MESA, AZ — An investigator for the Arizona Attorney General's Office has now been indicted for negligent homicide in the February shooting death of a Mesa mother.
In March, the Mesa Police Department announced it submitted charges for negligent homicide against the suspect, 47-year-old Dulance Morin, but those charges were initially sent back to Mesa PD to be resubmitted.
Morin has been an investigator with the Arizona Attorney General's Office since 2016.
The AG's office released a statement Monday following news of the indictment, saying, "Mr. Morin remains employed in an administrative position at the Attorney General’s Office and will continue to remain employed in that position unless he is convicted in a court of law. Attorney General Mayes believes Mr. Morin is not guilty of this charge and will be found not guilty. Mr. Morin is now entitled to due process, as is every individual."
The shooting occurred on February 28 near Ellsworth and Ray roads, where 32-year-old Maria Lewis was shot and killed by her neighbor, now identified as Morin.
Lewis's family tells ABC15 she was a loyal and devoted mother to seven children. They say she was on a walk in the early morning hours when she was shot.
On Monday the family writing to ABC15, "“Our family is devastated by the sudden, violent and senseless loss of a loving and devoted mother, wife and daughter. She was loved by all who knew her. Maria deserved to feel safe not only in her home but in the close knit community of which she lived and her absence has left an unfathomable void in all of our lives. As we grieve this unimaginable loss, our single, unwavering focus is working with the MCAO and obtaining justice and complete accountability for her death. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and have complete confidence in the ongoing criminal case. To ensure the integrity of the criminal process, we will not be commenting on specific facts or details of the case at this time.”
During a weeks-long investigation, Mesa detectives executed multiple search warrants, conducted extensive interviews, and analyzed forensic evidence to determine probable cause to submit charges against Morin.
The case was sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review.
The family created a GoFundMe account to help with expenses.
Ahead of the charges announcement, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 58 issued the following statement:
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 58 stands in full support of AGO Special Agent Dulance Morin following the recent critical incident that occurred.
Special Agent Morin has served the State of Arizona with distinction, beginning in 2012 as an investigator with the Arizona Corporation Commission and continuing with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since 2016.
Throughout his career, Special Agent Morin has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Arizona. He has never received formal discipline during his tenure and has been recognized for his exemplary service.
As this incident remains under investigation, it is important that the public withhold judgment until all of the facts and circumstances of this incident are fully disclosed. We recognize the profound loss experienced by the family of the individual involved, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
The Fraternal Order of Police urges the public to allow investigators and prosecutors to complete a thorough, impartial, and complete review.
We remain committed to supporting the dedicated men and women who serve and protect our communities each day.
