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Riverview Man Facing Murder Charges after Cannabis Sale Allegedly Turns Deadly

On Behalf of | Apr 30, 2018 | Criminal Charges

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Hillsborough County authorities say a drug deal gone wrong led to a fatal shooting earlier this month for which a Riverview man is now facing murder charges.

Deputies say social media connected Samuel Shane Morrissey, Jr. and Grover Willis on April 15. Willis was in the market for cannabis, and Morrissey was willing to sell him a quantity, they allege, and the pair arranged a meeting to conduct the sale at a Brandon filling station.

Detectives say Morrissey later admitted to them that he brought a firearm to the meeting in addition to cannabis. They say he told them that, upon exchanging the cannabis for Willis’ money, he noticed that some of the bills he was handed were counterfeit.

Now on to the apparent ruse, Morrissey allegedly tried to retrieve his cannabis, but Willis refused, leading to a struggle. As Willis was a football player at his local high school, Morrissey was outmatched, allegedly prompting him to produce a .38-caliber handgun.

Authorities say Morrissey ultimately used the firearm against Willis, wounding him severely.
Mortally wounded, Willis was taken by another to a local hospital, where the 18-year-old expired.

Morrissey, who was already out on bail for firearm possession and misdemeanor cannabis possession, was arrested on April 20 and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. The 20-year-old Kansas native faces the additional charge of second-degree murder and is being held without bail.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.

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