On the evening of September 9, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the life of 21-year-old Juron Sharell Stapleton was cut short by gunfire in what has been ruled a double homicide. Stapleton, along with 25-year-old Tavion Lashawn Hamlet, was found deceased in the 800 block of Buchanan Street at approximately 9:04 p.m. First responders from the Fort Wayne Fire Department pronounced both men dead at the scene. The Allen County Coroner's Office later confirmed that Stapleton's death was a result of a gunshot wound, while Hamlet succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. The incident, which also left a third man seriously injured, marked the 24th and 25th homicides in Fort Wayne and Allen County for the year.
The investigation into the shooting quickly pointed to a 21-year-old man, Gary Morris III, as a suspect. Authorities learned that Morris had fled to Toledo, Ohio. In a coordinated effort between the Fort Wayne Police Department Homicide Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service, Morris was located and taken into custody in Toledo on September 16, 2026. He is being held at the Lucas County Jail, awaiting extradition back to Allen County to face a preliminary charge of murder. The investigation suggests the shooting may have occurred during a marijuana deal.
Court documents and witness statements have begun to shed light on the events of that fatal night. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Morris, Stapleton, and Hamlet interacting between two vehicles just before the shooting began. A witness who was in a car with Morris and Stapleton told police that the shooting started after Stapleton got into the other vehicle. This witness also indicated that only Stapleton and Morris were armed in their vehicle. Following the shooting, Morris allegedly told witnesses that he had to shoot the other men to protect Stapleton. After the incident, it is reported that Morris's mother drove him to Ohio. As the legal process begins with the pending extradition of Gary Morris III, the case remains an active investigation with the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Prosecutor's Office, and the Allen County Coroner's Office. Due to the recent nature of the arrest, no trial, conviction, or sentencing has taken place. The full story of what transpired on Buchanan Street is expected to unfold as the prosecution against the sole suspect moves forward.
