He Mourned Her Death Online — Then Police Charged Him With Her Murder
A touching Facebook® tribute or a chilling attempt to cover his tracks? In Ohio, Jason McDermitt's online post mourning the death of his coworker, Morgan Fox, has left many unsettled. Just three days after he shared his heartfelt words, McDermitt was behind bars, accused of being the one who ended her life.
A Tragic Morning in Ohio
On Oct. 28, 2020, Morgan Fox, a 29-year-old mother of one, was found dead in her driveway, shot twice while entering her vehicle to go to work. Fox's boyfriend later discovered her body, a discovery that would devastate her loved ones and spark an intense investigation. The victim's family and friends were left to process the horror of her sudden death, a cruel shock given that Morgan was known for her kindness and her devotion to her daughter.
The Post That Raised Questions
Jason McDermitt, 29, who worked alongside Fox at FedEx®, took to Facebook to mourn her death. As reported by The Repository, he wrote, "You were such a bright light in my life and so many others, and was always there for me when I needed it... It's so strange not having you around to talk to and this has left a giant hole in my heart, but I know you will always be watching over us, your family, your friends, and your daughter. You have left a lasting impact on all of our lives, and you will never be forgotten."
He even added the hashtag #JusticeforMorganAshlye, portraying himself as someone grieving the sudden loss of a close friend. To many, this public show of affection seemed like a sincere tribute. However, others were disturbed, and their instincts were proven correct when, only days later, McDermitt was arrested for Morgan's murder.
A Chilling Discovery
As details emerged, it became clear why McDermitt's post felt disingenuous to some of Morgan's family members. The victim's stepsister, Megan Barrett, expressed how unsettling the tribute felt, especially since it seemed like McDermitt was inserting himself into the tragedy. Barrett stated that she had no reason to believe that the two were close friends outside of work, making McDermitt's Facebook post all the more unnerving.
Arrest and Charges
On Nov. 1, 2020, just three days after McDermitt's Facebook post, the Stark County Sheriff's Office arrested him on charges of aggravated murder.
In 2021, jurors convicted McDermitt of aggravated murder and stalking for the shooting death of Fox. During McDermitt's trial, he was described as being obsessed with Fox, suggesting that his motive may have been driven by a fixation or infatuation with her.
McDermitt was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Legal Aftermath and the Family's Fight
As the case proceeded, Fox's family sought justice not only through criminal prosecution but also through civil action. They ultimately reached a settlement with FedEx Ground, the company that employed both Fox and McDermitt. The financial compensation — totaling $4 million — is intended to provide for Fox's young daughter, Emilia. A significant portion of the settlement has been placed in a trust to ensure her future education and well-being.
Fox's mother, Cyndi Pappas, has publicly criticized FedEx's handling of the situation. She argued that if management had been more proactive in addressing workplace concerns, her daughter might still be alive today. In October 2021, Fox's family and friends even held a peaceful protest outside the FedEx facility in Jackson Township, marking the anniversary of Fox's death and drawing attention to the ongoing issue of workplace safety and harassment.
The tragic murder of Morgan Fox took not only her life but also her family's peace of mind. The unsettling actions of Jason McDermitt — from his public tribute to his presence at her memorial — show just how murky the boundaries between grief and guilt can be. The story serves as a grim reminder of how complex motives and relationships can be, especially when public portrayals of grief hide a sinister truth.
References: Ohio Man Accused of Murdering Co-Worker Wrote Facebook Post Memorializing Her After Her Death | Canton Man Charged with Murder in Shooting of Morgan Fox | Ohio Woman Is Murdered, and Her Family Is Disturbed by Suspect's Glowing Facebook Post About Her | Ohio Woman Is Murdered, and Her Family Is Disturbed by Suspect's Glowing Facebook Post About Her | Jury convicts Jason McDermitt of aggravated murder, stalking
