In Casa Grande, Arizona, a tragic incident unfolded on the evening of August 2, 2024, leading to the death of 18-year-old Michael Morgan, a Black / African American male. The event took place at an apartment located near Trekell and Rodeo Roads. Responding to a call about a shooting, police officers arrived to find Morgan with a gunshot wound to his head.
Bystanders were attempting to provide first aid, and the officers took over until paramedics arrived.
Morgan was transported to a hospital in the Phoenix area for medical treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away on the night of August 4, 2024. The investigation into the shooting revealed a heartbreaking story of friendship and reckless behavior.
According to the Casa Grande Police Department, the shooting was the result of unsafe weapon handling and horseplay between Morgan and his close friend, 18-year-old Damone Allen Purnell. The two were reportedly playing with a stolen handgun when the weapon discharged, striking Morgan. Following the shooting, Purnell fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities in a neighborhood approximately three miles away. Damone Allen Purnell was arrested and booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center. Authorities are submitting charges of second-degree murder to the Pinal County Attorney's Office for review.
