MAN STABBED AFTER DISPUTE OVER HOW TO COOK CHICKEN

PEOPLE

 

Man Stabbed After Dispute Over How to Cook Chicken at Barbeque

By Charna Flam  Published on September 16, 2026 06:12PM EDT

 

A man allegedly fatally stabbed another man over an argument about cooking techniques during a barbecue in Detroit on Sept. 7.

 

Cleo Lawson, 62, and his sister attended a barbecue with her boyfriend, Kenneth Erwin Thomas, 60, the Hazel Park Police Department said in a news release. While there, Lawson and Thomas allegedly got into a confrontation about how to cook chicken. The altercation escalated, and Lawson allegedly stabbed Thomas.

 

Authorities were alerted to the stabbing and responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, they attempted to treat Thomas, however, he succumbed to his injuries.

 

Lawson was charged with second-degree murder. He was arraigned on Sept. 10 and was denied bond. He remains in Oakland County Jail and is awaiting his probable cause conference on Sept. 22, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE.

 

PEOPLE reached out to the Hazel Park Police Department for comment.