CANTON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a shocking display of senseless violence, a routine Saturday morning in Canton, Michigan, took a tragic turn when 47-year-old Devereaux Christopher Johnson allegedly shot and killed his neighbor, 35-year-old Nathan Morris around noon on Saturday, August 10th.

The altercation reportedly began over a minor dispute involving mulch on Johnson’s property, with Morris’s young daughter inadvertently sparking the confrontation by touching Johnson’s mulch.

A father’s attempt to de-escalate ends in tragedy.

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According to reports, the argument began when Johnson confronted Morris and his family during their walk. As the situation escalated, Morris, a father of two, chose to stay behind in an effort to calm Johnson down, allowing his family to return home safely.

Reports indicate that Johnson allegedly drew a handgun and fired multiple shots at Morris, leaving him wounded on the street. Morris was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Suspect Surrenders after barricading himself.

Following the shooting, Johnson retreated to his home, where he barricaded himself before eventually surrendering to the police. He now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, which could lead to a life sentence without parole if convicted. He was also charged as a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of felony firearm.

According to the Michigan Enjoyer website, Devereux Johnson was known to police and had been terrorizing his street for years.

In court, a plea of not guilty was entered on Johnson’s behalf, and an assessment of his mental competency has been requested. He’s currently being held in jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on August 23rd.

Community mourns the loss of a gentle soul.

The Canton community is reeling from the loss of Nathan Morris, a respected engineer at Ford Motor Company and an active member of the local Wayne County Republican Committee.

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Friends and colleagues describe him as a kind and gentle man who was devoted to his family. Morris leaves behind his wife of 10 years and two young daughters aged two and five, as well as a community struggling to come to terms with this senseless act of violence.