Murder at Church’s Chicken: The Surveillance Footage That Changed Everything

It started as just another shift at a Church’s Chicken in Tampa. But on June 18, 2024, employees made a terrifying discovery—behind the restaurant’s drive-thru, a woman’s body was partially buried in the dirt.

The victim was identified as 48-year-old Dawn Morrison. When police arrived, it was clear her death was no accident. She had suffered severe injuries, and investigators quickly ruled it a homicide.

Security Footage Tells a Disturbing Story

Detectives worked fast, pulling security footage from nearby businesses to figure out what had happened. What they found was chilling.

Just before midnight on June 15, Morrison was seen walking near a McDonald’s dumpster with a man later identified as 54-year-old Michael Canty. A little later, cameras caught them heading toward the Church’s Chicken drive-thru.

Then came the most haunting part. A woman’s voice could be heard yelling, “Quit it! Quit it!” followed by screams for help. Then, suddenly, the security cameras at Church’s Chicken cut off.

Suspicious Behavior Raises Questions

Investigators kept digging. Surveillance footage showed Canty returning to the area several times in the early morning hours. At one point, he was seen changing his clothes. That alone raised suspicions, but when police examined the clothes he wore that night, things took an even darker turn.

Bloodstains on his pants and boots tested positive for DNA from both Canty and Morrison.

Canty Denies Everything—But the Evidence Says Otherwise

Despite the evidence, Canty denied any involvement in Morrison’s murder. He admitted they were together that night, claiming they were using drugs, but insisted he didn’t harm her.

For months, he remained free. But in February 2025, police arrested him on an unrelated charge—failing to update his address as a registered sex offender. That’s when investigators confronted him about Morrison’s death. Still, he had no explanation for why her blood was on his clothes.

Murder Charges Filed

With surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements stacking up, prosecutors finally made their move. Canty was charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He remains in jail without bond.

The news has shaken the Tampa community. People who frequent the area say it’s terrifying to think something so brutal could happen in such a public place.

What Happens Next?

Morrison’s family and friends are now waiting for justice as the case heads to court. If convicted, Canty faces serious prison time.