By AIDAN KNIGHT
Warning: this story details an Aboriginal man who has died.
ONE of the alleged Kaiden Morgan killers has walked free, while another has been apprehended, after homicide detectives withdrew charges against the 19-year-old accused of taking the life of the Morwell man on September 27.
Tyson Fenton, also of Morwell, was previously remanded until a scheduled court appearance for February 10, 2026, while the 16-year-old also involved (who cannot be named as a minor), was allegedly placed in Police Protection outside of Latrobe Valley until a committal hearing on January 14, 2026.
The pair were both charged with murder and intentionally causing serious injury two days after the attack on Morgan and his brother, who survived, on The Boulevard in Morwell, near Princess Drive.
Both victims were found suffering from stab wounds, sparking outrage from the wider Morwell and Latrobe Valley communities, which only increased when footage was circulated by the accused of their pursuit and harming of Morgan, which they also allegedly sent to his family.
Victoria Police released a brief statement following the charges dropped, saying that the decision to do so was made, “noting this is a complex investigation that continues to evolve”. These were formally recognised on November 28, at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, where Fenton was released from custody the same day. During his initial court appearance at Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court on September 29, Fenton’s lawyer Ben Lewtas argued that his client was fearful of retaliation should he be imprisoned, and he had no prior criminal history.
Morgan’s mother, Sascha Johnston, took to online platforms to express her disgust at the turn of events, saying “as my son lays in his grave (sic), they celebrate. Just like in that video. You can film a murder, you can laugh, you can upload and share. And your rights are still more important than the victim”.
She is convinced “they will kill again”, blaming the “defective system” for letting her family down, while describing homicide detectives as “well-intended” but ultimately ineffective.
Ms Johnston also claimed there was a conscious effort made to obstruct the justice of her son’s death, referencing “destroyed evidence, burnt clothes, hid weapons and phones and deleted messages”.
Through it all, the community continues to rally around the family and their memory of the young man.
The Express attended a memorial walk of more than 200 participants to Kaiden’s final resting place, and his public funeral at Morwell’s Kernot Hall saw attendees spilling out of the venue for the service. A dedicated memorial has also been erected at the site of his final resting place on The Boulevard.
Last Friday (December 12), saw a third suspect arrested and charged in Bendigo at 9am.
The 18-year-old male from Morwell was believed to be known to Kaiden, as were the other two suspects originally charged. It is unclear at this time as to why, if he was in hiding in the area, or as to why he has only been arrested now, as it remains an ongoing case.
But Ms Johnston did make another post to social media, commenting on the new suspect, saying “I can’t say who but it’s no surprise.”
The accused made appearance at Bendigo Magistrates Court later the same day. The outcome was not known at time of print.
As the investigation continues, the Morgan-Johnston family and the wider Morwell community remain focused on securing justice for Kaiden.
With one of the accused now released, another awaiting a 2026 committal hearing, and a third now charged with the murder, homicide detectives face mounting pressure to bring clarity to a case that has shaken the Latrobe Valley.
For now, Kaiden’s loved ones say they will keep pushing for answers, determined that his death not be forgotten.
