Oak Park man charged with murder in Spirit Halloween shooting death

Anthony Thompson III, 21, died from multiple gunshot wounds inside a Spirit Halloween store in Madison Heights, Michigan. John Benson Jr., also 21 and a resident of Oak Park, was arraigned on Monday and charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm.

The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Madison Heights police discovered Thompson inside the store. Surveillance video reviewed by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office captured the incident in a crowded location. The footage showed Benson exiting the store with a woman and two small children as Thompson and his family members entered. After a verbal exchange, Benson drew a concealed handgun and shot Thompson. He then chased the victim into the store, stood over him, and fired several additional shots.

Benson called 911 immediately after the shooting. He told investigators that he believed Thompson was armed with a handgun and intended to shoot him. Police stated that no firearm was recovered from Thompson. Law enforcement officials determined that the victim and suspect knew each other and assessed that the attack was not random.

Prosecutor Karen McDonald noted that Thompson was killed in a store filled with children selecting costumes the day before Halloween. She called it a miracle that no one else was injured. McDonald stated that the office intends to vigorously prosecute the defendant and continue efforts to prevent gun violence. She emphasized that everyone has a right to be safe.

First-degree murder carries a penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The felony firearm charge adds a mandatory two-year prison term. This sentence is served consecutively with any other sentence imposed.

Benson is currently in custody. His next court date is scheduled for December 15 at the Oakland County Circuit Court.