Lt. Troy Morris served 27 years as a state trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. But on Sunday three suspects were in custody, charged with murdering Morris, who was killed while working his second job as a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) truck driver.
Morris was killed early Friday while driving a USPS truck on U.S. Route 61 in Jefferson County, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said in a statement. Officers found Morris in the cab of the truck around 4:30 a.m.
Morris had notified the Jefferson County Sheriff’s department and Mississippi Highway Patrol that the USPS truck had gotten a flat tire around 4 a.m., Jefferson County Sheriff James Bailey said during a news conference. A deputy subsequently found him dead.
Authorities so far have yet to disclose a motive. Morris worked for USPS part time.
Treyon Washington, 24, Damion Whittley, 25, and a 17-year-old have been charged with murder in connection with the killing. Washington was arrested in Mississippi, while Whitley and the other suspect were arrested in New Orleans, the Highway Patrol said on Saturday.
“He was a good man, friend, and a valuable member of this agency. He will truly be missed by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Col. Randy Ginn, director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, said in a statement.
USPS had posted a $105,000 reward with Crime Stoppers Mississippi for information leading to the arrest and capture of those responsible for Morris’ death.
Click for more FreightWaves articles by Nate Tabak.
Canadian truckers: COVID-19 fears blocking access to medical care
Feds still probing $20 million marijuana shipment after trucker’s release
Trucker denied knowing about $20M in marijuana in border bust
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now