TYLER, Texas — A tragic road rage incident in Tyler has left one man dead and another charged with murder following a shooting at a busy intersection Friday evening. Authorities reported that the confrontation escalated after both vehicles reached a red light, leading to a violent end.
The altercation unfolded around 5 p.m. when 23-year-old Dayton Alexander Morgan allegedly fired shots from his truck, striking 29-year-old Trevor Julian. Witnesses described a tense scene as the two men exchanged heated words prior to the shooting.
According to Morgan’s account to investigators, the incident began when Julian’s white Tesla stopped abruptly at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive, causing Morgan to brake sharply. This sudden stop reportedly created a confrontation between the drivers.
The situation escalated when Julian exited the passenger side of his vehicle. Morgan, remaining inside his truck, opened his door and the two men began to argue. Eyewitness accounts reveal that Julian instructed Morgan to back up, while Morgan insisted that Julian move along.
As tensions flared, Julian approached Morgan’s vehicle, directing aggressive words and gestures through the truck’s windshield. The affidavit notes that Morgan, feeling threatened, retrieved a firearm from the center console and fired through his driver’s side window, initially hitting Julian in the throat.
Following the first shot, Julian staggered but appeared to move forward again, prompting Morgan to fire a second shot that struck him in the upper chest. Julian collapsed on the pavement and remained there until emergency services arrived. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators revealed that no verbal threats had been made by Julian, and he was unarmed during the confrontation. Evidence collected at the scene, including blood and bullet casings, indicated that Julian was likely outside of his vehicle when the shots were fired. The detective involved in the case noted a lack of credible evidence supporting Morgan’s claim of self-defense.
In the Tesla at the time of the incident were a woman and three children, raising further concerns about the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. Morgan, who is currently being held in the Smith County Jail, faces a first-degree murder charge with a bond set at $1 million.
As the community grapples with this violent episode, authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and are seeking to gather additional witness statements to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.