A Queens uncle who murdered his own nephew over a trivial barbecue payment dispute has been convicted, exposing how quickly family gatherings can turn deadly when basic conflict resolution fails and firearms are present.
Story Highlights
- Durran Morgan convicted of murdering nephew Chevaughn Millings over chicken payment dispute at family BBQ
- Jury deliberated less than two hours, indicating overwhelming evidence against the 40-year-old defendant
- Morgan fired 10 gunshots, killing his 25-year-old nephew and seriously wounding his 20-year-old niece
- Faces up to 50 years to life in prison at December 16 sentencing hearing
Swift Justice for Memorial Day Tragedy
Durran Morgan’s conviction on November 25, 2025, came after a jury deliberated less than two hours in Queens Supreme Court. The 40-year-old St. Albans resident was found guilty of murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon. The overwhelming evidence presented during the trial, which began November 20, left little doubt about Morgan’s guilt in the senseless Memorial Day weekend shooting that transformed a family celebration into tragedy.
The incident occurred on May 27, 2023, at approximately 9:13 p.m. at the family home on Pineville Lane in St. Albans. What began as a minor dispute over payment for chicken served at the barbecue escalated when Morgan and his nephew Chevaughn Millings argued about the meal cost. When Millings and another guest physically removed Morgan from the premises through a side door, the situation should have ended there.
Premeditated Violence Over Petty Dispute
Morgan’s response revealed a dangerous escalation that defied all reason and family bonds. Rather than accepting his removal from the gathering, Morgan circled to the front door, re-entered the home, and retrieved a handgun from his waistband. Upon encountering his 25-year-old nephew again, Morgan discharged the weapon 10 times, striking Millings multiple times in the abdomen and legs. The barrage of gunfire also wounded Morgan’s 20-year-old niece, who suffered multiple leg wounds and a graze to her forehead.
The aftermath demonstrated Morgan’s consciousness of guilt when he immediately fled to Georgia following the shooting. He surrendered to police at the 113th Precinct on June 4, 2023, after a week-long absence from New York. This flight pattern typically indicates awareness of wrongdoing and fear of immediate arrest, supporting the prosecution’s case that Morgan understood the gravity of his actions.
District Attorney Condemns Senseless Violence
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz characterized the incident as the transformation of “what should have been a joyous holiday weekend” into “complete tragedy” over “a petty dispute about food payment.” Her statement emphasized that “gun violence is never the answer to an argument,” highlighting the fundamental breakdown of conflict resolution that led to this family destruction. The case exemplifies how access to firearms during moments of anger can produce irreversible consequences from minor disagreements.
The surviving niece continues her recovery nearly 30 months after the shooting, underscoring the long-term physical and psychological consequences of Morgan’s violent outburst. Her ongoing rehabilitation serves as a permanent reminder of how one family member’s poor impulse control and access to a weapon devastated multiple lives. Morgan now awaits sentencing on December 16, 2025, facing up to 50 years to life in prison for his actions during what should have been a peaceful family gathering.
Sources:
St. Albans man convicted of killing nephew on Memorial Day 2023
Queens uncle who killed nephew at family barbecue convicted of murder
