Morgan Fox, a 29-year-old mother from Canton, Ohio, was tragically shot and killed on October 28, 2020, outside of her home. The incident led to an intense investigation that uncovered a disturbing workplace harassment situation and ultimately pointed to her co-worker, Jason McDermitt, as the perpetrator.
Who Was Morgan Fox?
Morgan Fox was a dedicated mother to her daughter, Emilia, and had a strong bond with her family and friends. According to her obituary, Fox had a “generous soul” and a deep love for animals and her family.
Emilia, who was around 8 years old at the time of her death, was Morgan’s “life,” as described by her stepsister Megan Barrett. Fox worked at FedEx, where she had been promoted to a manager position shortly before her death, a role that led to tension with some of her male colleagues.
The Workplace Harassment
At the time of her death, Fox had been experiencing harassment from some of her co-workers, particularly Jason McDermitt. Fox’s boyfriend, Jason Scarnecchia, later told police that McDermitt and others had stolen Fox’s phone at work, searched its contents, and made inappropriate comments about her.
Fox had even filed a complaint about the harassment but said that it didn’t go anywhere. The night before her death, Fox sent an email to FedEx HR, expressing her discomfort at work and feeling like she was being “targeted.”
The Day of the Murder
On October 28, 2020, Fox was leaving for her job at FedEx when she was shot in the back of the head in the parking lot of her apartment complex. The case initially seemed puzzling, but investigators soon uncovered disturbing details about her relationship with McDermitt.
After Fox’s death, police discovered that McDermitt had been the one to steal and go through her phone, despite his claims to the contrary. Surveillance footage later confirmed his involvement in the theft.
The Obsession
In the investigation, McDermitt’s behavior became increasingly suspicious. He posted a message on Fox’s Facebook page just days after her death, expressing sorrow over her passing and making it clear he was deeply affected. Investigators, including Stark County Sheriff Sgt.
Craig Kennedy, believed McDermitt’s actions indicated he was obsessed with Fox. His mourning on social media, despite the ongoing investigation, raised red flags about his involvement.
Arrest and Conviction
After gathering evidence, including McDermitt’s obsession with Fox and his involvement in the theft of her phone, police arrested him. McDermitt was convicted of aggravated murder and menacing by stalker and is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Morgan Fox.
Fox’s case, which was featured in a May 8 episode of Dateline, underscores the tragic consequences of workplace harassment and the dangerous obsession it can lead to.
