Topline: DNA evidence and video surveillance supported his involvement in the crime, authorities say.
Published: March 5, 2025 6:30 am ET
Must Read
Michael Canty (via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
TAMPA, FL — A Florida man was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to a June 2024 murder.
Officials announced 54-year-old Michael Canty was charged on February 28, 2025, for the murder of a woman in Tampa, Florida, on June 18, 2024.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call around 10 a.m. on June 18 for service at the Church’s Chicken located at 2219 East Fletcher Avenue regarding a death investigation.
A citizen discovered the body of Dawn Morrison, 48, partially covered in mulch near the restaurant’s drive-thru area.
Due to the state of decomposition, the Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined Morrison had sustained upper body trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Homicide Detectives launched an investigation, interviewing friends of the victim, collecting DNA evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
Through their efforts, Canty was identified as a suspect.
DNA evidence and video surveillance supported his involvement in the crime, authorities say.
At the time of his identification, Canty was already in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail on an unrelated charge of Failure of a Sex Offender to Report within 48 Hours After a Change of Name or Address.
On February 28, 2025, he was officially charged with Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence in connection with Morrison’s death.
“Our detectives worked tirelessly to bring justice for Dawn Morrison,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their dedication and relentless investigative efforts led to this arrest, ensuring that the individual responsible faces the consequences of their actions.”
The case remains active and ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
DNA Evidence Links Man to June 2024 Murder of Woman in Fast Food Parking Lot
DNA evidence and video surveillance supported his involvement in the crime, authorities say.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 5, 2025 6:30 am ET
Michael Canty (via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
TAMPA, FL — A Florida man was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to a June 2024 murder.
Officials announced 54-year-old Michael Canty was charged on February 28, 2025, for the murder of a woman in Tampa, Florida, on June 18, 2024.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call around 10 a.m. on June 18 for service at the Church’s Chicken located at 2219 East Fletcher Avenue regarding a death investigation.
A citizen discovered the body of Dawn Morrison, 48, partially covered in mulch near the restaurant’s drive-thru area.
Due to the state of decomposition, the Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined Morrison had sustained upper body trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Homicide Detectives launched an investigation, interviewing friends of the victim, collecting DNA evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
Through their efforts, Canty was identified as a suspect.
DNA evidence and video surveillance supported his involvement in the crime, authorities say.
At the time of his identification, Canty was already in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail on an unrelated charge of Failure of a Sex Offender to Report within 48 Hours After a Change of Name or Address.
On February 28, 2025, he was officially charged with Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence in connection with Morrison’s death.
“Our detectives worked tirelessly to bring justice for Dawn Morrison,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their dedication and relentless investigative efforts led to this arrest, ensuring that the individual responsible faces the consequences of their actions.”
The case remains active and ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
DNA Evidence Links Man to June 2024 Murder of Woman in Fast Food Parking Lot
DNA evidence and video surveillance supported his involvement in the crime, authorities say.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 5, 2025 6:30 am ET
Michael Canty (via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
TAMPA, FL — A Florida man was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to a June 2024 murder.
Officials announced 54-year-old Michael Canty was charged on February 28, 2025, for the murder of a woman in Tampa, Florida, on June 18, 2024.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call around 10 a.m. on June 18 for service at the Church’s Chicken located at 2219 East Fletcher Avenue regarding a death investigation.
A citizen discovered the body of Dawn Morrison, 48, partially covered in mulch near the restaurant’s drive-thru area.
Due to the state of decomposition, the Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined Morrison had sustained upper body trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Homicide Detectives launched an investigation, interviewing friends of the victim, collecting DNA evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
Through their efforts, Canty was identified as a suspect.
DNA evidence and video surveillance supported his involvement in the crime, authorities say.
At the time of his identification, Canty was already in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail on an unrelated charge of Failure of a Sex Offender to Report within 48 Hours After a Change of Name or Address.
On February 28, 2025, he was officially charged with Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence in connection with Morrison’s death.
“Our detectives worked tirelessly to bring justice for Dawn Morrison,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their dedication and relentless investigative efforts led to this arrest, ensuring that the individual responsible faces the consequences of their actions.”
The case remains active and ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
