In Fort Wayne, Indiana, a gathering to watch a televised fight turned tragic, ending the life of 32-year-old Ryan Patrick Harding. The fatal incident unfolded in the early morning hours of June 16, 2024, at a house party on the city's northeast side in the 6000 block of Melan Cove. Harding, a White male, was a loving son, brother, and friend to many.
The violence erupted from an argument between another partygoer and Tyshawn Morris, a 28-year-old man who was also in attendance.
According to court documents, Morris claimed he felt disrespected during the dispute and tried to remove himself from the situation by going outside. He stated that the other individual followed him and punched him in the face. In response, Morris admitted to pulling out a gun and firing three to four shots, aiming low and not intending to kill anyone.
One of the bullets grazed the man Morris had been arguing with, while another tragically struck Ryan Patrick Harding in the torso. Another person was also injured in the shooting. After the incident, Morris fled the scene. He later turned himself in to the Fort Wayne Police Department.
Following an investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Prosecutor's Office, and the Allen County Coroner's Office, Tyshawn Morris was arrested and is being held in the Allen County Lockup. He is facing charges of murder and attempted murder for his role in the death of Ryan Patrick Harding and the injury of another individual. Harding's death marked the 18th homicide in Allen County for the year 2024.
