DETROIT – A Detroit man is dead after a backpack theft turned into a fatal stabbing in Livonia, and his family is now speaking out, not with anger, but with love.
Nicholos “Nick” Hatcher, 34, was killed on Thursday (May 29) after confronting two men who allegedly stole his backpack near BioLife Plasma Services on Plymouth Road.
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When Hatcher tracked them down, one suspect allegedly stabbed him in the chest with a pocketknife near Middlebelt Road and Orangelawn Street.
He died at the scene.
‘He was sheer amazing’
His mother, Felisha Hatcher, is leaning on her faith and the outpouring of community support to carry her through the loss.
“My son’s life and who he was and who we know him to be, that’s what’s giving me strength,” Hatcher said.
Nick was a prep cook working two jobs, at Bigalora in Royal Oak and Ima in Midtown Detroit.
Family describes him as loving, charismatic, fun, and outgoing. He loved anime, was an avid reader, and enjoyed basketball, tech, and bike riding.
His long-term dream was to open a food truck and restaurant and to travel the world to explore different food cultures.
“My son was amazing, and I want people to know that. He was sheer amazing,” Hatcher said.
Suspects charged
Spencer Jude Krusell, 30, of Highland Park, has been charged with second-degree murder as a habitual offender - fourth offense, in connection with the stabbing.
Scott Andrew Harrington, 26, of Taylor, faces charges of larceny from a building and for receiving and concealing stolen property.
Krusell, as a habitual offender, was denied bond, while Harrington’s bond was set for $400,000.
Hatcher says she believes Harrington deserves harsher charges.
“I feel like he is just getting a slap on the wrist. That doesn’t sit well with me. I hope that changes because if you had not initiated this, we would not be here,” Hatcher said.
Despite the pain, she says she holds no hatred toward the men accused of taking her son’s life.
“I do not have any hate for those men. I don’t. I hate this happened. I just wished it had been a better choice,” she said.
A message of love, hope, forgiveness
Felisha says she is channeling her grief into honoring Nick’s memory and spreading a message she hopes reaches others.
“My son was a light that was gone far too soon, and if you happen to have that light in your own family, honor it and don’t waste time,” she said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family. Click here to donate.
Both suspects are scheduled for a probable cause conference on June 11, 2026.