On June 9, 2024, 27-year-old Jonathon Michael Berto was found deceased in a parking lot near the northbound service road of I-35E in Lewisville, Texas. Responding to reports of a body, police arrived shortly after 5 p.m. to discover Berto, a resident of Denton, lying next to his silver truck. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner later confirmed that Berto had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, leading to his death.
The investigation revealed that Berto's death resulted from a minor vehicular accident escalating into violence. Surveillance footage from a nearby auto shop captured the incident: a black Chevrolet Tahoe pulled up beside Berto's truck, and the driver, identified as 39-year-old Arrion Keonta Morris, exited the vehicle holding a semi-automatic firearm. After inspecting the front bumper of his Tahoe, Morris shook his head and then fired four shots at Berto, fatally wounding him.
Authorities traced the suspect's vehicle to an address in Mesquite, Texas, using the license plate information obtained from the surveillance video. On June 11, 2024, Mesquite police apprehended Morris without incident. He was subsequently charged with murder and held in the Lewisville City Jail on a $2 million bond. Records indicate that Morris had a prior arrest for manslaughter in Mississippi in 2002.
Berto's family has been profoundly affected by his untimely death. His mother, Rosa Berto-Chapa, discovered his body after he failed to pick up his girlfriend and their newborn child. She expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the impact on Berto's infant daughter, who will now grow up without her father.
The Lewisville Police Department extended condolences to Berto's family and acknowledged the diligent efforts of their officers and detectives in swiftly apprehending the suspect. Chief Brook Rollins stated, "This is a tragic event, and their loss is something we feel here at the Lewisville Police Department."
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather information to understand the full circumstances leading to the fatal shooting. Anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact the Lewisville Police Department.
