Harlem Heights father shot, killed days before birthday

Published: Updated:
Jason “Bone” Morse, 41

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Family and friends filled the 4700 block of Duera Mae Drive in Harlem Heights Wednesday as news of the death of 41-year-old Jason “Bone” Morse spread.

Morse was shot and killed, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.

He was a father of six and well known among Harlem Heights. Morse would have celebrated his 42nd birthday on Sunday had his life not been taken.

On Wednesday, detectives marked the block off with crime scene tape, but behind the tape people cried and begged for answers. The shooting was an isolated incident and the surrounding community is not in any danger, detectives said.

Those close to Morse say they know his killer, but deputies have not named a suspect. Vince Williams said he is related to both Morse and the person suspected of pulling the trigger. The shooting resulted from a small argument, Williams said. Now a family is grieving.

“A mother lost her son. Brothers and sisters lost a brother here all for something senseless,” Williams said. “They are suffering a loss of a real good guy. He was a real good dude.”

Morse was a former football player and role model to many local athletes, Williams said. His cousin, Leonard Campell said Morse mentored star athletes in the neighborhood, notably Jayron Kearse, who was recently drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

“If you played football, he was your football coach in your ‘hood. You had your football coach on the field but we all had one in the hood, too,” Campell said.

The football athlete recently posted a message to Facebook, saying in part: “when I came home from college (Morse) made sure the streets never had to be a option.”

Anyone with information should call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 239-477-1000. Or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000, call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES(274637) keyword: REWARD.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.