DETROIT, MI – A Detroit man is facing multiple felony charges following a violent stabbing at a summer pool party that left two people dead and two others injured, authorities said.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Daiwan Lemane Hopson, 31, was taken into custody days after an altercation during an Aug. 9 gathering at a Detroit residence erupted into deadly violence. Prosecutors allege Hopson became embroiled in a dispute with another guest, a 40-year-old man, in the backyard of the home belonging to Jakirea Williams, 31.
The confrontation escalated quickly, and Hopson is accused of pulling out a knife and stabbing the man multiple times. The conflict then spilled into the front yard, drawing in other guests who attempted to intervene.
It was during this chaotic scene, prosecutors say, that Hopson allegedly turned the knife on three additional people: the homeowner, Jakirea Williams, 25-year-old Martisha Payne, and another 31-year-old man. Emergency crews responded to the gruesome Detriot scene and transported all four victims to a local hospital.
Despite medical efforts, two of the victims died as a result of their injuries. The other two survived and were treated for stab wounds, according to officials.
Hopson reportedly fled the scene immediately following the incident. A search for the suspect lasted nearly a week before authorities apprehended him on Aug. 15. At the time of his arrest, Hopson was reportedly on parole for a prior conviction of assault with intent to do great bodily harm. He was taken into custody by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Currently, Hopson is facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to murder. Arraignment proceedings have not yet been scheduled, but prosecutors say he will be formally charged in Detroit.
Wayne County prosecutors described the incident as a senseless and tragic escalation that transformed a friendly gathering into a night of violence. Investigators are continuing to piece together the sequence of events and the reasons behind the altercation.
Hopson remains in custody as the case moves forward. The names of the deceased have not yet been disclosed pending notification of family members.