On July 11, 2015, 44-year-old Brent Allen Morrison was tragically shot and killed while jogging near Wells Lake Road in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Morrison, a dedicated runner and member of local running groups, was known for his positive attitude and love for the sport. He was employed by Aerotek in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was described as a man with a perpetual smile and an unsinkable attitude.
The investigation into Morrison's death led to the arrest of 24-year-old John Paul Suleski, a staff sergeant with the 188th Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard and a former Marine. Suleski was charged with first-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm. During police interviews, Suleski confessed to the shooting, stating that he was experiencing depression due to marital and financial issues. He explained that he had been contemplating suicide and, while sitting in his vehicle with a loaded. 22-caliber rifle, saw Morrison jogging. Suleski then shot Morrison multiple times, later admitting he had 'lost count' of the number of shots fired.
In December 2016, a jury convicted Suleski of first-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm from a vehicle. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case highlighted the devastating impact of untreated mental health issues and the randomness of the crime, as Morrison was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Morrison's death left a profound impact on the Fort Smith community, where he was remembered as a friendly and dedicated individual who loved running and biking. His wife, Dianne, described him as 'always the happiest, go-lucky person,' and his passing was deeply mourned by family, friends, and fellow runners.
