Road Rage Shooting in Dayton, Texas: When a Traffic Dispute Turns Deadly

A Marine’s Life Cut Short at a Traffic Light

It started with an abrupt stop.

Around 5 p.m. on February 19, 2026, two vehicles approached the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive in Tyler, Texas. The traffic light turned red. A white Tesla carrying 29-year-old Trevor Julian came to a sudden halt. Behind him, 23-year-old Dayton Alexander Morgan, driving a truck, had to brake hard—stopping “closer to the Tesla than he wanted,” according to his statement to police.

What happened next was a tragic escalation of road rage that left a Marine dead, a family shattered, and a community searching for answers.

Morgan opened his truck door but remained seated. Julian exited the passenger side of the Tesla. The two men began yelling at each other. Julian demanded Morgan back up. Morgan told Julian to “move on.” The confrontation quickly spiraled out of control.

Julian walked to the front of Morgan’s truck, shouting through the windshield while pointing with his left hand. When Morgan shouted back, Julian moved to the driver’s side door. As Julian approached, Morgan reached for a pistol in his center console.

He fired once through the driver’s side window, striking Julian in the throat. Julian stumbled back, then forward again. Morgan fired a second shot, hitting Julian in the upper left chest. Julian collapsed to the pavement, where he remained until emergency responders arrived. He was rushed to a local hospital but later died from his injuries.

A woman and three children were in Julian’s Tesla at the time. Another person sat in the front passenger seat of Morgan’s truck.

Morgan told police Julian made no verbal threats and did not appear to have a weapon. He claimed he didn’t see anything in Julian’s hands during the confrontation. Investigators found no evidence to support Morgan’s claim of self-defense.

Blood evidence outside Morgan’s vehicle and bullet holes in the driver’s door confirmed Julian was outside the truck when he was shot. Morgan was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond in the Smith County Jail.

The Legal Consequences of Road Rage Shootings

Criminal Charges

Morgan faces first-degree murder charges, which carry a potential punishment of 5 to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

But the criminal case is only one part of the story. The civil justice system also plays a critical role in holding reckless individuals accountable.

Civil Liability: Can the Victim’s Family Sue?

Yes. When someone is killed due to another’s negligence or intentional misconduct, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

In this case, Trevor Julian’s family may have grounds to sue Morgan for:
– Wrongful death – Compensation for the loss of their loved one’s income, companionship, and emotional support.
– Survival action – Compensation for Julian’s pain and suffering before he died.
– Punitive damages – Additional damages meant to punish Morgan for his reckless actions and deter similar behavior in the future.

Who Else Could Be Liable?

While Morgan pulled the trigger, other parties may share responsibility:

1. The Truck Owner (if different from Morgan) – If Morgan was driving a company vehicle or a borrowed truck, the owner could be liable under negligent entrustment laws.
2. The Trucking Company (if applicable) – If Morgan was on duty as a commercial driver, his employer could be vicariously liable for his actions.
3. Firearm Manufacturer or Seller – If the gun used was defective or improperly sold, a product liability claim could be pursued.
4. Local Government – If the intersection where the shooting occurred had a history of violent incidents or poor lighting, the city or county could share liability.

How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help

If your family has lost a loved one in a road rage shooting or any other preventable tragedy, you need an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25+ years fighting for families devastated by senseless violence. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for victims of wrongful death, including cases involving commercial vehicles, workplace accidents, and violent crimes.

Why Choose Attorney911?

1. We Know How to Fight – We don’t back down from insurance companies, corporations, or reckless individuals. We hold them accountable.
2. We Understand the Evidence – In road rage cases, critical evidence includes:
   – Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
   – Witness statements from bystanders or passengers
   – Cell phone records to prove distraction or communication during the incident
   – Firearm purchase and registration records
   – Criminal case records (if applicable)
3. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff – Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies. He knows their tactics—and how to counter them.
4. We Work on Contingency – You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
5. We’re Available 24/7 – Legal emergencies don’t wait. Neither do we. Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What We’ll Do for Your Case

1. Investigate Immediately – We’ll gather evidence before it disappears, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports.
2. Identify All Liable Parties – We’ll determine who shares responsibility, whether it’s the shooter, the vehicle owner, or another party.
3. Calculate Full Damages – We’ll work with economists, medical experts, and life care planners to determine the true value of your loss.
4. Negotiate Aggressively – We’ll push for the maximum settlement possible. If the other side won’t play fair, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
5. Fight for Justice – We’ll make sure the person responsible is held accountable—not just in criminal court, but in civil court as well.

