Crime
Video Captures Moment Shoppers Confront Suspect During Walmart Stabbing Incident in Traverse City
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — A horrifying stabbing incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. Saturday at the Walmart Supercenter in Traverse City, Michigan, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a massive emergency response.
Authorities have confirmed that a 42-year-old Michigan man is in custody in connection with the attack.
According to a statement from Munson Healthcare, 11 victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
Five individuals are listed in serious condition, while six remain in critical condition as of Saturday evening.
The stabbing occurred at the Walmart located at Crossing Circle, triggering a rapid response from police, EMS, and fire units.
First responders found victims suffering from severe wounds throughout various departments inside the store.
Several were treated at the scene with tourniquets before being transported to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic inside the store as the suspect allegedly attacked customers at random.
According to shoppers and employees, people screamed and fled in all directions. One Walmart employee reported seeing a victim who had been stabbed in the eye. Another individual reportedly went into cardiac arrest following the incident.
Several shoppers took brave action to stop the suspect.
According to witness Kathryn Ann Clark, her friend’s son and another customer confronted the attacker and managed to subdue him until police arrived. Despite early social media speculation, authorities have confirmed that no shots were fired.
Amber Paull, another witness, told Channel2 Now that the suspect “just lost it” in the grocery and produce section, targeting random individuals. She noted that an African American shopper tried to intervene by drawing a pistol to stop the attacker, but the suspect managed to slip into the crowd amidst the panic.
Among the victims were reportedly an elderly woman and a child, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
In a public advisory, Grand Traverse 911 urged residents to avoid the Walmart area, stating, “First responders are on scene. There is no danger to the public at this time.”
The motive for the attack remains under investigation. Police have not released the suspect’s name or additional details about his background as of Saturday night.
Traverse City is located approximately 125 miles north of Grand Rapids. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities are asking anyone with video footage or firsthand information about the incident to come forward.
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.