Jordan Burnell West-Morson, 26

Detroit, Michigan
May 01, 2013

Agencies: Wayne County Prosecutor's Office Michigan | Detroit Police Department Michigan | Regional Transit Authority Offices Detroit Michigan

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

A Detroit Transit center officer has been charged with fatally shooting a man during a scuffle in May outside a gas station.

Robert Tyus, 52, is facing charges of manslaughter and felony firearm for the death of 26-year-old Jordan West-Morson.

It’s alleged that on the evening of May 1, West-Morson was at the gas station on East 8 Mile Road selling CDs when he got into a verbal argument with Tyus, who identified himself as a Detroit transit officer.

The argument escalated into a fist fight and at some point Tyus drew a gun, firing one shot at West-Morson.

Morson, who lives in Minnesota, said he came to Detroit last year to push for prosecution and has returned now that Tyus has been charged again.

“I am the one who went to the prosecutor’s office; I am the one who went to the police department,” said Morson, 52. “I’m back here again because this is not going to go unnoticed.”

Morson said his nephew had been pursuing a music career and was selling CDs at the gas station near Eight Mile and Gratiot when he got into a physical altercation with Tyus.

Legal Action

September 2013 Transit Officer Charged

April 2015 Officer Aquitted