Article 4 – 'Rita Morgan's Tragic Death'

Miami Daily Herald Newspaper article, written by reporter Mike RePort, 12/24/09

"Rita Morgan's Tragic Death"

This is a follow up to yesterday's article where I mentioned Rita Morgan's eulogy that was delivered by her husband, Dexter Morgan, and his sister, Deborah Morgan. It was received by the family and friends present as well as all of those that attended out of respect for them as a privileged private glimpse into her life and how she lived it. It was, to me, a look at her heart and soul. It was apparent that she had touched so many with her kindness and loving outlook on life despite her many challenges that she had set a standard for living life that all that knew her aspired to in their own way.

Here are the words delivered in her eulogy knowing that the reader must impose their own imagination on, to picture the funeral setting and the totality of the impact felt by those that attended. The overall effect was one of loss and acknowledgement of that loss by those closest to Rita Morgan, the woman, the mother, the wife, and the friend, all of which she was and will be remembered for.

Dexter Morgan went first and delivered these words displaying a humble demeanor yet with a feel of personal responsibility that only a husband, the protector of his wife, that had failed his duty, could truly feel. His delivery was filled with silent moments as he tried to reach for and find the right words to convey his feelings, his thoughts, so that we would know how he has been affected by his loss. As he spoke he made eye contact with his children and his sister repeatedly giving the listener the feeling that his words were measured as though he was holding back something, deeper inside himself, that he wanted to say but could not or would not. He appeared deeply troubled as though in some fashion he was responsible for his wife's death. It almost felt like a prophecy when he finished; you be the judge.

"Rita was my hope for a better life. I'm not one to talk about emotions and feelings, normally, but today, now, I want to try. I can only try. With her death my hope for this, a better life, has been cut away. When we first met I was a man looking for something to fill a void in my life. She was what I wanted and needed. She filled that void, with hope.

Over time we grew closer despite my shortcomings. Rita was the most forgiving and patient person; she had a heart big enough for the both of us. We married and we brought little Harrison into this world. This world. This world that has taken his mother from him. This world that has taken her from all of her children. Taken her from me. I should have been there to save her. What have I done? What could I have done?

Today we bury Rita Morgan but not her essence. Tomorrow we will remember today. I will. My journey is not over and my path seems to be cast in fate, not choice. I now accept that. I will do what I have been chosen to do by fate and will remember Rita for the loving person that she was and still is in our hearts. Her time on this earth was a gift to us all."

After a few moments of quiet respect accompanied by tears and hugs I spoke with several of the attendees after Dexter Morgan delivered his wife's eulogy. They were moved by his display of emotion which they say is very uncharacteristic for him. Knowing that this is a tragic life changing event for Rita Morgan's survivors it is no doubt the reason for his emotional display. Having said that there still seemed to be a detachment in his words, of acceptance of what fate has given him to deal with, using his own words. This reporter wishes him the strength to persevere for his sake as well as his children. My own investigation and reporting may not help this wish come true but I am bound by my duty as a reporter to look for and report what I find. The consequences, the outcome, will be what they will be.

Moments later Deborah Morgan began with her eulogy for Rita Morgan. Her demeanor was one of self imposed strength to help carry herself through this painful moment and her forthright honesty as she spoke, tempered by her painful loss as well as her feelings for Dexter and the children knowing that their loss is even greater.

"I can not believe that this has (bleep) happened. The irony of this is not lost on me and my brother. The Morgan's have suffered dearly and there just seems to be no (bleep) justice, none. This moment in time is about Rita though. Let me tell you about what she meant to me.

When I first met Rita she was in a very dark place in her life. Her and her children were in fear for their safety and possibly their lives because of her late husband, Paul. I introduced Dexter and Rita in hopes that they could help each other. I had hopes then that their lives would get better. I had hoped. Now this.

I watched as Rita grew stronger over time. Her and Dexter had their ups and downs but through it all Rita was always there trying to make things work. My brother is not the most outspoken person but in the past few months I saw that changing if only just a little.

Rita was family and made me feel like family. That was how she was. She kidnapped a puppy one time from an abusive neighbor and gave the puppy to a loving family. That was Rita in action. She was about love and caring. She felt emotions deeply and expressed herself honestly and openly. To have her taken like this is not right. It's not (bleep) fair. I can promise you this that I will not rest until I personally have given everything I have as a person and a Detective to help capture the individual responsible for this heinous act.

I loved Rita and miss her so much. God D………, sorry. I'm there for the kids and Dexter. We are family and nothing will ever change that, nothing."

This reporter left out some of the more colorful language from Deborah's eulogy. I am not making light of this but those that know her well were not surprised by her use of the language but this is a public paper and I have had to censor some 'words' for this printing. I hope I have not changed the feel of her eulogy and apologize if I have done so.

Deborah Morgan touched on a few cryptic points that as of this writing I have not been able to uncover. Out of respect for the Morgan family I have not pursued this but if appropriate in the future I may revisit these comments.

It is clear to me that Rita Morgan was; simply put but profoundly true, a good person and not deserving of this ending to her life. As Deborah Morgan said, "there just seems to be no (bleep) justice, none."

My heart felt condolences go out to Rita Morgan's family and friends.

Article 4 – 'Rita Morgan's Tragic Death'

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