Two People Shot, One Killed Outside Clayton’s Tap Bar in Morris
Personal Injury - March 5, 2026
Investigation Underway After One Person Killed in Shooting Outside Clayton’s Tap Bar in Morris on West Washington Street
MORRIS, ILLINOIS (March 5, 2025) – One person was killed in a Morris shooting outside of the Clayton’s Tap bar on West Washington Street in Morris.
Morris police officials are saying that the shooting took place early Saturday. Two people were shot outside of the Clayton’s Tap bar for undetermined reasons.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the shooting to help the victims. One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other person was taken to the hospital to receive treatment. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Morris Shootings
Property owners in Illinois have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. They must protect guests from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm, including criminal activity. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. There are a number of measures that property owners should take to protect guests from shootings and other crimes.
- Lighting: Property owners should ensure their premises are well illuminated.
- Security: Property owners should consider hiring security guards at certain locations.
- Surveillance: Property owners should install security cameras and other security measures on their premises.
When a property owner fails to take reasonable measures to protect guests from criminal activity, this could be construed as negligence. The level of security that any property owner will need depends heavily on a number of factors. Businesses in high-crime areas typically have greater security needs. Moreover, if there is a history of crime at a certain location, this may necessitate greater security efforts.
Steps to Take After Shootings at Bars
Shootings and other crimes remain a common occurrence across Illinois and the United States. According to Pew Research Center, “Nearly 47,000 people died of gun-related injuries in the United States in 2023, according to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the number of gun deaths in the U.S. fell for the second consecutive year, it remained among the highest annual totals on record.” Certain measures should be taken after any shooting.
- Surveillance Footage: All of the surveillance footage associated with the incident should be collected and preserved.
- Medical Records: Medical records related to the shooting should be sought.
- Legal Review: The family in person killed in a shooting at a commercial property should carefully consider their legal options with a team experienced in premises liability claims.
Shootings may seem like a random occurrence, but they are often highly preventable at commercial properties when the right safety measures are in place. Unfortunately, property owners will almost never accept responsibility if someone is harmed on the premises. It is important that the victims of crime and their surviving family members understand that they do have options. They are able to pursue some measure of accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Shootings at Morris Bars
We at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this shooting outside Clayton’s Tap bar in Morris. It is our sincere hope that the other victim will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened.
Do you need more information about a Morris police shooting? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that crime victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
