A summer pool party in Detroit spiraled into violence last month, leaving two people dead and two others seriously injured after an argument over a dance turned into a deadly stabbing.

Authorities say the suspect, 31-year-old Daiwan Hobson, became enraged when another man danced with his girlfriend. What began as a heated exchange quickly escalated, ending in bloodshed that has left families grieving and a community shaken.

The Incident

According to investigators, the confrontation started in the backyard of a home hosting a pool party. Witnesses reported that voices were raised and tensions flared before Hobson allegedly produced a knife. Chaos erupted as he began attacking those around him.

The fight spilled into the front yard, where stunned neighbors looked on as people screamed and tried to intervene. By the time police arrived, four victims had been stabbed.

The Victims

Two people tragically lost their lives in the attack:

• Martisha Payne, 25, a young woman from Detroit remembered for her vibrant spirit and kindness.

• Jakirea Williams, 31, a man from Chesterfield Township described by loved ones as hardworking and loyal.

Two other men survived but sustained serious injuries:

• A 31-year-old man from Pontiac, who remains in recovery.

• A 40-year-old man from Detroit, who is also expected to survive.

Friends and relatives of the victims say the tragedy feels surreal, noting how quickly a night meant for fun and celebration turned into a nightmare.

The Suspect

Prosecutors revealed that Hobson had only recently been released from prison in July 2025, just one month before the stabbings. His criminal past is now under renewed scrutiny as families demand justice for the victims.

He has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to murder. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison.

Community Shock

Neighbors described the scene as chaotic and horrifying. “We just heard screaming and then saw people running out front,” one witness said. “It was unbelievable—something you’d never expect to see on this street.”

Community leaders have called the incident a sobering reminder of how quickly violence can erupt, urging residents to look out for one another and to resolve conflicts without resorting to deadly force.

Remembering the Victims

As the case moves through the courts, the families of Payne and Williams are left to mourn lives cut tragically short. Vigils and tributes have been organized to honor their memory, with friends sharing stories of the joy, laughter, and love both victims brought into the lives of those who knew them.

For the survivors, the physical and emotional wounds will take time to heal. For the families of the deceased, the pain of their loss will last a lifetime.

The Detroit community now waits as justice takes its course, hoping the outcome brings some measure of closure after an act of violence that has left scars across the city.