2nd Amendment Chat Room · CHARGED
MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN, USA — Man shot dead at a Spirit Halloween store, suspect in custody
A 21-year-old Detroit man died after being shot inside a Spirit Halloween store in Madison Heights, Michigan, on Friday afternoon, October 30, 2026, and the suspected shooter is in police custody. Madison Heights police said the shooting happened at about 2:04 p.m. at the store in the 32000 block of John R Road. Officers found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds, gave first aid, and he was taken to hospital, where he later died; his name has not been released. Police said the victim had been arguing with a 21-year-old man from Oak Park whom he knew before the shooting, and that it was not a random act. The Oak Park man was taken into custody as a person of interest; bystanders had assaulted him after the shooting and he was taken to a separate hospital, where he remains under medical care. Police recovered a 9mm handgun. The man's wife told WDIV he holds a Concealed Pistol License and claimed he fired in self-defense; Police Chief Lemerise told CBS Detroit investigators are still determining whether he was legally allowed to carry. Detectives have sent their findings to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, which will decide on charges. Police said there is no known ongoing threat to public safety. We are following this case and will update it again as soon as new information comes.
- Date
- October 30, 2026
- Location
- Spirit Halloween store, 32000 block of John R Road, Madison Heights, Michigan
- Victims
- A 21-year-old Detroit man, name not released — found with multiple gunshot wounds; officers gave first aid and he was taken to hospital, where he later died
- Suspect
- A 21-year-old man from Oak Park, in police custody — bystanders assaulted him after the shooting and he is in a separate hospital under medical care; police recovered a 9mm handgun. His wife told WDIV he holds a Concealed Pistol License and claimed self-d
- Stage
- CHARGED
Last updated:
Evidence
Timeline
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NEW CHARGED
Update #2 — Oak Park man charged with first-degree murder; victim named as Anthony Thompson, 21
The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office has charged John Lashawn Benson, 21, of Oak Park, with first-degree murder and felony firearm in the October 30 shooting inside the Spirit Halloween store in Madison Heights. Police say Benson and Anthony Thompson, 21, of Detroit, argued near the store entrance before Thompson was shot several times and died. Benson was arraigned on November 2, was denied bond, and is due back in court on November 18. We are following this case and will update it again as soon as new information comes. -
CORRECTION What changed: Case title reformatted
SUSPECT ARRESTED
Update #1 — Correction: Case title reformatted
Correction: Case title reformatted
Case title reformatted
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