Suspect found guilty regarding pipe bomb explosions, July 4 SWAT standoff
Morgan Parish VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- Court documents from Van Buren County reveal, following a three-day jury trial, 58-year-old Morgan Parish was found guilty on all counts related to a July 4 pipe bomb detonation and SWAT standoff.
Parish was charged with Terrorism, eight counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, three counts of Manufacture/Possession of Explosive or Incendiary Devices with Malicious Intent, Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, two counts of Assault/Resist/Obstruct, and Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense Notice.
Parish's sentencing is set for Feb. 2, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. in 36th Circuit Court.
On July 4, Parish, who was wanted, was in the 28000 block of C.R. 388 and after authorities obtained a probable cause to search the property, he detonated a pipe bomb upon their arrival.
Authorities then requested assistance from the Van Buren County SWAT team.
Negotiations began urging a peaceful surrender, but police said Parish responded he intended to kill all officers on scene.
SWAT then deployed tear gas into Parish's camper.
Upon exiting the camper, Parish detonated a second pipe bomb.
The suspect eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.
