A barbecue in Detroit reportedly turned into a deadly argument over chicken.
Yes, chicken.
Cleo Lawson, 62, has been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of her sister’s boyfriend, Kenneth Erwin Thomas, 60, during an argument at a barbecue on Sept. 7.
What started as a disagreement over how to cook chicken allegedly ended with a man dead.
Apparently, “pass me the barbecue sauce” was not going to settle this one.
Authorities say the incident happened in Detroit during what should have been a normal gathering. People were presumably there to eat, talk and enjoy the barbecue.
Instead, an argument reportedly broke out over cooking techniques.
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.
There are many things worth arguing about at a barbecue. Who forgot the drinks, who took the last piece of chicken, whether the grill needs more charcoal. But cooking technique?
That is apparently where this gathering drew the line.
According to the reported allegations, the dispute escalated before Thomas was fatally shot. Lawson was subsequently charged in connection with the death.
The case is now moving through the legal system.
And this story is a reminder that arguments can become dangerous when people stop walking away.
