Canton man allegedly shot and killed by neighbor after daughter 'touched mulch'

Canton father fatally shot, neighbor facing murder charges

Devereaux Christopher Johnson was charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the murder of 35-year-old Nathan Morris after the two got into an argument over the weekend.

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) - A 47-year-old man has been charged with killing his neighbor after a dispute Saturday morning in Canton.

Devereaux Christopher Johnson was charged with the murder of 35-year-old Nathan Morris after the two got into an argument just before noon on Saturday, Aug. 10.

According to the prosecutor's office, Johnson initiated an argument with Morris as the victim was walking down the street. Johnson fired multiple times, killing the unarmed man.

The Michigan GOP wrote on X that the argument started after Morris' daughter touched mulch in Johnson's yard.

"The neighbor took a gun out and started threatening the family. Nathan sent his family home and said that he would try and (defuse) the situation, but instead was shot and killed," according to the Michigan GOP on Sunday.

Canton Township police first responded to the 200 block of Cornell Street on Saturday after reports of shots being fired. It happened around 11:45 p.m. The victim lived one street over from the suspect.

Police found Morris with a gunshot wound in the street and took him to a local hospital, where he later died.

When police arrived, the suspect barricaded himself inside his home.

Canton man charged in fatal shooting of neighbor

The 35-year-old victim was on a walk with his family when his daughter touched a neighbor's mulch pile, causing the neighbor to become irate and brandish a gun. He later shot and killed him, police said.

After several orders to surrender, Johnson walked out of his house repeating, "Praise to God Almighty." The suspected shooter was taken into police custody.

Johnson was charged with first-degree murder and other felonies. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and he is being held without bond.

Devereaux Christopher Johnson

The prosecutor's office is asking for a competency hearing for Johnson. He's due back in court on Aug. 23.

Johnson lived in the neighborhood for 12 years and had multiple contacts with Canton police for assaulting neighbors, and other incidents of him assaulting police officers, according to law enforcement. He also has criminal sexual conduct charges from the 1990s.

Morris was a father of two daughters, ages five and two.

Nathan Morris and his family.

He worked at Ford as an engineer, and recently got into politics, where he is affiliated with the Michigan GOP in Wayne.

"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," the Michigan GOP wrote in their statement, which was signed off by Republican National Committeewoman Hima Kolanagireddy.

The police chief called the shooting a "senseless act of violence."

"The Canton Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, and to the neighbors who may have witnessed this tragic event," said Chad Baugh.

Another resident who lives in the neighborhood, Leonard Zabawski, said the murder took place about 100 yards away from his home.

"Fear" and "anxiety" are what come to mind when a fatal incident rocks a quiet area, he added.

"Like I said, 34 years, quiet neighborhood, never episode like this – ever," Zabawski said. "You never know, anybody with a criminal mind can get a mortgage and move anywhere."

A fundraiser has been set up for Morris's family. You can find it here.