#DC-0223
John Lashawn Benson
Charged · allegations
last updated 4 November 2026 · 2 sources
Confirmed facts
11
Open questions
4
Incident date
30 Oct 2026
Next court
18 Nov 2026
Bond
Denied
Charges
2 counts
This case is still developing. Get an email when the file updates.
Timeline of what's confirmed11 entries
30 October 2026 after 2 p.m.
Madison Heights police said a shooting happened inside a Spirit Halloween store in the 32000 block of John R Road.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
30 October 2026
Madison Heights police identified the victim as Anthony Thompson, 21, of Detroit.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
30 October 2026
Madison Heights police alleged Benson and Thompson were involved in an altercation near the store's main entrance when Benson fired shots that struck Thompson.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
30 October 2026
Madison Heights police said Thompson was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
30 October 2026
Madison Heights police said Benson remained at the scene and was taken into custody.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
30 October 2026
Madison Heights police said Benson suffered non-life-threatening injuries after he was assaulted by Thompson's family members and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
30 October 2026
Madison Heights police said no bystanders were injured in the shooting.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
31 October 2026
A Spirit Halloween spokesperson told CBS News the Madison Heights store would remain closed until the end of the season.
CBS Detroit
2 November 2026
Madison Heights police said John Lashawn Benson, of Oak Park, was arraigned on one count of first-degree murder and one count of felony firearm; the case was reported before any trial verdict.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
2 November 2026
Madison Heights police said Benson was denied bond.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
18 November 2026
Madison Heights police said Benson is due back in court.
CBS Detroit citing Madison Heights police
Open questionsunconfirmed · not conclusions
Have police confirmed Benson's family's claim that he had a concealed pistol license?unconfirmed; CBS Detroit reported the family claim and said police had not confirmed it · unconfirmed
Have police confirmed Benson's family's claim that he was defending himself?unconfirmed; CBS Detroit reported the family claim and said police had not confirmed it · unconfirmed
What is the scheduled purpose of the 18 November 2026 court date?unconfirmed; CBS Detroit reported the date but not the hearing type · unconfirmed
Have any charges been filed related to the police-reported assault on Benson at the scene?unconfirmed; CBS Detroit reported the assault but did not report charges · unconfirmed
🔒
Members get the full evidence view
Source-by-source breakdown, contradictions log, and every update as it lands.
See membership