Hazel Park, Michigan: Tragic Incident Leaves Family in Shock as Charles Lamar Thomas Allegedly Shoots Darius Thompson in Face After Argument Over Disrespecting His Mother

Hazel Park, Michigan — March 2025 — The tight-knit community of Hazel Park is left in shock and grief after a devastating incident involving 22-year-old Darius Thompson and his mother’s boyfriend, 51-year-old Charles Lamar Thomas. What began as a heated argument over disrespect turned into a violent altercation that has left a young man severely injured and a family torn apart.

Darius Thompson, who had gone to his mother’s residence in Hazel Park to collect his personal belongings, was allegedly shot multiple times by Thomas after confronting him about his treatment of Thompson’s mother. The traumatic event has sparked an outpouring of support for Thompson’s family as they grapple with the emotional and physical toll of the incident.

A Moment of Tension Turns Violent

The tragic incident unfolded in a home on the quiet streets of Hazel Park. Thompson had been increasingly troubled by the way his mother’s boyfriend, Charles Lamar Thomas, was treating his mother. According to family members and neighbors, Thompson had been trying to address the situation for some time but had never expected things to escalate so violently.

On the day of the shooting, Thompson, who had been living independently, arrived at his mother’s house to retrieve some of his belongings. What should have been a routine task quickly turned into a confrontation when Thompson confronted Thomas over his alleged disrespectful behavior toward his mother. The argument, which reportedly centered around Thomas’ treatment of the woman, became more intense and, according to authorities, ended in violence.

The Shooting and Aftermath

According to law enforcement reports, during the heated exchange, Charles Lamar Thomas allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Thompson in the shoulder. Despite the intense pain from his shoulder wound, Thompson attempted to flee and defend himself. The situation worsened when Thomas allegedly shot Thompson in the face, leaving him critically injured.

Incredibly, despite the severity of his wounds, Thompson was able to fight back. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, he grabbed a firearm and fired back at Thomas. The young man managed to strike Thomas in multiple places, including his finger, wrist, and chest. Despite the extent of his injuries, both men managed to drive themselves to the hospital, where they were both treated for their wounds.

However, the gravity of the situation did not end at the hospital. Police, alerted to the incident, arrested Charles Lamar Thomas upon his arrival at the hospital. Authorities quickly determined that the shooting was not an act of self-defense but rather a violent attack. Thomas is now facing multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder and felony firearm possession. He is currently being held in Oakland County Jail with a $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 8 and April 15 for his preliminary hearings.

The Emotional Toll on the Family

For Thompson’s family, the pain of the shooting goes far beyond the physical injuries he sustained. Friends and family have been quick to rally around him, offering their support as he begins his recovery. While Thompson’s condition is still critical, his loved ones are hopeful that he will eventually pull through, although the emotional and psychological impact of such a traumatic event will linger for a long time.

“I just can’t believe this happened,” said one of Thompson’s close family members, who requested anonymity. “Darius has always been a kind and respectful person. He just wanted to make sure his mother was treated with respect. For this to happen—it’s just devastating.”

Neighbors who knew both Thompson and Thomas described the family dynamic as complicated, with some mentioning that Thompson had been concerned about his mother’s well-being for some time. Despite their concern, no one could have predicted the horrific events that would unfold that day.

As the days pass, the community continues to express their shock and disbelief. Many are left wondering how a situation that could have been resolved with a conversation instead ended in violence. The shooting has raised questions about the role of domestic relationships in the escalation of conflict and the vulnerability of individuals in these situations.

The Legal and Community Response

The charges against Charles Lamar Thomas are serious, and the community is awaiting further developments in the case. As of now, Thomas remains in custody, and his bond has been set at $500,000. Legal experts predict that the charges could result in a lengthy prison sentence if Thomas is convicted, and the upcoming court hearings on April 8 and 15 will provide a clearer picture of what will happen next.

In the meantime, local residents and community organizations have begun to offer support to Thompson’s family. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with medical expenses and any additional support the family may need during this difficult time. The family is focused on ensuring Thompson’s recovery, though they have expressed that the emotional scars of the event will be hard to heal.

Many of Thompson’s friends have also taken to social media to express their support for him and his family. They have shared memories of Thompson as a loving son and a caring individual who never hesitated to stand up for what he believed was right, especially when it came to protecting his mother.

A Community in Shock

Hazel Park, a city known for its quiet neighborhoods and close-knit residents, has been left in disbelief by the events that transpired in their midst. For a city that prides itself on its strong sense of community, the shooting has raised awareness about the importance of domestic violence prevention and mental