Suspect Wanted for Murder in Richland County Arrested by U.S. Marshals

Mansfield, OH – Early this afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals led Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) arrested Alex Morris, 31.  Morris was wanted by the Mansfield Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for murder, involuntary manslaughter, and felonious assault.

In May 2024 Mansfield Police Department began working an investigation into the death of a 3-year-old child.  Initial reports were that the child died as a result of a choking incident.  However, the investigation revealed that the child died as a result of a murder.  The victim’s father, Alex Morris, was investigated and named as the suspect.  A warrant for Morris’ arrest was then issued through Richland County Court of Common Pleas on May 26, 2026.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) began looking for Morris earlier this month.  They were able to gather information that Morris was likely living and hiding in Morrow County.  Members of the NOVFTF worked quickly to get information about Morris’ possible whereabouts to SOFAST.  Morris was arrested this afternoon without incident at a home in the 2800 block of Township Road 164 in Cardington, Ohio.  

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Dedicated work by the Mansfield Police Department ensured that this case would be brought to justice and the person responsible will be held accountable.”  U.S. Marshal Michael Black from the Southern District of Ohio added, “Cooperative teamwork across the state of Ohio ensures that fugitives like this have nowhere to hide, we will find them.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.

The NOVFTF Mansfield Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies: United States Marshals Service, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland Police Department, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudenville Police Department, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and Willard Police Department.