Detroit woman fatally stabbed on lunch break in unprovoked downtown attack

Jaquoya Wix, 34, a Chipotle employee and mother, was stabbed to death Sunday in a downtown Detroit alley during her lunch break. A suspect was taken into custody using surveillance footage.

Detroit mother killed in random stabbing near Woodward Avenue

Jaquoya Wix, 34, was fatally stabbed Sunday afternoon while on her lunch break from a Chipotle restaurant in downtown Detroit, clickondetroit.com reports. Her family identified her after the attack, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. in an alley near Woodward Avenue and E. Congress Street.

Wix was a mother to a 15-year-old daughter, as well as a sister and daughter, according to her sister Alicya Wix, who spoke to Local 4. She had been working a regular shift at the Woodward Avenue Chipotle when a man approached and stabbed her with a knife. Her family described the attack as entirely random.

Two bystanders near the alley told Local 4 they heard Wix scream. She attempted to re-enter the restaurant through a back door but collapsed before reaching it. Employees from a neighboring pub responded immediately, coming out of their own back entrance to render aid before calling 911. A worker from another nearby business pursued the fleeing suspect on foot while speaking with police by phone.

Officers tracked the man using surveillance camera footage and took him into custody in the area of Woodward Avenue and State Street. Investigators are still working to establish a motive.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield released a statement offering condolences to the family. "From what we now know, this was an unprovoked attack by an individual suffering from severe mental health issues," Sheffield said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jaquoya and our city grieves with her family during this incredibly difficult time."

Chipotle's Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer Laurie Schalow also issued a statement. "We are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred today in downtown Detroit. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected, as well as our Woodward Avenue restaurant team, during this incredibly difficult time. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and hope the individual responsible is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Schalow said.

People in downtown Detroit on Sunday evening told reporters they were shaken by the news. "It's very scary, you know," said Tamika Wilson. "You would think downtown would be safe, especially hearing what happened to the young lady. She was at work too." Another bystander, Cha'Laya Adams, called the news shocking.

Wix's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and to provide support for her teenage daughter.

Source: Law & Crime