Weapons Charge to Issue Against Kroger Employee in Fatal Stabbing
Published on October 11, 2025
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has issued a weapons charge against Charles M. Hinton, II, 33, of Riverview, MI. He will not be charged in the fatal stabbing of Ramon Vazquez, 23, of Southgate, because he acted in lawful self-defense. Hinton was working as employee of the grocery store at the time of the incident.
On October 7, 2025, at approximately 3:05 p.m., Southgate police officers were dispatched to a Kroger in the 16700 block of Fort Street for a reported stabbing. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim lying on the ground at the front of the store, suffering from two stab wounds. Medics arrived on the scene and transported Mr. Vazquez to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The victim and the defendant knew of each other through another person but had never met in person. On the day of the incident, it is alleged that the victim came into the store looking for Hinton. He was working when suddenly Mr. Vazquez began punching him multiple times. While being attacked by Mr. Vazquez, Hinton produced a knife and stabbed Mr. Vazquez two times, fatally wounding him. Hinton remained at the scene.
Under Michigan law, an individual is allowed to use force, including deadly force, when necessary to protect themselves. The person must honestly and reasonably believe that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent imminent death or imminent great bodily harm to themselves.
The facts in this case show that Mr. Vazquez was the initial aggressor who physically attacked Hinton while he was working. Hinton in response defended himself. In this case the facts and evidence support that he acted in lawful self-defense.
Hinton has been charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon*, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. It is alleged that he illegally possessed a knife that he was carrying on his person at the time of the assault.
He was arraigned today in 36th District Court and received a personal bond and was ordered not to possess weapons. His next court date is on October 24, 2025, in 28th District Court in Southgate.
Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Southgate Police Department.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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