighbor in a dispute over mulch. The argument ensued after the victim’s daughter touched the neighbor’s mulch, a seemingly trivial act that has now led to tragedy.
The Incident
The altercation occurred in the 200 block of Cornell Street. The victim, a 35-year-old father, walked with his family around the neighborhood when his daughter innocently touched the mulch in a neighbor’s yard. An altercation followed, ending in a lethal shooting, according to the Canton Township Police.
Although the victim was not officially identified by the police, thanks to a statement released by the Michigan GOP, we now know the man to be Nathan Morris. Morris served as the secretary of the 6th Congressional District Republican Committee.
Distressful Scene
Police responded to the call at 11:48 a.m. to find Morris bleeding on the street. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he died. The neighbor subsequently barricaded himself in his house. After some time, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody by the police.
Remembering Nathan Morris
Those who knew Morris described him as a ‘great Dad’ and a ‘good man.’ A tragic fact is, Morris’ final act was protective, as he sent his children home to diffuse the situation. His untimely passing has left his wife, Becky, and two young daughters, Molly and Zoey, without a husband and father.
A fundraising campaign has since been started to support the bereaved Morris family, expressing that Morris was foremost a family man, who will miss his hardworking spirit and commitment.
The Alleged Shooter
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed due to pending charges, has been reported by neighbors to have a history of confrontations. While some recall several instances of argumentative behavior, others believe he may be suffering from mental health issues.
Nathan Morris: Active Community Member
Morris was a prominent figure in the local community. He worked as an engineer at Ford Motors and became politically active during the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination mandate at Ford. He even ran for the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Board of Education.
Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh has termed the incident a “a senseless act of violence,” sending condolences from the Canton Police Department to the victim’s family, and the neighbors who may have been witnesses to the tragedy.
