On March 5, 2022, Dvonte Sutton, a 21-year-old male from Dickinson, Texas, tragically lost his life due to a gunshot wound to the neck. Sutton was found in his driveway after a heated altercation with his childhood best friend, Jaron Bryce Morgan, who was 24 years old at the time. Sutton's girlfriend, who was present at the scene, quickly identified Morgan as the shooter.
The incident began over a dispute regarding $40 that Morgan believed Sutton had stolen.
The night before the shooting, Morgan accused Sutton of theft, and the two had a brief altercation. The next day, Morgan went to Sutton's home with his girlfriend, McKenzie Colonna-McBrayer, intending to confront Sutton. During the confrontation, a physical struggle ensued, and Morgan pulled out a handgun, ultimately shooting Sutton.
Morgan and his girlfriend fled the scene, but they were quickly apprehended by the Galveston County Sheriff's Deputies. Items such as gloves, a hoodie, and the gun used in the murder were recovered from their vehicle. During the trial, Morgan's girlfriend refused to testify and was held in contempt by the judge. The jury deliberated for an hour and a half before sentencing Morgan to 27 years in prison for the murder of Sutton.
The case highlighted Morgan's history of violent behavior, as he was on bond for previous charges, including assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, and drug possession at the time of the shooting. The Galveston County Criminal District Attorney praised the efforts of the Dickinson Police Department, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harris County Medical Examiner in investigating and prosecuting the case.
The tragic death of Dvonte Sutton serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of disputes escalating into violence. The lengthy sentence handed to Morgan reflects the seriousness of the crime and the justice system's commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
