Coroner identifies victim in shooting that left one dead, one injured in Morris

One man is dead and another one injured following a shooting in Morris Thursday.

John Callahan, the Grundy County Coroner, identified the dead as Terry A. Barnett, Jr., 47, of Marion. Barnett was pronounced dead at the scene 12:36 p.m. Thursday.

Morris police responded to Canal Port Plaza in the 300 block of West Illinois Avenue just after reports around 12:05 p.m. of gunshots fired, according to police.

The police said in statement on its Facebook page Friday that Barnett’s mother called Grundy County Dispatch over concern for her son. Barnett told her by text message that he was by the I&M Canal in Morris.

The police arrived to find Barnett deceased in a truck. A second family member was present and transported to the hospital with severe injuries.

Callahan said in a Friday news release that preliminary investigations indicate that Barnett sustained a gunshot wound. Details are still forthcoming and the case remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Morris Police Department and Illinois State Police Crime Scene services.

The police said based on witness statement, the incident was contained within the truck between the two people, and no one else was seen approaching or leaving the scene.

“Our department is handling the case with caution to protect the integrity of the investigation while also balancing the need for the community to remain informed,” reads the statement. “Out of respect for the families involved, we are not releasing any further information until facts have been determined and confirmed.”

Illinois Avenue will remain closed between Division Street and Wauponsee Street while the police and Illinois State Police crime lab conduct investigations.

This is a developing story. We will update as information becomes available.