An Arizona man has been sentenced to 18 years and four months in state prison for killing his older brother, ending a history of violent sibling quarrels. Michael John Morgan, 46, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after his brother George Thomas Morgan, 45, died in a fight in November 2023.
The manslaughter charge stemmed from a violent altercation that ultimately turned deadly after years of ongoing disputes between the two brothers.
Initially, Michael Morgan faced multiple charges, including second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, but those charges were dropped after he reached a plea deal. He was credited with 500 days for the time he spent in pre-trial detention, and his sentence was confirmed during a sentencing hearing earlier this month.
The deadly incident took place on November 11, 2023, when the two brothers fought inside their family’s home in Phoenix’s Encanto Heights neighborhood. Police say the fight was the culmination of several previous disputes. The altercation was witnessed by the brothers’ mother and George’s daughter, who heard the physical confrontation escalate.
According to the mother, George had been dominating the fight, hitting Michael multiple times, before leaving the house. Michael, having been injured, reportedly cleaned up his wounds and followed his older brother outside, where their argument continued.
However, George Morgan was never seen or heard from again. The following day, George’s family became concerned when he did not return home. A missing persons report was filed on November 12, 2023, after Michael Morgan was seen leaving the house and later returning to clean up what appeared to be blood stains in the yard.
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered George’s cellphone was turned off after Michael left. Although George’s body was never found, police linked Michael to his brother’s disappearance through evidence found at the scene.
At his sentencing, Michael Morgan received the maximum punishment for his role in his brother’s death. The case sheds light on the tragic consequences of domestic violence between family members, where unresolved conflict escalated to a point of no return. Michael Morgan will serve nearly two decades behind bars as a result of his actions.
