A 23-year-old Texas man, Dayton Alexander Morgan, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Marine Trevor Julian during what police describe as a road rage incident. Officers with the Tyler Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire around 5 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive in Tyler, about 110 miles southeast of Dallas.
According to local reports, Morgan was driving a truck behind a white Tesla in which Julian was riding in the passenger seat. Julian’s wife was driving, and their three children were seated in the back. Investigators said the confrontation began when both vehicles approached a red light and the Tesla came to what Morgan described as an abrupt stop, leaving his truck closer than he preferred.
Escalation and Gunfire
Police said Julian exited the Tesla and approached Morgan’s truck, reportedly yelling for him to move back. Morgan allegedly opened his driver’s side door while remaining seated and the two men exchanged heated words. Morgan later told investigators that Julian approached the open door, prompting him to retrieve a handgun from his center console, rack the slide, and point it toward the doorway.
Morgan allegedly fired a single round through the window while the door was partially open, striking Julian. During questioning, Morgan reportedly admitted that Julian did not make verbal threats and did not appear to be armed. Detectives concluded that Morgan’s claim of self-defense was not supported by the evidence gathered at the scene.
Arrest and Custody
Julian died as a result of the shooting. Morgan was identified as the only person who discharged a firearm during the incident. Jail records show he is being held at the Smith County Jail as the case proceeds through the court system.
