CANTON, MI – A man accused of a violent attack on his family appeared in court Thursday, facing nine counts of assault and weapons charges. The incident, involving the alleged stabbing of his mother, sister, and brother, unfolded outside their home earlier this week.
Authorities have confirmed that the victims are expected to recover, although they suffered severe injuries. The timing of the attack during Domestic Violence Awareness Month has drawn considerable attention.
The suspect, 23-year-old Derek Allen, remains in Wayne County Jail with a bond set at $3 million, without the option of a 10% payment. His arraignment in the 35th District Court revealed a history of prior offenses, including domestic violence and a bank robbery conviction, for which he served over a year in prison before being paroled in May.
Allen’s court-appointed attorney, Andrew States, described him as having unresolved family and personal issues. Despite the gravity of the charges, States expressed hope that Allen could work through his challenges.
The violent episode occurred on a Tuesday, with police responding to multiple 911 calls. Officers discovered two victims in the driveway and one in the roadway, all suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency responders provided immediate medical attention and transported them to nearby hospitals, where they remain in serious but stable condition.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Allen had been visiting his family on the day of the incident, but details of what triggered the violence are still under investigation.
Allen is scheduled for a preliminary examination on October 31. If convicted, he faces the possibility of a life sentence.