FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Authorities are actively searching for an 18-year-old man linked to a deadly shooting at a party in the Fairbanks area last month. Darius Morgan is considered armed and dangerous and was last spotted in late October before potentially moving to Anchorage.
Following a grand jury’s indictment on Nov. 14, Morgan faces multiple charges including first- and second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 15-year-old. An arrest warrant has been issued with a bail set at $1 million.
The incident occurred during a gathering on Eton Boulevard in the early hours of October 25. Local law enforcement received numerous calls about gunfire, prompting a swift response to the scene, where they discovered the victim outside with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators found shell casings and pistol magazines, suggesting the severity of the situation.
Witnesses at the party described it as a lively college gathering before the chaos ensued. Many fled once the shots rang out, with some recalling seeing Morgan with a handgun beforehand. According to reports, he was seen tucking a semi-automatic pistol into his waistband shortly before the shooting. While some witnesses did not see him pull the trigger, his reputation for carrying firearms was well-known.
Court records indicate that Morgan has a prior conviction for second-degree robbery, which makes his possession of a firearm illegal. Initially, a warrant was issued for third-degree misconduct involving weapons related to this past conviction.
The situation remains fluid as law enforcement seeks to locate Morgan. They urge the public to report any information regarding his whereabouts. Authorities stress the importance of safety, advising that anyone who sees him should avoid confrontation and contact law enforcement immediately.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the impact of the tragic event, calling for heightened vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.