A 34-year-old Detroit mother was stabbed to death in what authorities say was a completely random attack while she was taking a break from her job at Chipotle.
Jaquoya Wix was sitting in an alley behind the downtown restaurant near Woodward Avenue and East Congress Street around 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 when prosecutors say a stranger approached her and stabbed her multiple times with a knife.
Police say Wix and the suspect, 42-year-old Devon Jason Watson, did not know each other.
The attack happened in broad daylight.
Witnesses nearby heard Wix scream.
She reportedly tried to make it back toward the restaurant’s rear entrance after she was stabbed, but collapsed before she could get inside. Employees from nearby businesses rushed to help her while another worker chased the fleeing suspect and stayed on the phone with police.
Officers then used downtown surveillance cameras to track Watson to the area of Woodward Avenue and State Street, where he was arrested.
He has since been charged with one count of premeditated first-degree murder and was denied bond during his arraignment.
He is expected back in court for a probable cause conference on Sept. 30.
The case has taken another troubling turn because Watson had been ordered to receive psychiatric treatment just months before the killing.
Court records reviewed by Local 4 show a nurse filed a petition in July after Watson was brought to an emergency room for allegedly acting erratically at a coffee shop.
Medical staff described him as psychotic, confused and unable to understand his condition.
A judge later ordered him to receive mental health treatment at Havenwyck Hospital in Auburn Hills.
That history is now raising serious questions.
Wayne County’s public mental health authority is investigating whether there was a failure in the system before Wix was killed, while Detroit police say they are increasing patrols downtown, especially around alleys and other areas where people may be vulnerable.
Wix’s family says they are devastated.
Her sister, Alicya Wix, described the killing as senseless and said Jaquoya had been doing well in life before everything was taken from her.
“She didn’t deserve this,” she said. “We were so proud of her.”
Wix was a mother to a 15-year-old daughter.
Her family said the girl’s father had already died several years ago, leaving relatives now rallying around her after another devastating loss.
Loved ones gathered outside the Chipotle for a vigil, lighting candles, leaving flowers and remembering Wix as someone who loved makeup, fashion, thrifting and taking selfies.
Her obituary described her as someone who brought “warmth, style, glamour, humor, and generosity” into the lives of the people around her.
Family members also thanked the restaurant workers who rushed to Wix’s side after the attack.
At a news conference this week, Alicya said the support from the community had helped carry the family through what she called an unimaginable loss.
“Jaquoya was deeply loved just as she loved others,” she said.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the attack appeared random but maintained that prosecutors believe they can prove first-degree premeditated murder.
Watson has not been convicted and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For Wix’s family, the biggest question remains the simplest one.
Why her?
She was taking a routine break during an ordinary work shift when, according to police, a stranger she had never met suddenly attacked her.
Electric Chair for the bastard!