Deadly Shooting In Downtown Morris As 2 Shot Outside Clayton's Tap, Seneca Gunman Identified: Morris PD

MORRIS, IL — Two people were shot outside Clayton's Tap and one of them, a 35-year-old Channahon man, died during the overnight shooting in downtown Morris. Morris police announced they captured their shooting suspect, a 22 year old man from Seneca.

Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office issued a press release on Saturday announcing that the shooting took place in the 100 block of Washington Street in Morris. Callahan said the victim was pronounced dead at 1:16 a.m. and was identified as 35-year-old Julian Rosario of Channahon.

During a follow up press statement, Callahan said Rosario died in front 116 West Washington St. at 1:16 a.m. No further details were released pending an autopsy this weekend, the coroner said.

According to the Morris Police Department Facebook page, Morris police and members of the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office responded to the sounds of shots fired in the 100 block of West Washington Street.

Upon arrival, the Morris officers found two men with apparent gunshot wounds. One was dead at the scene, and the other was taken to Morris Hospital with critical injuries.

An accused shooter, identified as Marshall Szpara, 22, was taken into custody. He has been initially charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, pending further review from the Grundy County States Attorney’s office.

Clayton's Tap posted multiple announcements on its Facebook page on Saturday morning, the first one read:

"We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred outside our establishment. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. Out of respect for those involved and their families, we kindly ask our community to please allow law enforcement to handle the situation and refrain from speculation or sharing unverified information. This is a difficult time, and we appreciate your understanding, compassion, and respect for privacy."

The Morris Police Department said they were assisted by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Grundy County Emergency Management, Morris Fire Department, Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, Wilmington Police Department, Channahon Police Department, Illinois State Police, and the Grundy County Coroner’s Office.

By 10:30 a.m., at least 167 people posted their reaction on the Morris Police Department Facebook page. Some of the comments included:

• "On the report I saw around 3 am, someone said they heard them arguing and he decided to leave. It’s a tragic day. Prayers for the families of all 3 because their families are feeling their loss today."
• "Morris used to be a wonderful place, sad to hear such awful news."
• "This city has way too many homicides for a city of its size."
• "Morris the new Joliet."
• "Prayers for everyone involved and prayers for the police officers who have to deal and see the worst of humanity."
• "I’ve never seen so many stupid out of line comments on a police report before. Maybe you should just read it and forget the comments."