The Eagle

Suspect in family stabbings facing life in prison

A Canton Township man is facing life in prison if convicted of multiple felonies in the stabbing of three of his family members last week.

Derek Attee Alesmaily, 23, was arraigned on 10 charges in the incidents which occurred Oct. 14 and left his mother, brother and sister hospitalized with serious injuries. He faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of assault with intent to murder, three counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The intent to murder charges each carry a prison term of up to life.

Alesmaily was arrested by Canton Township police following officers’ response to a home on Parklawn Drive at about 3:39 p.m. Oct. 14 following a 911 call reporting a stabbing. Responding officers found two of the victims in the driveway of the home and one in the street, each suffering multiple stab wounds, according to police reports. Alesmaily’s mother, 42, his 22-year-old sister, and his 21-year-old brother were immediately transported to a nearby hospital by emergency medical personnel for treatment of their injuries. All three were later reported in serious, but stable condition.

According to police reports, Alesmaily, his mother, and brother were residents of the Canton Township home. His sister is a Dearborn resident. Police said each of the victims had been stabbed multiple times before the suspect fled the scene. Alesmaily was arrested a short time after the incident, police said.

He was arraigned last week before Judge Michael Gerou at the 35^th District Court, and bond was set at $3 million cash. He is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for a hearing on the charges.

“It is ironic that this happened during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “This family has experienced a horrific tragedy. We will prosecute this offender and bring the victims the justice that they deserve.”

Canton Township Deputy Chief Edward Johnson urged family members to seek help in any incident of domestic violence.

“When domestic violence erupts within a family, especially through something as brutal as a stabbing, it shatters the trust, safety, and foundation of what a home should be,” Johnson said. “Trauma can ripple outward, scarring not only those directly harmed, but also the community that cares for and surrounds them.”

Resources are available through the Canton Public Safety Department website at www.cantonmi.gov/789 or through First Step’s 24-hour hotline at (734) 722-6800, Johnson said.