Crime
Derrick Perry Drew His Firearm and Risked His Life to Help Subdue Suspect in Traverse City Walmart Mass Stabbing
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — As the community of Traverse City reels from Saturday’s horrifying mass stabbing at the Walmart Supercenter, the stories of courage and selflessness shown by everyday citizens are emerging—shedding light on the heroic actions that may have saved countless lives.
Among those recognized are Derrick Perry and Matthew K., two men now credited with confronting and helping to apprehend the 42-year-old suspect after he attacked 11 people inside the store.
According to officials and eyewitnesses, the stabbing spree unfolded just before 5:00 p.m. and left six victims in critical condition and five others in serious condition, as confirmed by Munson Healthcare.
In a Facebook post, one local resident expressed gratitude to the brave individuals involved in stopping the attacker, revealing that a close family friend was slashed in the throat during the rampage. “She’s one of the lucky ones and will be okay,” the post reads. “Please continue to pray for her and the other 10 victims.”
Matthew K., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Kent City, Michigan, was visiting Traverse City with his family on vacation.
According to witnesses, the family had just finished checking out at the store when an emergency announcement was broadcast over the intercom: “There’s a man with a knife!”
While exiting the store, Matthew saw two people injured, including an elderly woman.
Acting on instinct and military training, he instructed his daughter to stay back, then used a nearby shopping cart to strike the attacker in the Achilles tendon, causing the suspect to fall forward.
“Matthew didn’t hesitate,” a witness said. “He went into ‘Marine mode’ and neutralized the threat.”
At that same moment, Derrick Perry, another shopper, reportedly drew his legally-owned firearm and ordered the suspect to drop the knife.
The suspect complied after realizing he was surrounded, and several other shoppers joined in, tackling and restraining him until police arrived moments later.
“He [Derrick] risked his life to save many others,” one post stated. “He is truly a hero.”
The assault appeared random and indiscriminate, with victims found across various departments.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as customers ran in every direction.
“I work there,” said Walmart employee Tasha Nash. “People were screaming. I saw a man stabbed in the eye.”
Another witness, Amber Paull, said, “A foreign guy just lost it on random people in the produce and grocery area… there were victims everywhere, including a child and an elderly woman.”
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially released, was taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities have ruled out any additional threat to the public.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Law enforcement agencies including local police, EMS, and state officials continue to investigate the stabbing.
The Grand Traverse 911 center issued a public advisory asking residents to avoid the area, stating, “There is no danger to the public at this time.”
This tragic event has forever altered the lives of many families in Traverse City, but thanks to the decisive actions of ordinary citizens—veterans and bystanders alike—a far greater loss of life was likely prevented.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional video footage or information to contact local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers as the investigation proceeds.
Crime
Elgin Public Schools Teacher Holly Hill Dies From Complications Two Years After Drinking Poisoned Margarita
ELGIN, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has launched a formal investigation into the death of Holly Hill, a 30-year-old teacher, wife, and mother from Elgin, Oklahoma, who died last week from long-term medical complications reportedly caused by ingesting a poisoned margarita at a local restaurant in 2023.
OSBI officials confirmed that the investigation began at the request of Comanche County District Attorney Kyle Cabelka following Hill’s death on Thursday.
According to Hill’s family, her health issues began on Valentine’s Day 2023, when she dined at Hacienda Las Margaritas Bar & Grill in Elgin.
During the evening, Hill ordered a second margarita that, unbeknownst to her, contained a highly caustic industrial cleaning chemical rather than the intended cocktail ingredients.
“Her mouth was on fire, and she knew something wasn’t right,” recalled Kelly Hunter, Hill’s mother. “She immediately jumped up and ran to the bathroom, started throwing up, and rinsing her mouth out with water.”
The ingestion caused severe internal burns to Hill’s esophagus and digestive tract, leading to two years of intense medical treatment.
Hill underwent more than 60 medical procedures, including repeated esophageal dilations and surgeries, as doctors attempted to repair the extensive damage.
Despite her deteriorating health, Hill continued teaching at Elgin Public Schools, where she was described as a dedicated educator loved by her students and colleagues.
In the days leading up to her death, Hill’s family believed she was finally recovering.
On October 17, doctors reportedly told them that her esophagus appeared to be healing. However, her condition suddenly worsened, and she went into cardiac arrest as medical staff prepared to transfer her. “As they were trying to get her ready to transport her, they lost her pulse,” Hunter said.
Hill’s family previously filed a civil lawsuit against Hacienda Las Margaritas, which was settled confidentially earlier this year, according to their attorney.
Following her death, the family is renewing calls for accountability and public awareness.
“The number one thing we really want at this point is for people to be aware of what happened at that restaurant and to quit supporting them,” Hunter said. “We want them to be held accountable for taking my daughter’s life. It might have been a long fight, but ultimately, they are the cause.”
The restaurant has not issued a recent public statement regarding Hill’s death. In a 2023 social media post, management wrote:
“We have never walked away from responsibility and will continue to support them in any way possible while our insurance company is on the case.”
Local officials confirmed that Elgin Police requested assistance from OSBI, and investigators are now reviewing evidence related to the original 2023 incident and Hill’s recent death.
In a statement, Elgin Public Schools expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing, describing her as “an Owl through and through” and asking the community to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers.
Hill leaves behind her husband and young child, as well as a community still reeling from a tragedy that began with what should have been an ordinary night out.