The Bigger Picture: Why These Cases Matter

This case isn’t just about one tragic shooting—it’s about a culture of aggression on our roads. When drivers arm themselves and use deadly force over minor disputes, it puts everyone at risk.

At Attorney911, we believe in holding reckless individuals accountable. But we also believe in prevention. That’s why we’re committed to educating the public about the dangers of road rage and the legal consequences of violent behavior.

Recent Road Rage Verdicts and Settlements

Juries across the country are sending a clear message: road rage shootings will not be tolerated. Here are some recent examples:

These cases show that juries are willing to award significant damages when drivers use excessive force. If you’ve lost a loved one in a road rage shooting, you have the right to seek justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Road Rage Shootings

1. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a road rage shooting?

Yes. Under Texas law, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the person responsible. You may also have claims against other parties, such as the vehicle owner or a firearm manufacturer.

2. What damages can I recover in a wrongful death case?

You may recover:
– Economic damages (lost income, benefits, funeral expenses)
– Non-economic damages (loss of companionship, emotional support)
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct)

3. How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?

The statute of limitations is two years from the date of death. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s important to act fast.

4. What if the shooter claims self-defense?

Self-defense claims are common in road rage cases. However, Texas law requires that the use of deadly force be reasonable and necessary. If the shooter’s actions don’t meet this standard, their claim will fail.

In this case, Morgan’s self-defense claim is weak. He admitted Julian was unarmed and made no threats. The detective who investigated the case found no evidence to support Morgan’s claim.

5. Can I sue the trucking company if the shooter was a commercial driver?

Possibly. If the shooter was on duty as a commercial driver, their employer could be vicariously liable for their actions. You may also have claims for negligent hiring or supervision if the company failed to properly vet the driver.

6. What if the shooter doesn’t have insurance or assets?

Even if the shooter has no insurance or assets, you may still have options. For example:
– Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if you have auto insurance)
– Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance (if the shooter has a policy)
– Dram shop liability (if the shooter was intoxicated and served alcohol at a bar or restaurant)

7. How much is my wrongful death case worth?

Every case is unique. The value of your case depends on factors like:
– The deceased’s age, income, and earning potential
– The impact on surviving family members
– The degree of the shooter’s negligence or recklessness
– Available insurance coverage

At Attorney911, we work with economists, medical experts, and life care planners to determine the full value of your loss.

8. Will my case go to trial?

Most wrongful death cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

What Happens Next? Your Path to Justice

If you’ve lost a loved one in a road rage shooting or any other preventable tragedy, here’s what you can expect when you work with Attorney911:

Step 1: Free Consultation

We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation—just honest advice from experienced attorneys.

Step 2: Immediate Investigation

We’ll gather evidence before it disappears, including:
– Surveillance footage
– Witness statements
– Police reports
– Cell phone records
– Firearm purchase records

Step 3: Identify All Liable Parties

We’ll determine who shares responsibility, whether it’s the shooter, the vehicle owner, or another party.

Step 4: Calculate Full Damages

We’ll work with economists, medical experts, and life care planners to determine the true value of your loss.

Step 5: Negotiate Aggressively

We’ll push for the maximum settlement possible. If the other side won’t play fair, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

Step 6: Fight for Justice

We’ll make sure the person responsible is held accountable—not just in criminal court, but in civil court as well.

Additional Resources

• The Ultimate Guide to Wrongful Death Lawsuits – Learn about your rights and what to expect in a wrongful death case.
• What to Do After a Fatal Accident – Steps to take immediately after a tragic loss.
• How Lawyers Calculate Pain and Suffering – Understanding non-economic damages in wrongful death cases.
• The Definitive Guide to Trucking Accidents – If your loved one was killed in a commercial vehicle accident, this guide explains your rights.

At Attorney911, we’re more than just lawyers—we’re advocates for justice. If you’ve lost a loved one in a preventable tragedy, we’re here to help. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.