MANSFIELD — A 31-year-old man wanted in connection with the 2024 death of his 3-year-old child was arrested Thursday afternoon in Morrow County, federal authorities said.
Alex Morris was taken into custody without incident at a home in the 2800 block of Township Road 164 in Cardington. The arrest was carried out by the U.S. Marshals-led Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team.
Morris was wanted by the Mansfield Police Department on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault.
The investigation began on Mother’s Day in May 2024 when Mansfield police responded to the death of a 3-year-old child.
While initial reports indicated the child died from choking, investigators later determined through an autopsy the death was a homicide. They identified Morris, the child’s father, as the suspect.
“(Morris) told officers the child choked on cereal. The injuries were not consistent with a child choking on cereal,” Mansfield police Chief Jason Bammann said Thursday.
A warrant for Morris’ arrest was issued on May 26, 2026.
Members of the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force began tracking Morris earlier this month. After gathering information Morris was hiding in Morrow County, investigators forwarded the leads to SOFAST, resulting in Thursday’s arrest.
“Dedicated work by the Mansfield Police Department ensured that this case would be brought to justice and the person responsible will be held accountable,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio.
U.S. Marshal Michael Black of the Southern District of Ohio emphasized the statewide collaboration.
“Cooperative teamwork across the state of Ohio ensures that fugitives like this have nowhere to hide, we will find them,” Black said.
The NOVFTF Mansfield Division includes the U.S. Marshals Service, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Adult Parole Authority, and sheriff’s offices and police departments across Richland, Ashland, Huron and Crawford counties.
Authorities ask anyone with information about a wanted fugitive to contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or to submit a tip online. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.
