DETROIT – The survivor of a deadly attack outside a Detroit bar spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday.
He described how a celebration of his brother’s job promotion turned into a tragic night of violence that left his brother dead and him stabbed more than a dozen times.
“Jalen was my best friend. We used to tell everything to each other,” Glenn Stevens said after attending his brother’s funeral. “Even about this, all I cared about when I first woke up in the hospital. I asked where he was.”
The attack happened on Jan. 4 outside Chita Nefertiti’s bar on Grand River Avenue near Southfield Freeway on Detroit’s west side.
Jalen Stevens was fatally shot, while his younger brother Glenn survived 14 stab wounds.
According to Glenn Stevens, the incident began when he tried to leave the bar to bring his brother Jalen keys, who was already outside.
After security directed them to use different exits due to another ongoing situation, Glenn says he eventually went back out the front and was pushed by someone.
“As soon as I walked out the door, some guy pushed me. I didn’t bump him. I don’t know who he is. We didn’t see each other inside or nothing like that,” Glenn said. “I pushed him back and said calm down. As soon as that happened, some girl sprayed mace.”
The situation quickly escalated after she sprayed mace again, this time directly in Glenn’s eyes.
“That’s when they started attacking us,” Glenn said.
Glenn expressed frustration that while multiple people recorded video of the incident, no one tried to help.
“Everybody there was going to let me die,” Glenn said.
Detroit police have made progress in the investigation.
Michael Harris has been charged with Jalen’s death.
Additionally, one suspect is in custody for the stabbing, and three other suspects have been identified but not yet arrested.
Jalen leaves behind four children.
His wife, LaKaela Harvey, spoke about the lasting impact on their family.
“Daddy-daughter dances, she will miss out on, and my sons will never learn so much he planned to teach them. They will never get that back,” Harvey said.
GoFundMe campaigns have been established to support Jalen Stevens’ family and assist with Glenn Stevens’ recovery expenses.