Death of Camo Morton Resurfaces: Juvenile Now Being Charged as an Adult for Best Friend’s Death
- Donovan Bridgeforth
- Feb 23
- 2 min read
SHELBY COUNTY, Texas (TXAN 24) — The family of a 17-year-old East Texas teen facing charges in the accidental shooting of his best friend, Camo Morton, is calling for transparency and fairness in his case.
“In addition, a previously sealed indictment of October 5, 2023, from the grand jury impaneled for the July 2023 term of the 123rd Judicial District Court was unsealed following the arrest of the individual, Kendell Mardis, on January 24, 2024, on the charge of murder, first degree felony. The indictment alleges on July 27, 2023, Kendell Mardis intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Camo Morton by shooting Morton in the head. (123rd Judicial District Court)” - Shelby County Today 02/25/24
They claim that discrepancies in the handling of similar cases and alleged misconduct by officials indicate a bias against Kendell Mardis.
The Incident
According to Constable Josh Tipton, Precinct 5, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department dispatch received a call alerting to a possible accidental shooting at a residence in the 200 block of CR 4855. As Sheriff’s Department deputies were en-route to the scene, additional units were requested of other agencies to assist.
On July 27, 2023, then-16-year-old Mardis accidentally shot and killed Morton. He was not immediately taken into custody but was arrested on August 2, 2023, and held at the Marshall Juvenile Detention Center.
Mardis‘ family states that he was detained until October 2, 2023, due to repeated delays in conducting a psychological evaluation.
According to Mardis‘ family, the case remained largely inactive until he turned 17, at which point prosecutors moved to try him as an adult.
They argue that the process has been marred by delays, lack of communication from his court-appointed attorney, and inconsistencies in the prosecution's narrative.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment
Mardis‘ family claims that the District Attorney handling the case, Karen Price, has a history of alleged misconduct, including falsifying evidence in previous cases involving Black male defendants.
They believe this history casts doubt on the fairness of Mardis‘ prosecution.
Further, the family highlights another recent case involving a 17-year-old white defendant who allegedly shot and killed someone under similar circumstances.
That case resulted in a manslaughter charge and a sentence of ten years of probation.
Mardis, however, has faced more severe charges, including a recent re-indictment that allegedly misrepresents the details of the shooting.
Concerns About Legal Representation
The family also raises concerns about Mardis‘ court-appointed attorney, stating that he has been unresponsive for months and is now pressuring Mardis to accept a plea deal.
They claim they have not been given access to key evidence, such as discovery materials, and worry that the case is being pushed toward a predetermined outcome without proper legal defense.
Seeking Justice
Mardis‘ supporters are calling for greater public attention to the case and seeking legal resources to ensure a fair trial.
They are considering reaching out to civil rights organizations but fear potential backlash.
“We lost someone we loved, and now we’re losing Kendell to the justice system,” said a family member. “All we want is a fair trial.”
TXAN 24 News will reach out to the District Attorney’s office and Mardis‘ legal representatives for comment and will provide updates as the case develops.
