Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bearce agrees to plea deal in Macomb homicide

Authorities investigating the crime scene in July 2025.
Rich Egger
/
TSPR
Authorities investigating the crime scene in July 2025.

A 25-year-old Macomb man agreed to a plea deal in a homicide case.

Judge Nigel Graham sentenced Morgan Bearce to 25 years in prison. He was given credit for 474 days served in the county jail.

Bearce pleaded guilty in the shooting death of Bryson Saddoris, 21, in a home in the 600 block of North Randolph Street in July 2025.

Bearce was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one charge of obstruction of justice. He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder.

The plea deal was announced just days before Bearce was scheduled to go to trial.

Bearce acknowledged both he and Saddoris were using drugs and alcohol before the shooting. He expressed remorse and took responsibility.

After Thursday afternoon’s hearing, Bearce met with the Sadorris family to explain what happened and answer their questions.

Tri States Public Radio produced this story.  TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.