MSP Confirms Identity of Man Killed in TCPD Shooting

The Michigan State Police confirmed to The Ticker Monday that the man killed in an officer-involved shooting by the Traverse City Police Department Friday was 50-year-old Darnell Wilson.

Wilson was a well-known local personality who worked at Costco. Officers were dispatched to his Munson Place residence Friday in response to a reported stabbing domestic assault by Wilson against a 58-year-old woman in the house. Wilson reportedly charged at officers with a knife, ignored commands to drop the weapon, was undeterred by a deployed taser, and then was shot and killed by officers. Officers rendered aid at the scene, but Wilson died from his shooting injuries.

The TCPD officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, a standard procedure while the Michigan State Police - an outside agency - investigates the shooting. MSP Seventh District Public Information Officer Ashley Miller said Monday that the incident is "still under investigation." MSP is handling the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident, while the TCPD handles the domestic assault aspect of the case. Any details about the shooting, including the number of officers involved, would be released by MSP when the investigation is concluded.

A family friend confirmed to The Ticker that the female victim of the alleged domestic assault is in stable condition and has requested privacy at this time. Her name is being withheld by request. Karen Roofe, the owner of My Secret Stash in Traverse City, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the victim's recovery. Stash said on the page that she organized the campaign so that a public name was attached to it to ensure donors knew it wasn't a scam and to protect the victim's privacy. 

"The shock and fear of that night are still with us, but we are deeply grateful to share that she is stable, surrounded by her family, and expected to recover," Roofe wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Her strength and resilience in the face of such trauma have inspired all of us who care about her...these funds will go towards her medical bills, living expenses, lost wages, therapy, or anything she needs to help her recovery. Every bit of support will help ease the burden as she focuses on healing."

Wilson's daughter, Breonna Wilson, has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses for her father.

Pictured: Profile photo from Darnell Wilson's Facebook page