Canton, MI — The community of Canton is still reeling from the tragic and baffling murder in Canton Michigan that occurred on August 10, when Devereaux Johnson fatally shot Nathan Morris—a father out for a walk with his young daughter. The incident sent shockwaves through Metro Detroit, not only for its brutal nature but also for the silence and systemic failures that allowed it to happen.

A Walk Turned Deadly

According to police reports, the altercation began when Morris’s daughter touched some mulch on Johnson’s property. Instead of addressing the issue civilly, Johnson allegedly escalated the situation with deadly force, ending Morris’s life in front of his child.

Johnson has been in Wayne County Jail since, facing charges including first-degree murder and felony firearm possession. But that’s where the trail of answers goes cold.

The Bigger Picture: A Pattern Ignored

This isn’t the first time Johnson’s name has appeared in police and court records. Previous reporting uncovered a disturbing pattern of violent behavior in both Canton and neighboring Plymouth. These include multiple assaults—one against a police officer and even an officer of the court. Yet, time and time again, the 35th District Court failed to act decisively.

The most striking example: In 2023, Johnson assaulted a police officer in court and received a suspended sentence and a $450 fine from Judge James Plakus—a punishment more akin to a traffic violation than a violent crime.

A Systemic Breakdown

Judge Plakus, known as a “tough on crime” adjudicator, later terminated Johnson’s probation early in July 2024, citing his meeting of rehabilitation goals. No behavioral or mental health evaluations were required. That leniency was made possible by bail-reform laws signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021, which allow early probation discharge for those who display “good behavior.”

But Johnson wasn’t just any defendant. He had prior convictions for sexual assault in Nevada and Illinois and is listed on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry. Court sources say this information was never presented during sentencing—because, incredibly, no one bothered to look it up.

The Gun, The Money, The Silence

Despite being a convicted felon, Johnson was in possession of a firearm when he killed Morris. Whose gun it was, and how he acquired it, remains a mystery. Both Canton and Plymouth police departments refuse to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office only refers inquiries to the public case docket.

Adding to the mystery is Johnson’s unexplained wealth. He’s often seen driving high-end foreign vehicles, yet has no recorded employment in recent years. He lived in a well-maintained Canton home owned by Kazumi Hase—his presumed girlfriend—who has not made any public statements. Neighbors say she is rarely seen, but the house is clearly being cared for.

Political Silence

Perhaps the most deafening silence comes from Michigan’s top political figures. Following past incidents of gun violence, Governor Whitmer and other progressive leaders—Jocelyn Benson, Dana Nessel, and Mallory McMorrow among them—have been vocal advocates for gun reform. But in this case? Nothing. No statements. No tweets. No press conferences.

Why? The public deserves to know.

What's Next?

Johnson is scheduled for a competency hearing on November 12 before none other than Judge James Plakus—the same judge who handed him the lenient sentence just a year ago. Given the series of missed red flags, one has to wonder: Is the 35th District Court even competent to try this case?

A Family Shattered

When passing the Morris home, the scene is heartbreaking. A child’s bike rests quietly in the driveway. Toys sit untouched on the porch. Inside that home is a family now permanently altered—missing a father, a husband, a neighbor.

The tragedy of the murder in Canton Michigan isn’t just that a man died. It’s that the system failed to prevent it—even when all the warning signs were flashing red.