A Utah man who once avoided prosecution in his girlfriend’s tragic death is now facing serious charges, nearly two years after the fire that killed her.
The Fire That Claimed a Life
On February 18, 2023, 27-year-old Morgan Kay Harris died in a fire while trapped inside a storage unit she shared with her boyfriend, 33-year-old Alexander Paul Wardell. Harris’ dog, Huck, also perished in the blaze.
At the time, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced after months of investigation that the evidence did not support charging Wardell with starting the fire. Tests suggested the blaze lasted between 6 to 15 minutes, while Wardell was away for 22 minutes, leading Gill to conclude it was unlikely he deliberately set it.
Why Charges Were Initially Dropped
Investigators explored multiple possible causes, including discarded cigarettes, candles, or — though less likely — an intentional fire. Gill emphasized that there was no proof Harris was being held in the unit against her will, noting she had locked the door herself before. He argued the case lacked enough evidence for an ethical prosecution.
Critics, however, pointed out Wardell’s history. He had prior domestic violence convictions and had been jailed just days before Harris’ death for probation violations. Harris had bailed him out two days before the fire.
Her mother later said the system failed her daughter: “He was a convicted criminal… still allowed to even be around another woman.”
A New Investigation Brings New Evidence
On Thursday, Utah’s Attorney General’s Office announced murder or manslaughter charges against Wardell, along with kidnapping and aggravated animal cruelty.
Key new evidence was cited:
A duffel bag seized by police in Murray contained an oversized shirt with bloodstains and burn marks. DNA testing confirmed the blood belonged to Harris.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed Wardell and Harris arguing in the days leading up to the fire.
Messages from Harris revealed her fear: just 10 days before her death, she wrote to Wardell, “Guess I’m gonna apply to live by myself at an apartment you won’t know about so you can’t abuse or kill me.”
Prosecutors say Wardell also Googled “how to obtain a passport” in the days before the fire, suggesting possible plans to flee.
What Comes Next
Wardell is already serving time in the Utah State Correctional Facility for his prior domestic violence convictions. Now, he faces new charges that could keep him behind bars for life.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office says the case is supported by substantial evidence, including witness statements, forensic testing, and digital records.
A Case of Delayed Justice
What began as a closed case in 2023 has reopened in 2025 with a far different outcome. For Harris’ family, the new charges bring hope that accountability may finally follow her senseless death.
