Michigan Man Accused of Killing Estranged Wife During Custody Exchange at Meijer Gas Station
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — A Michigan man is facing a first-degree murder charge after police say he fatally stabbed his estranged wife during a custody exchange inside a Meijer gas station, while their child sat waiting in the car outside.
Attack at Meijer Gas Station
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office and the Shelby Township Police Department, the incident happened around 5 p.m. on September 21 inside the gas station on Hall Road, about 20 miles north of Detroit.
Authorities allege Sydney Emmanuel Davis Jr., 25, attacked his estranged wife, 23-year-old Fatme Davis, during the exchange, beating and repeatedly stabbing her.
Child Present During Attack
The couple’s child was waiting in Fatme Davis’ car in the parking lot when the fatal attack took place. Authorities have not disclosed the child’s age or gender.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement:
“A young mother was allegedly killed at the hands of her estranged husband, while their child sat waiting in the car. Our office is committed to pursuing this case to the fullest extent of the law to ensure justice is served.”
Victim Pronounced Dead at Hospital
Witnesses inside the station called 911 as the attack unfolded. Responding officers and emergency crews found Fatme Davis critically injured and rushed her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.Several eyewitnesses gave police a description of the attacker, who fled the scene immediately after the stabbing.
Suspect Arrested in Armada
Police launched a manhunt and located Sydney Davis a short time later in Armada, Michigan, about 20 miles northeast of the gas station. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigators determined the stabbing stemmed from an ongoing domestic violence dispute, not a random act.
Court Proceedings
Davis appeared before Magistrate Judge Jim Verploeg on September 24 for arraignment, where he was formally charged with first-degree premeditated murder.
Bond was denied, and Davis remains held at the Macomb County Detention Center. His next court appearance is set for October 14 for a preliminary examination hearing.
Shelby Township Police Chief Robert J. Shelide condemned the crime:
“This despicable act of violence against this mother is a stark reminder of the scourge of domestic violence. As a community, we must stand united against such cowardice.”
This case has shaken the Shelby Township community, where residents are mourning the young mother’s death and calling for stronger protections during custody exchanges.
Stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for further updates on this case and other domestic violence investigations in Michigan.