Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Canton Township

In a shocking incident, a Canton Township man has been charged with first-degree murder over the death of his neighbor.

Devereaux Christopher Johnson, aged 47, was presented in court on charges of premeditated homicide. Triggering a wave of terror in the neighborhood, Johnson is also alleged to have been a felon possessing firearms, landing him other felony charges.

A previous conviction notches up his list of offenses. In 2005, Johnson earned a conviction for sexual assault in Nevada and remains on Michigan’s sex offender registry.

The victim, Nathan Morris, a 35-year-old resident of the same locality, reportedly encountered Johnson in the 200 block of Cornell Street. The encounter culminated in a fatal shooting early Saturday morning, seizing the life of Morris.

Among the battery of charges Johnson faces: first-degree premeditated murder, a life sentence without parole and possession of firearms by a felon, adding 5 years to his sentence. His list of felonies is topped with two felony firearm counts.

The presiding judge at the Plymouth 35th District Court, James Plakas, remanded Johnson to the Wayne County Jail. No bond was set pending his next court hearing, which is scheduled for August 23, 2024.

This incident and subsequent legal proceedings have cast a veil of distress and shock across the typically tranquil neighborhood in Canton Township, Michigan.