Kurtis Wayne McMorries, a 46-year-old resident of Carson, California, tragically lost his life on November 4, 2016. McMorries was fatally shot multiple times while he was in the garage of a home located in the 22200 block of Catskill Avenue. According to reports, McMorries was asleep in the garage when he heard someone attempting to open the garage door. Upon getting up to investigate, he was confronted by an armed man who immediately began firing.
Despite efforts to save him, McMorries succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The incident was particularly shocking as it occurred in a residential neighborhood, leaving the community in disbelief. McMorries' girlfriend, who was present in the garage at the time of the shooting, recounted that the gunman fled on a motorcycle after running out of bullets. McMorries' uncle, who was inside the house, witnessed part of the attack and described the harrowing scene of his nephew being shot multiple times even after falling to the ground.
The investigation quickly identified a suspect, Aramis Wong, a 46-year-old Latino man who had been friends with McMorries for 25 years. Wong was arrested later that day after firing a weapon inside a warehouse where he was residing. Authorities discovered two firearms at the scene. Wong was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a firearm, negligent discharge of a firearm, shooting at an unoccupied building, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Additionally, Wong faced a felony charge for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.
Wong pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case drew significant attention due to the long-standing friendship between the victim and the suspect, leaving many to wonder about the motive behind such a violent act. McMorries was remembered as an outgoing individual, a father, and a tattoo artist who was known for mentoring and helping his friends. His death left a void in the lives of those who knew him, and the legal proceedings against Wong were closely followed by the community.
