Inset: Cleo Lawson (Oakland County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The area in Hazel Park where Lawson allegedly killed his sister’s boyfriend (Google Maps).
A 62-year-old man in Michigan is accused of killing his sister’s boyfriend, allegedly stabbing the 60-year-old victim during a Labor Day barbecue after the two men got into an argument over how the chicken should be cooked.
Cleo Lawson was taken into custody and charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with the slaying of 60-year-old Kenneth Erwin Thomas, authorities announced.
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According to a news release from the Hazel Park Police Department, officers at 5:20 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, responded to a 911 call regarding a reported stabbing at a home in the 1600 block of E. Granet Ave., which is about 10 miles north of Detroit.
Thomas and his live-in girlfriend were hosting a barbecue at which Lawson, the girlfriend’s brother, was one of the guests. At some point, the two men got into an argument over food preparation that quickly escalated into violence.
“Lawson and Thomas had a dispute over how the chicken was to be cooked that led to a confrontation,” the release states.
Authorities have not said what weapon Lawson allegedly used to stab Thomas.
Upon arriving, first responders found Thomas suffering from life-threatening injuries. He died while officers attempted to treat him, police said.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a warrant charging Lawson with Thomas’ murder.
Lawson appeared for his arraignment before Magistrate Michael G. Mitchell, who ordered him to remain in detention at the Oakland County Jail without bond. He is set to appear for a probable cause conference Sept. 22 before 43rd District Judge Brian Hartwell with a preliminary examination scheduled for the following week.
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