Texas Truck Driver Charged With Murder After Allegedly Shooting Marine During Road Rage Confrontation in Front of Wife and Three Children

TYLER, TEXAS — A 23-year-old truck driver has been charged with first-degree murder after police say he shot and killed a 29-year-old Marine during a road rage incident at a busy intersection while the victim’s wife and three young children watched from inside their Tesla.

Dayton Alexander Morgan was arrested following the fatal shooting of Trevor Julian on Friday, Feb. 13, at approximately 5 p.m. at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive, about 110 miles southeast of Dallas.

What Authorities Confirmed

Officers with the Tyler Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at the intersection. According to local reporting, Morgan was driving a truck behind a white Tesla in which Julian was seated in the passenger seat.

Julian’s wife was driving the Tesla, and their three children were in the back seat at the time of the confrontation.

Police identified Morgan as the only person who discharged a firearm during the altercation.

What Investigators Say Happened

According to statements Morgan allegedly gave to investigators, both vehicles were approaching the intersection when the traffic light turned red. Morgan claimed the Tesla came to an abrupt stop, leaving his truck closer than he was comfortable with.

Authorities said Julian exited the Tesla and approached Morgan’s truck. Morgan reportedly opened his driver’s side door while remaining seated inside.

Investigators say the two men exchanged heated words. Julian allegedly told Morgan to move his truck back, while Morgan responded with profanity and told Julian to move on.

Morgan told police that when Julian approached the driver’s side door, he retrieved a handgun from his center console, racked the slide, and pointed it toward the open door. He reportedly stated that the door was halfway open when he fired a round through the window, striking Julian.

Self-Defense Claim Rejected

During questioning, Morgan reportedly admitted that Julian did not make verbal threats and did not appear to be armed.

Detectives concluded that Morgan’s claim of self-defense was not supported by the available evidence. He was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Jail records show Morgan is being held at the Smith County Jail as the case proceeds.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities prepare for further court proceedings.

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