A road-rage dispute in Tyler turned deadly late Friday afternoon when 23-year-old Dayton Alexander Morgan of Ben Wheeler allegedly pulled a gun and shot 29-year-old Marine veteran Trevor Julian through the window of a pickup truck. The confrontation at Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive ended with Julian’s death and Morgan’s arrest on first-degree murder charges.
Tyler Police Department spokesperson Andy Erbaugh said the incident unfolded around 5:10 p.m. as vehicles waited at a red light. Julian had exited his white Tesla and approached Morgan, seated inside a white Ram pickup. In the span of moments, Morgan fired a shot that struck Julian in the neck. Julian, a Whitehouse resident and Carthage High School alumnus, was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Investigators have found no indication that Julian was armed during the encounter.
Authorities say Morgan stayed at the scene after the shooting and was detained by officers who responded. He was later booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $1 million. Police closed sections of Grande Boulevard for several hours while crime scene investigators worked and traffic was re-routed. Neighbors and drivers who witnessed the response described a tense atmosphere as road crews and law enforcement tried to restore order.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have urged anyone who saw the confrontation to come forward. Detectives are piecing together what sparked the incident between Julian and Morgan, with early reports suggesting a dispute that escalated rapidly into violence. Morgan’s legal team hasn’t commented publicly, and court proceedings are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Julian’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief in Tyler and surrounding communities. Family members, friends, and fellow Marines remember him not for how he died, but for who he was: a dedicated service member and a person with a wide circle of loved ones. Veterans and neighbors alike have gathered to share stories and support one another after the loss.
The fact that children were present in Julian’s vehicle at the time of the shooting has magnified the tragedy. Police confirmed the other occupants were not physically injured, but the emotional toll on the family remains deep. The community has rallied around Julian’s relatives, offering condolences and support as they prepare for memorial services.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances and warn that road rage can quickly turn deadly. As the legal process moves forward, many in Tyler are left grappling with the sudden loss and hoping for answers that may come through the justice system.
