2 killed, 1 critically injured in Sterling Heights stabbings

20-year-old man is in custody

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Police in Sterling Heights are investigating the stabbings of three people, two of which were killed, by a family member early Monday morning in the 39000 block of Lea Court.

A 20-year-old man is suspected of fatally stabbing his 44-year-old uncle and 79-year-old grandfather. His 71-year-old grandmother also suffered stab wounds.

Police say the grandmother called 911 to report her grandson was out of control and assaulting them in their home. The 20-year-old had been living with his uncle and grandparents for about two weeks since moving from North Carolina, police said.

He is in police custody. Police said he was waiting at the home when officers arrived. He told them he was involved. He is expected to be arraigned on charges Tuesday.

Police found the 79-year-old man dead at the home from stab wounds. The 44-year-old man was taken to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital with stabs wounds, where he later died.

The 71-year-old woman remains at the hospital. Her condition is critical, but she is stable.

Police say the 20-year-old has no criminal history. A motive is not clear at this time.

"The grandmother was initially asleep when she was assaulted," said Lt. David Smith. "The grandfather tried to intervene and as the uncle became aware of that, he was involved in it, too. It proceeded in the kitchen where a knife became involved and unfortunately it turned out the way it did."

Neighbors who knew the family said they were nice people who lived for their grandchildren.

Sterling Heights police are conducting a homicide investigation.

"They all suffered multiple stab wounds," said Smith.