Judge sets status hearing for Boulder City murder defendant

The next scheduled court date for the man accused of killing Scott Dingman has been moved to Nov. 17.

John Powell Morgan III appeared in Boulder City Justice Court on Tuesday for a status check. Judge Gregory Mills, participating via video teleconference, granted a request to hold the next proceeding on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Judge Christopher Tilman recused himself from the case because he had previously represented Morgan during his time in private practice.

Morgan's attorney, Louis Schneider, stated last week that his client intends to plead not guilty. This plan was disclosed following Morgan's initial court appearance on Oct. 25. The upcoming hearing is a procedural check-in to monitor the progress of the pending case, distinct from a trial or sentencing.

Boulder City police arrested Morgan at a car dealership in Henderson about two weeks before the recent court date. The arrest warrant was issued for one count of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon. The charge stems from an incident on May 31, 2021, when Dingman was allegedly shot by Morgan in the roadway of Fairway Drive. Both men were armed and had been drinking that night.

Although Morgan admitted to firing the shots, Boulder City police initially ruled the shooting was self-defense and the district attorney did not file charges. The city released a statement shortly after the recent arrest explaining that new information received in 2025 prompted a second review by investigators. In April 2025, police executed a search warrant at Morgan's residence and recovered new evidence that supported further investigation.

Investigators continued their work for the following year, identifying pertinent information that established probable cause for the arrest. Morgan remains in custody after his original $1 million bail was revoked. The court is expected to address the status of that bail revocation during the Nov. 17 hearing.