Daiwan Lemane Hopson, a 31-year-old man from Detroit, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to murder following a mass stabbing at an eastside pool party last month. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, Hopson appeared in court for his arraignment yesterday and was denied bond. The incident, which occurred on August 9 near the intersection of Seven Mile Road and Fleming Street, resulted in the deaths of Martisha Payne, 25, and Jakirea Williams, 31.
The conflict reportedly began with a disagreement at a backyard gathering, escalating quickly when Hopson allegedly brandished a knife and stabbed a 40-year-old man multiple times. As the situation moved to the front yard, Payne, Williams, and an a 31-year-old man from Pontiac were also stabbed before Hopson fled the scene, as detailed by The Detroit News. In addition to Payne and Williams, the two other men sustained non-fatal injuries and were treated at local hospitals.
Following an investigation by the Detroit Police Department, Hopson was apprehended on August 15. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy characterized the events of that night, "What started out as a friendly family and friends end-of-the-summer gathering turned deadly with four people stabbed," she said. "Two succumbed to their injuries. A disagreement. A quick escalation. An introduction of a deadly weapon. And then multiple deaths. So senseless. So tragic. And so very violent," in a statement obtained by The Detroit News.
Hopson's case is moving through the court system, with his probable cause conference scheduled for September 16, followed by a preliminary examination on September 23. If convicted of the charges, Hopson could face life imprisonment for each of the murder charges. Court records today did not list an attorney for Hopson, but indicated he has requested the judge appoint one.
