DETROIT — Questions over competency persist in the criminal case stemming from the fatal shooting nearly two years ago of Canton Township resident Nathan Morris, an engineer, husband and father of two young daughters.
Devereaux Johnson, 49, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder in connection to the shooting, a felony punishable by life in prison without parole. He is also charged with firearms possession by a felon; a five-year felony, and two additional counts of felony firearm. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.
Morris was shot and killed Aug. 10, 2024, during a dispute that may have stemmed from his daughter playing with mulch near Johnson’s home in the 200 block of Cornell Street, police said at the time.
Johnson appeared May 1 in Wayne County Circuit Court for what was slated to be a competency hearing, but court officials learned the underlying competency evaluation had not been completed because Johnson declined to participate in a scheduled interview.
Questions about Johnson’s competency – a determination of whether he understands court proceedings and can assist in his own defense – have been central to the case from its early days.
Defense attorney Lillian Diallo, the latest in a string of attorneys representing Johnson, said she asked for the new competency exam after finding conversations with him “just a little concerning.”
“You have one report that says not competent, another report that says competent,” Diallo said. “I’m new coming in. I have some concerns. I’m absolutely going to refer my client for competency … to make sure he can logically and rationally help me in the presentation of this particular case.”
Johnson said he did not participate in the interview because he believed a prior report finding him competent should be used instead. In a letter he read aloud, Johnson said he wants the case to move forward.
“I feel that my constitutional rights to a speedy trial are being violated because it’s been over 21 months and counting since I was arrested and charged with first-degree murder,” he said. “I would like to move forward with a trial so that I can put forth my defense…because I’ve been here for 22 months and it’s been quite taxing on me.”
During testimony at the July 2025 preliminary exam at 35th District Court, Johnson said he acted in self-defense after being threatened. A police officer testified Morris was unarmed at the time of the shooting, according to reporting by WXYZ-TV.
Court records indicate the argument over competency is ongoing between Johnson and his attorneys.
In October 2024, attorney Wade McCann withdrew from the case, writing that Johnson refused to participate in a forensic evaluation and told him the case was “world news” and the evaluation would make him “look bad.”
In the motion, McCann said the relationship had broken down due to Johnson’s refusal to be interviewed, lack of communication and what he described as anger toward counsel, including implied threats.
Another attorney, Edward Bajoka, was appointed in August 2025 but withdrew in November 2025 citing a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship tied to disagreements over case and trial strategy. Johnson requested the withdrawal, Bajoka wrote.
In court, Johnson also listed two other former attorneys, indicating he has been represented by at least five lawyers since the case began.
Judge Charise Anderson acknowledged Johnson’s wish for a speedy trial, but noted the length of the delay has been driven in part by ongoing questions about his competency, as well as new defense attorneys needing to getting up to speed with the case.
Anderson said it would be inappropriate to move forward until competency concerns are fully resolved.
“The issue of competency is a continuing issue,” Anderson said, noting Johnson’s right to a speedy trial has not been violated and the court would allow additional time for evaluations.
The next hearing is set for June 5.
Contact reporter Laura Colvin: lcolvin@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Canton murder case stalls over competency questions
Reporting by Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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