TAMPA, Fla. — A suspect has been charged in connection with the June 2024 homicide of Dawn Morrison, whose body was discovered near a fast-food restaurant in Tampa, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Deputies responded to the Church’s Chicken at 2219 East Fletcher Avenue on June 18, 2024, after a citizen found Morrison, 48, partially covered in mulch near the drive-thru. Due to the state of decomposition, an autopsy was conducted, revealing upper body trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide.
After months of investigation, detectives identified Michael Canty, 54, as a suspect through DNA evidence and surveillance footage. Canty was already in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail on an unrelated charge when he was officially charged on February 28, 2025, with Second Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
“Our detectives worked tirelessly to bring justice for Dawn Morrison,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said, praising the investigative team’s efforts.
Canty remains in custody as authorities continue their case.