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Family members killed in Thursday afternoon shooting
Law enforcement officials believe a man shot and killed his father and brother Thursday afternoon in rural Butler County before being shot and killed by responding deputies.
Butler County sheriff’s department was called shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday to a report of shots fired in the 1700 block of Highway AA, according to a press release from Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs. Concerns were also raised by neighbors about the well-being of those in a residence in that block.
Law enforcement allegedly was confronted upon arrival by an armed subject, identified Thursday evening by the Missouri State Highway Patrol as Justin A. Morgan, 45. Deputies engaged the armed suspect, fatally shooting him, Dobbs said.
Further investigation revealed two deceased subjects inside the home, who were the victims of apparent gunshots, law enforcement reported. The victims were identified by the MSHP as Norman G. Morgan, 76, and Timothy A. Morgan, 47.
Norman Morgan was the father of Timothy and Justin Morgan, according to the MSHP.
The scene was secured and the investigation was turned over to the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control.
Assistance also was called in from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Stoddard County law enforcement, Poplar Bluff police, Butler County coroner and other agencies.
Poplar Bluff officers assisted Butler County deputies Thursday afternoon with routine calls at this time, according to information from the scene.
Staff reporting by Barbara Ann Horton, Misty DeJournett and Donna Farley.
Editor's note: Initial information from law enforcement indicated Norman Morgan was the uncle of Justin Morgan. This article has been updated to correct the relationship between the victims and the suspect, based on corrected information released by law enforcement.