Shooting Leaves One Dead and One Hospitalized
On Wednesday July 17, 2024, at approximately 11: pm, Parsons Police Officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of Appleton for a report of a man bleeding. While officers were enroute they were notified that the wounds could have been from a gun or a knife.
When officers arrived, they located a male lying in the street, who was identified as Tylor Abshere, with people around him. Corporal Rory Johnson got out of his vehicle to render first aid when he heard a male voice telling Cpl. Johnson to help them because he shot him. The male, later identified as Michael Morales, stepped from behind a tree with a gun in hand. Corporal Johnson was able to de-escalate Morales and talk him into dropping the weapon, but while attempting to place Morales in custody he tried to flee the scene, but was quicky apprehended with the use of a Taser. Once In custody and the scene was secure. Cpl. Johnson and Officers Josh Daniels and Sean McCullough continued to render aid until the Medical Staff could get to the scene. Officers were then directed to a second victim just inside of a residence who was identified as Maurice Harper, who had been shot.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported both Harper and Abshere to the Emergency Department at Labette Health. It was later learned that Abshere was transported to another hospital, but Harper was later pronounced dead, while receiving medical care.
Parsons Police Detectives responded to the scene and were able to secure and serve search warrants to collect evidence as well as interview witnesses as to what happened. Limited information is being released at this time as this is still an active and on-going investigation.
Michael Christopher Morales, 48 of Parsons, has been taken into custody and is facing charges of Murder in the 1st Degree as well as Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree, Aggravated Battery and Interference with Law Enforcement. These charges will be sent to the Labette County Attorney's Office for review and official charging.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "this is a terrible and unfortunate incident for our community. The loss of life is always unacceptable, and this heinous murder needs to be answered for in the court of law. Luckily Officers were able to take the suspect into custody so that he could stand trial for his crimes. I pray for the families that are affected by this incident and implore any affected to seek help if needed."
Lieutenant Kyle Wiford stated, "the amazing de-escalation abilities of our officers are to be commended as this could have developed into an officer involved shooting as well. When we train for incidents, it is never known how well the tools that are taught will work in the field, but this incident shows that our training is paying dividends in the field. This individual will now have to answer for his actions through the judicial system. I hope that the families find peace in this trying time."
This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.
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