Canton Township, MI — Nathan Morris, a 35-year-old resident of Canton Township, was tragically shot and killed on Cornell Street following a brief confrontation with a neighbor on Saturday. The incident occurred just before noon when a dispute escalated after Morris’s two-year-old daughter touched the neighbor’s mulch.
Police and paramedics arrived at the scene to find Morris lying on the street with a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The alleged shooter, who lived in the same neighborhood, barricaded himself inside his home following the incident. Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh confirmed that the situation was resolved without further violence after officers successfully engaged the suspect, leading to his surrender. The suspect is currently in police custody as the investigation continues.
The Canton community is in shock over this sudden loss of life in what is typically a peaceful neighborhood. Police Chief Baugh described the event as “a senseless act of violence toward the victim,” extending his deepest condolences to Morris’s family and the neighbors who witnessed the tragedy.
Patrick Colbeck, a local resident, expressed his grief on Facebook, stating, "I’m saddened to report that Canton Township, MI resident Nathan Morris was shot yesterday while taking his family on a walk around the block." The sentiment is echoed by many in the community, who are now rallying to support Morris’s family.
Aimee Nefcy, another community member, shared a fundraising link to assist the grieving family, urging others to contribute: “Please consider sharing or donating to help his family.” The fundraising effort is part of a broader community response to the devastating loss.
As the investigation unfolds, the community continues to mourn the loss of a father and active citizen who had been deeply involved in efforts to improve local education through his role on the P-CCS School Board. The tragic circumstances surrounding his death have left many questioning how such a confrontation could escalate to fatal violence.