Oak Park man charged with killing man in Halloween store

Multiple gunshot wounds killed Anthony Thompson III inside a Spirit Halloween store in Madison Heights, Michigan, on Friday afternoon.

John Benson Jr., 21, was arraigned on Monday and charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm. Prosecutors say surveillance video captured the events leading to the death. The footage shows Benson leaving the store with a woman and two small children just as Thompson and his family entered. After a brief exchange, Benson drew a concealed handgun and fired at Thompson. He then chased Thompson into the store, stood over him, and shot him several more times.

Benson called 911 after the shooting. He told investigators that he believed Thompson had a gun and intended to shoot him. No firearm was found on Thompson when police arrived at the scene around 2 p.m. Madison Heights police stated that the victim and the suspect knew each other and that the shooting was likely not random.

The store was full of shoppers at the time of the incident. Prosecutor Karen McDonald noted that the killing happened the day before Halloween. She said it was a miracle that no one else was injured. McDonald stated that her office intends to prosecute the case vigorously and continue working to prevent similar violent crimes.

The charges carry severe penalties. First-degree murder in Michigan is punishable by life in prison without parole. The felony firearm charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence, which must be served consecutively with any other sentence handed down.