Morgan Seth Earp (April 24, 1851 – March 18, 1882) was the younger brother of Deputy U.S. Marshals
Virgil and
Wyatt Earp. Morgan was a deputy of Virgil's and all three men were the target of repeated death threats made by
outlaw Cowboys who were upset by the Earps' interference in their illegal activities. This conflict eventually led to the
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, during which Morgan was wounded. All three lawmen along with
Doc Holliday were charged by
Ike Clanton, who fled the gunfight, for murdering brothers
Tom and
Frank McLaury along with his own brother
Billy Clanton. During a month-long preliminary hearing, Judge Wells Spicer exonerated the men, concluding they had been performing their duty.