Detroit Man Charged in Assault of Sister and Non-Fatal Stabbing of Dog

Published on October 14, 2026

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Joshua Shakur Leroy Cawthon, 18, of Detroit, in connection with the assault of his 25-year-old sister, and the non-fatal stabbing of the victim’s dog. The defendant and the victim were residing together at the time of the incident. 

On October 3, 2026, at approximately 9:54 p.m., at a residence in the 16500 block of Lesure Street in Detroit, it is alleged that the defendant and the victim were involved in a verbal altercation. It is further alleged that the altercation escalated, and Defendant Cawthon produced a pocketknife, threatened the victim, and then stabbed the victim’s dog. Defendant Cawthon turned himself in to the Detroit Detention Center on October 13, 2026.

Joshua Shakur Leroy Cawthon has been charged with one count of Animals – Killing/Torturing – First Degree, one count of Felonious Assault, and one count of Domestic Violence. *

He was arraigned this afternoon in 36th District Court before Magistrate William Burton and received a $10,000 personal bond. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for October 28, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., before Judge Shawn Jacque.

 Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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