Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A woman arrested in connection with the deadly stabbing in Royal Oak Friday night is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. Police said the attack happened around 9:30 p.m. Oct. 24 on Sheridan Drive near Woodward Avenue. Officers responding to reports of a man calling for help found a 35-year-old woman with blood on her hands outside the home. She tried to run but was caught after a short chase. Inside the home, officers discovered the elderly man unresponsive in the basement with multiple stab wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. What neighbors said Several neighbors told Local 4 the suspect had been working as a nanny for the family. “Mom was out of town on a business trip. I understand,” one neighbor said. “It was a disturbing, horrible crime.” “We were very worried about that little girl,” another added. When asked why, the neighbor said, “Because she was home with that woman.” Neighbors described the incident as “horrible from start to finish.” One resident said screams were heard before describing another family member and neighbor running to help. “He jumped the fence and did what he could to help,” the neighbor said. “And the woman came running at all of them — so he experienced her wrath as well.” According to witnesses, after the stabbing, the woman began stripping off her clothes and running through nearby yards as police closed in. “She raced across the island down there, and I think she fell at some point. Her clothes were found in a neighbor’s driveway two doors down,” one neighbor said. Police said after a short chase, they were able to arrest her nearby. Police said they are also investigating whether drugs played a role in the attack. “She was not coherent,” another neighbor said. “She was speaking, but gibberish. I’m glad the mother and daughter are safe — but that poor man.” What to know about the victim The victim’s family has called him a devoted father and grandfather whose life centered around his children and grandchildren. Local 4 is not revealing the victim’s identity out of respect for the family. “[His] last selfless act to save his granddaughter tells you all you need to know about him,” his family wrote in his obituary. “He was a truly remarkable man who loved his family more than anything in the world and would do anything for them.” The family added that the 83-year-old “believed deeply in education and proudly supported his four children through many years of Catholic school and college. His favorite hobby was his family. He never missed an event — from soccer games to dance recitals, piano and guitar performances, graduations, weddings, births and birthdays.” Court appearance The 35-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court on Oct. 28 at 9:30 a.m. The suspect’s identity has not yet been released.
