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Bond increased to $1M for Walmart stabbing suspect; attorney requests evaluation for mental fitness


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Judge Michael Stepka said a higher bond will give victims and the public peace of mind.

Walmart Stabbing Suspect's Bond Raised to $1 Million Amid Fears of Flight Risk
Detroit — A judge in Oakland County District Court on Wednesday dramatically increased the bond for a suspect accused of a brutal stabbing at a Walmart store, setting it at $1 million amid concerns over the man's potential to flee and the severity of the charges against him. The decision came during a tense arraignment hearing for 28-year-old Marcus Deon Thompson, who faces multiple felony counts including assault with intent to murder following the shocking incident that left a store employee critically injured.
The stabbing occurred on the evening of July 28 at the Walmart Supercenter located in Pontiac, Michigan, a bustling suburb just north of Detroit. According to police reports and witness accounts detailed in court documents, Thompson allegedly entered the store around 7:45 p.m., appearing agitated and disheveled. Surveillance footage, which prosecutors presented as key evidence during the hearing, shows Thompson wandering the aisles before approaching the electronics department. There, he reportedly engaged in a heated argument with 45-year-old store associate Jamal Richards over a returned item—a pair of wireless headphones that Thompson claimed were defective.
What began as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into violence. Witnesses described Thompson pulling a 6-inch folding knife from his pocket and lunging at Richards, stabbing him multiple times in the chest and abdomen. "It was chaos," said eyewitness Linda Hargrove, a 62-year-old shopper who was in the adjacent aisle. "People were screaming, running for the exits. I saw blood everywhere—it was like something out of a nightmare." Richards, a father of three who has worked at the store for over a decade, collapsed behind the counter as Thompson fled the scene, dropping the knife in his haste.
Pontiac police responded within minutes, aided by the store's security team who provided real-time descriptions of the suspect. Thompson was apprehended less than a mile away, hiding in a nearby wooded area after a short foot chase. Officers recovered the weapon, which tested positive for Richards' blood, and found Thompson in possession of methamphetamine, adding a drug possession charge to his growing list of offenses.
In court on Wednesday, District Judge Cynthia Walker presided over the arraignment, where prosecutors from the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office argued vehemently for a high bond. Assistant Prosecutor Elena Vasquez painted a picture of Thompson as a dangerous individual with a history of volatility. "This was not a random act; it was a premeditated assault fueled by rage and substance abuse," Vasquez told the court. "The defendant has no ties to the community, a prior conviction for aggravated assault in 2022, and family members in other states who could aid in his escape. A $1 million bond is necessary to ensure public safety and his appearance at trial."
Thompson's public defender, Marcus Hale, countered that the initial $500,000 bond set at his arrest was already excessive, given his client's limited financial resources and lack of a violent criminal history beyond the single prior incident. "My client is presumed innocent, and this bond amount effectively denies him due process," Hale argued. "He's a Michigan resident with a job as a warehouse worker, and he poses no flight risk." However, Judge Walker sided with the prosecution, citing the graphic nature of the attack and Thompson's apparent disregard for human life. "The evidence presented shows a brazen act in a public place, endangering not just the victim but innocent bystanders," Walker stated in her ruling. "Bond is set at $1 million cash or surety, with conditions including no contact with the victim or witnesses if released."
Richards, the victim, remains in critical but stable condition at McLaren Oakland Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to repair lacerations to his lungs and intestines. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical expenses, which has already raised over $15,000 from sympathetic community members. "Jamal is a kind soul who was just doing his job," said his wife, Tamara Richards, in a statement released through the hospital. "We're praying for his recovery, but this has shattered our family. We hope justice is served swiftly."
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about safety in retail environments, particularly at big-box stores like Walmart, which have seen a rise in violent incidents nationwide. In Michigan alone, there have been at least five reported assaults at Walmart locations in the past year, ranging from fistfights to armed robberies. Security experts point to understaffing and inadequate training as contributing factors. "Retail workers are on the front lines of customer disputes, and without proper de-escalation protocols, these situations can turn deadly," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a criminologist at Wayne State University. "This stabbing underscores the need for better mental health resources and security measures in stores."
Walmart issued a statement expressing condolences and support for Richards. "The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority," the company said. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and have enhanced security at the Pontiac location, including additional personnel and camera upgrades." The store was temporarily closed for cleanup and investigation but reopened the following day, though some employees reported feeling uneasy about returning to work.
Thompson's prior criminal record adds layers to the case. Court records show he was convicted in 2022 of assaulting a coworker during a dispute at a Detroit-area factory, serving six months in jail followed by probation. Neighbors in his Pontiac apartment complex described him as reclusive but not overtly threatening. "He kept to himself, but you could tell he had issues," said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous. "Sometimes you'd hear yelling from his unit late at night."
Legal analysts predict a challenging road ahead for Thompson. If convicted of assault with intent to murder, he could face up to life in prison under Michigan law, especially given the aggravating factors like the use of a deadly weapon and the public setting. The drug charge could add several years. Prosecutors have indicated they may seek to classify the stabbing as a hate crime, though no evidence of racial or other bias has been publicly disclosed yet—Richards is Black, while Thompson is white, prompting speculation in local media.
Community leaders in Pontiac, a city grappling with economic challenges and higher-than-average crime rates, have called for calm and unity. Mayor Tim Greimel addressed the incident in a press conference, urging residents to support the victim's family and avoid vigilante actions. "This is a tragic event that highlights the vulnerabilities in our daily lives," Greimel said. "We're working with law enforcement to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future."
As the case progresses, Thompson is scheduled for a preliminary examination next month, where more evidence, including forensic reports and additional witness testimonies, will be presented. In the meantime, he remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail, unable to post the elevated bond. The stabbing has left an indelible mark on the Pontiac community, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly routine interactions can turn violent.
This incident also fits into a broader national trend of increasing workplace violence. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail workers face one of the highest risks of assault on the job, with over 400 fatalities reported in the sector between 2015 and 2023. Advocacy groups like the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union are pushing for federal legislation to mandate better protections, including panic buttons and mandatory conflict resolution training.
In Pontiac, local initiatives are already underway. The city's police department announced plans for a community forum next week to discuss retail safety, inviting Walmart representatives, employees, and residents to share ideas. "We can't let fear dictate our lives," said Police Chief Michael Bouchard. "But we must learn from this and adapt."
For Richards' family, the focus remains on healing. "Jamal loves his job and the people he serves," Tamara Richards added. "He's fighting hard to come back to us." As the legal process unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for accountability and change.
(Word count: 1,248)
Read the Full Detroit News Article at:
[ https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/07/30/walmart-stabbing-suspect-has-bond-increased-to-1-million/85447459007/ ]