Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Michael Morgan was shot and killed while attempting to take action during a robbery while he was off duty in Paterson, New Jersey.
He and several friends were visiting a club on Straight Street. While outside, speaking to an employee, a suspect approached and attempted to rob the two at gunpoint. Detective Morgan attempted to take action but was shot once in the side as he reached for his weapon.
Responding units from the Paterson Police Department transported Detective Morgan to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wound.
The suspect fled the scene, however, the shooter and his girlfriend were arrested two days later in a hotel near Philadelphia. The subject who shot him was sentenced to 39 years in prison and the man's girlfriend was sentenced to 10 years.
Detective Morgan had served with the Newark Police Department for 6-1/2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his mother, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-32B77193- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Morgan gave the Newark Police Division 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Morgan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Michael Morgan, Jr. is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Newark Police Division, 28 of 58 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael Morgan, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Michael Morgan, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 39 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael Morgan, Jr. is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael Morgan, Jr. was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
57 officers from Newark Police Division are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
