A 17-year-old Detroit teen, identified as Ahmed Al-Alikhan, has been charged as an adult with the murder of 64-year-old Howard Brisendine, a member of the LGBTQ+ community. According to CBS News, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated, "It is hard to fathom a more planned series of events in this case." Brisendine's body was found at his residence on Minock Street on Sept. 24, with multiple stab wounds, and his car was missing.
The allegations unfold a narrative where a Detroit teen is accused of having sought out his victim through a dating app, based on the victim's sexual orientation. Officials said Al-Alikhan will be tried as an adult given the deliberate nature of the crime and because he is nearly 18. The ClickOnDetroit report includes additional details on how Al-Alikhan is alleged to have then taken the victim's car keys and driven away from the scene.
Al-Alikhan's arrest came after a coordinated effort between Detroit and Dearborn police. The Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP), a program aiding Michigan law enforcement in solving serious crimes against LGBTQ individuals, is also assisting in the investigation. This collaborative effort speaks to the broader implications of safety within marginalized communities. Al-Alikhan has been charged with first-degree murder and car theft and is currently detained after an arraignment, as noted in the recent coverage by Audacy.
FMJP President Alanna Maguire remarked on the dangers that the LGBTQ community faces, emphasizing the need for caution when using dating apps. Maguire advised to “Always meet a potential date in public, use your own vehicle or make use of a ride-sharing app (like Uber or Lyft), tell a friend or loved one that you are planning to meet a date and share that person's name and contact information. Make sure to save contact details in screenshots to capture the person's name and chat details, should you ever find yourself a victim of a crime. Keep your dating profile and picture free from identifying personal information like your home address,” This statement, obtained by Audacy, reinforces the point for individuals to actively safeguard themselves against potential threats.
The prosecutor's office has scheduled Al-Alikhan's probable cause conference for Oct. 15, and the preliminary examination is set for Oct. 22. The dates, however, may be subject to change.
