Southfield man charged with attacking, injuring father with hatchet

Victim remains in critical condition but is expected to survive

John Cornelius Darby (Oakland County Jail)

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A Southfield man has been charged after allegedly attacking and severely injuring his own father with a hatchet.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against 22-year-old John Cornelius Darby IV in connection with the attack of his 51-year-old father.

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Officials allege Darby attacked his father using a hatchet on May 23, with the man sustaining multiple severe lacerations and injuries.

Officials also allege Darby took his father’s truck after the attack, before being stopped by police later that evening and being taken into custody.

The defendant was taken into custody and arraigned on May 24 in the 46th District Court on one charge of Assault with Intent to Murder. Bond was set at $1 Million cash surety. The defendant remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.

The victim remains in critical condition but is expected to survive.

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Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.