21-Year-Old Charged With Murder After Spirit Halloween Shooting Kills Detroit Man
Oak Park resident John Lashawn Benson faces first-degree murder and felony firearm charges after an argument at the John R. Road location turned deadly on Oct. 30.
By Karan Cabrera ·
John Lashawn Benson, 21, of Oak Park, was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm on Nov. 2 in connection with the Oct. 30 death of Anthony Thompson, 21, of Detroit, at a Spirit Halloween in Madison Heights.
Police report that Benson and Thompson argued near the main entrance of the store on John R. Road between 13 and 14 Mile Roads around 2 p.m. on Oct. 30. During the dispute, Benson allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Thompson multiple times while bystanders stood nearby. Officers discovered Thompson with multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died. No other people present were injured.
Officers recovered a 9mm handgun at the location. Benson was also taken to a hospital after being assaulted by members of Thompson’s family during his arrest.
Benson’s wife, Alanna, stated that her husband fired in self-defense. She described the scene as the couple and their three children left the store. Alanna said Thompson, whom she said Benson knew and had a prior history with, confronted them near the exit. She claimed Thompson reached into his pocket, prompting Benson to draw his weapon.
“He sees us and recognizes us and tells my husband, ‘What’s up?’” Alanna said. “And my husband’s like, ‘No, not right here,’ as he’s still walking out. He’s like, ‘No, *****, what’s up?’ And went in his pocket, and my husband drew his gun and was shaking while he was trying his gun, and he shot.”
Alanna added that Benson held a Concealed Pistol License. She argued that without the gun, the surrounding crowd would have overwhelmed him. “If he didn’t have that gun, and we walked out here and all those people would’ve jumped on him, would I be at the hospital right now praying over my husband? He defended me, himself, and his kids,” she said.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case before filing the charges. Benson was arraigned on Nov. 2 and denied bond. His next court date is set for Nov. 18.
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit
