SOUTHGATE, Mich. — Authorities have identified the victim in Tuesday afternoon’s fatal stabbing inside the Kroger Marketplace near Fort Street and Pennsylvania Road as 23-year-old Abel Vazquez of Southgate.
According to the Southgate Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. on October 7, 2025, when a dispute between two men reportedly over a woman escalated into a deadly altercation. Officers responding to multiple 911 calls found Vazquez suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital.
Investigators determined that the suspect, a 33-year-old Kroger employee, had arranged to meet Vazquez at the store. During their confrontation, the argument turned violent, resulting in the stabbing. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities emphasized that Vazquez was not employed by Kroger and confirmed that the incident is considered isolated, posing no ongoing threat to the public.
Detective Sergeant Michael Murphy said the altercation stemmed from personal issues involving a woman. Witnesses also noted prior complaints of harassment against the suspect. Authorities are reviewing store surveillance footage and conducting interviews as the investigation continues in coordination with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Kroger store is expected to reopen Thursday morning after cleanup and security assessments.