DETROIT, MI – A man has been charged with two counts of murder following a stabbing that broke out during a pool party in Detroit, leaving two people dead and two others wounded, authorities said.
Prosecutors announced that Daiwan Lemane Hopson, 31, was arrested after allegedly attacking four individuals during a gathering on Aug. 9 in the backyard of a home. The incident began with a confrontation between Hopson and a 40-year-old man, according to officials. Witnesses indicated that a verbal dispute escalated, leading Hopson to reportedly draw a knife and stab the man several times.
The confrontation soon spilled out to the front yard, where others attempted to intervene. Jakirea Williams, 31, who owned the home and hosted the event, tried to stop the violence, officials said. Hopson allegedly turned the weapon on Williams, as well as 25-year-old Martisha Payne and another 31-year-old man, as chaos unfolded outside.
All four stabbing victims were transported to the hospital, but Williams and Payne later died from their injuries, officials confirmed. The two other men survived after receiving emergency medical care.
Authorities said Hopson immediately fled the scene following the stabbing. A manhunt ensued, with police and Michigan Department of Corrections officials searching the area. He was taken into custody on Aug. 15, six days after the attacks, due in part to his parole status following a previous conviction for assault with intent to do great bodily harm.
As of now, an arraignment date has not been set. Hopson faces two charges of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to murder, all stemming from the violent episode that disrupted what began as a festive end-of-summer gathering.
Investigators described the abrupt transformation of the party from a celebration among friends and family to a tragic crime scene. Authorities say the stabbing resulted from a quick escalation of what began as a disagreement.
Officials expressed shock at the use of deadly force and the senseless loss of life, emphasizing the tragic consequences that can result from sudden acts of violence.
No additional details have been released regarding Hopson’s legal representation or potential upcoming court appearances. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with charges in the case.