On a cold January night in Utica, New York, the sound of gunshots shattered the winter stillness. When police responded to the 1200 block of Seymour Avenue at approximately 10:35 p.m. on January 2, 2023, they found two men suffering from bullet wounds. One of the victims was 25-year-old William M. Morris, Jr., a local man who was known affectionately by his nicknames 'Little Man' and 'Skully.'
He had been struck in the head by a bullet.
Emergency services rushed Morris to a hospital in the Syracuse area, but his injuries proved to be catastrophic. He passed away the following day, January 3, 2023, marking the first homicide of the new year in the city. The second victim, who was shot in the abdomen, underwent emergency surgery and was expected to survive. Morris, born on May 17, 1997, was a father who was remembered for his outgoing personality, a smile that could light up a room, and his love for dancing. He had worked as a cook at Texas Roadhouse and was focused on providing for his young son.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to a breakthrough. On the night of the incident, officers in the vicinity heard the gunshots and observed a green van driving suspiciously away from the scene. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver tried to flee. Officers were able to apprehend one of the occupants, Abdulkadir Ali, then 19, after he allegedly ran from the vehicle. A handgun was also recovered during the pursuit.
Further investigation led to the identification of the alleged getaway driver as Issa Ali, who was also 19 years old. In May 2023, an Oneida County Grand Jury handed down indictments against both teenagers. Abdulkadir Ali was charged with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Issa Ali was also indicted for second-degree murder for his alleged role in the fatal shooting of William Morris.
