BILLINGS, MT – A Montana family is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy as they mourn the loss of an infant, just one day before his first birthday. What was meant to be a day of celebration quickly turned into sorrow following a shooting incident on Wednesday in Billings, on the 700 block of North 17th Street.
Tatee’k Morrison, the infant, lost his life in the senseless violence. Zack Wilson, the infant’s uncle, expressed the shock and concern over the rising gun violence in Billings, saying, “You don’t think that those things would happen, but so much violence has happened lately. Gun violence here in Billings is getting a little scary.”
The family had initially planned a birthday party for Tatee’k, but now they are left with the heartbreaking task of arranging two funerals. “We had (the party) all set up and everything,” said 13-year-old Riley Wilson, Zack’s son.
Tatee’k was visiting the residence on North 17th Street when the shooting occurred. At least one assailant opened fire on the home, and authorities discovered at least 25 shell casings outside the premises. Zack Wilson clarified that the house was not Tatee’k’s home.
During a Thursday afternoon press conference, Billings police provided details about the incident. Tatee’k’s father, 31-year-old Kenneth Morrison, was shot and subsequently collapsed, falling on top of Tatee’k. First responders had to extricate the infant, who was then rushed to a local hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The family first learned of the tragedy through social media and news reports. While they grieve the loss of two family members, they are determined to celebrate Tatee’k’s life on his birthday. Amid their grief, the family hopes for justice to be served for young Tatee’k. Zack Wilson acknowledged Kenneth Morrison’s efforts to protect his son during the tragic event and expressed the family’s desire for justice.