Friday, May 26, 2023

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Wednesday, May 24, 2023, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged John Cornelius Darby IV, a 22-year-old resident of Southfield, with Assault with Intent to Murder in connection with the attack of his 51-year-old father. Assault with Intent to Murder is a felony punishable by imprisonment for life or any number of years.

On May 23, 2023, it is alleged that the defendant attacked his father using a hatchet. The victim sustained multiple severe lacerations and injuries. After the attack, the defendant allegedly took his father's truck. A be on the lookout was issued and the Michigan State Police located the defendant, along with the bloody weapon during a traffic stop later that evening. The defendant was taken into custody and arraigned on May 24 in the 46th District Court. Bond was set at $1 Million cash surety. The defendant remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail. The victim remains in critical condition but is expected to survive.

"Acts of violence within families are especially tragic, and devastating," stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "We will continue to pursue justice vigorously for the victim in this case."

A Probable Cause Conference is set for June 7, 2023 at 1:30 pm before Judge Johnson in the 46th District Court.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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