John Powell Morgan III Arrested For Murder 5 Years After Self-Defense Claim

John Powell Morgan III was arrested in Henderson, Nevada, on October 24, more than five years after the death of Scott Dingman. In 2025, new information arrived and the police were able to search Morgan’s home. That resulted in some evidence that helped them look deeper into the case.

Previously Cleared

It’s an interesting case because Morgan had previously avoided charges in Dingman’s death after claiming he acted in self-defense. According to the Review-Journal, “John Powell Morgan III, was arrested by Boulder City Police Department detectives at a car dealership in Henderson.”

In earlier interviews, Morgan III claimed that Dingman started punching him and threatening him with a gun. Notably, the police picked up some inconsistencies in his version of events.

Renewed Investigation & An Arrest

Per the police statement, “Investigators continued their efforts over the next year, identifying pertinent information which ultimately led to development of probable cause for the arrest of Morgan III.”

KTNV reported that “a warrant was issued for his arrest for open murder with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held without bail and is expected to make his initial appearance in Boulder City Justice Court on Monday at 9 a.m.”

The original incident took place on May 31 back in 2021. Scott Dingman, who was 40 years old at the time, was allegedly shot by Morgan III on Fairway Drive in Boulder City.

Open Murder

The open murder charge is something that police can use in Michigan and Nevada, per 8 News Now.

The outlet explained that “An open murder charge is when a defendant is charged under a broad umbrella, combining first-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter into a single accusation.”

During the search of Morgan’s property, police also seized about 30 grams of cocaine, a digital scale and numerous small baggies. He was later indicted on charges including possession of cocaine with intent to sell and maintaining an illegal dwelling.

13 Investigates

KTNV’s report delivered some interesting aspects to the case because the family of Dingman had complained the officers didn’t take a proper approach to his death.

Per the outlet, “in July 2025…Dingman’s family reached out to 13 Investigates” and it was after Channel 13 started investigating it that “the case was reopened.”

The suspect is being held without bail.

Your thoughts? Are you surprised to find out that when Dingman’s family turned to Channel 13, their efforts were part of the reason why the police dug deeper into the story of John Powell Morgan III?

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