Detroit teen charged for deadly stabbing that prosecutors say was targeted attack on member of LGBTQ community

DETROIT (WWJ) — A Detroit teen will be charged as an adult in connection with what prosecutors say was a deadly targeted attack on a member of the LGBTQ community.

Ahmed Al-Alikhan, 17 years and 11 months old, was arraigned Tuesday morning in 36th District Court on charges of first-degree murder, felony murder and unlawful driving away of an automobile and he was remanded to jail.

Al-Alikhan is accused of killing 64-year-old Howard Brisendine of Detroit. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy says Al-Alikhan allegedly targeted Brisendine on an online dating app “because he was a member of the LGBTQ community.”

“It is hard to fathom a more planned series of events in this case. Unfortunately, the set of alleged facts are far too common in the LGBTQ community. We will bring justice to Mr. Brisendine,” Worthy said, per a press release.

Around 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, Detroit police were called to a home on Minock Street — near Evergreen and Ford Road on the city’s west side — after someone reported seeing a dead person in the home, according to the prosecutor’s office.

When officers showed up they found Brisendine dead in the living room with multiple stab wounds.

Al-Alikhan allegedly went to Brisendine’s home on Sept. 24 and stabbed Brisendine, before taking his car keys and fleeing the scene in his car. Authorities say more specific facts and evidence surrounding the case will be placed on the record at Al-Alikhan’s preliminary exam, which is scheduled for Oct. 22.

Detroit and Dearborn police are investigating the case in partnership with Fair Michigan Justice Project, a program that assists Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving serious crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people.

"This case highlights the very real threats of deadly violence that LGTBQ individuals face every day. We encourage everyone to maintain vigilance, and follow recommended safety tips, particularly when using dating apps,” said FMJP President Alanna Maguire.

“Always meet a potential date in public, use your own vehicle or make use of a ride-sharing app (like Uber or Lyft), tell a friend or loved one that you are planning to meet a date and share that person's name and contact information. Make sure to save contact details in screenshots to capture the person's name and chat details, should you ever find yourself a victim of a crime. Keep your dating profile and picture free from identifying personal information like your home address,” Maguire said.

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