An Iraq war Marine vet has surrendered for killing his nephew during a fight over food in the family’s Queens home — just months after being freed without bail when high-powered ammunition was found in his home and he was accused of beating his daughter with a belt.
Durran Morgan, 38 — who was freed without bail earlier this year after high-powered ammunition was found in his home and he was accused of beating his daughter with a belt — turned himself in at the 113th Precinct stationhouse Sunday morning, cops said.
Accompanied by his lawyer, the suspect was charged with murder for the shooting death of his 25-year-old nephew Chevaughn Millings.
Scott Bookstein, Morgan’s lawyer, said during his client’ arraignment in Queens Criminal Court Monday that the murder case is “essentially bare bone allegations.”
In addition to murder, Morgan is charged with attempted murder, assault and gun possession. He was ordered held without bail.
Morgan served in Iraq as a U.S. Marine, his lawyer said in court.
On the night of May 27, family members were gathered at Morgan’s home on Pineville Lane near Grayson St. in St. Albans when an argument over the payment of food erupted, according to Assistant District Attorney Joseph Randazzo.
“Chevaughn Millings pushed the defendant out the side door of the location,” Randazzo said. “Moments later, the defendant did re-enter with a firearm and fired multiple shots.”
Millings was struck at least eight times in the chest while Morgan’s 20-year-old niece was blasted three times in the leg, police said.
Medics rushed both victims to Jamaica Hospital. Millings couldn’t be saved but the niece survived and is recovering.
Morgan got away in a white Mercedes SUV and was being sought when he turned himself in.
“I’m in shock … confused,” the victim’s mother, who gave her name as Vern, told the Us.Mistertruth shortly after the shooting.
“He’s kind and he’s helpful,” she said of her slain son. “He’s hardworking. He loved to draw. He loved to sing. And he’s always helping me to do everything.”
Neighbors said the family was known for loud gatherings and Morgan has twice before been accused of domestic violence.
His daughter on Jan. 23 reported that in February 2022, when she was 15, Morgan beat her with a belt so bad her face was swollen and welts were left on her back, according to police and court papers.
She also reported that on Nov. 21 of last year he punched the wall telling her, “Be glad that is not you,” according to court papers. Morgan then allegedly grabbed his daughter’s cellphone out of her hand and threw it on the floor with such force it shattered.
Morgan was charged with assault, acting in a manner injurious to a child, harassment and criminal mischief.
After that arrest, police executed a search warrant at his home and recovered a high-capacity magazine containing 21 .223 rounds. Another 40 rounds of the same caliber were found in a black bag in the hallway, according to court papers.
Morgan was arraigned on Jan. 25, with a judge issuing an order of protection. Morgan was then released without bail and is due back on court June 29 on those charges.
In 2019, Morgan was accused of grabbing his 41-year-old girlfriend by the hair and throwing her to the ground, bruising her head and elbow. The case was later dismissed and sealed.
And in 2016 Morgan was arrested for DWI. Police said he was pulled over in Bensonhurst for driving erratically and registered a .137 on a breathalyzer.