Marine Killed in Texas Road Rage Shooting

Incident began after 'abrupt stop' at traffic light, police say

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 29-year-old Marine named Trevor Julian was killed in a road rage shooting in Tyler, Texas on Friday. According to police, the incident began when Julian's white Tesla made an 'abrupt stop' at a red light, causing the other driver, 23-year-old Dayton Alexander Morgan, to brake quickly. The two men then got into a confrontation, during which Morgan shot Julian twice, killing him.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of road rage and the potential for escalation when drivers engage in confrontations. It also raises questions about the use of lethal force in non-life-threatening situations and the role of de-escalation tactics by both drivers and law enforcement.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Morgan told authorities that Julian got out of the passenger side of the Tesla and approached Morgan's truck, shouting at him. Morgan then took a pistol from his center console and shot Julian twice, once in the throat and once in the chest, after Julian walked to the driver's side of Morgan's truck. Julian was unarmed and did not make any verbal threats, the affidavit states.

  • The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2026 at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive in Tyler, Texas.
  • Julian was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The players

Trevor Julian

A 29-year-old Marine who was killed in the road rage shooting.

Dayton Alexander Morgan

A 23-year-old man who has been charged with first-degree murder for shooting and killing Julian.

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What they’re saying

“Having interviewed Morgan, to include information obtained from multiple witnesses to the incident, I did not obtain any information that would warrant Morgan having discharged his firearm as a means of self-defense.”

— Detective (wrdw.com)

What’s next

Morgan is being held on a $1 million bond in the Smith County Jail. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for better de-escalation training and conflict resolution skills for drivers, as well as a re-examination of when the use of lethal force is justified, especially in non-life-threatening situations.