A young mother who loved glamor was tragically killed in a random attack while taking a break from her job at Chipotle in Detroit, as confirmed by police and her family.
Jaquoya Wix, 34, was in an alley behind the restaurant around 2:30 p.m. on a Sunday when an alleged assailant, 42-year-old Devon Jason Watson, attacked her without any provocation, according to reports.
“It was such a senseless crime. I keep wondering why,” her devastated sister, Alicya Wix, expressed in tears during an interview. “She tried to get help — that’s just how strong my sister was.”
Police reported that there was barely any interaction between Wix, who didn’t know Watson, before he stabbed her multiple times and then fled the scene.
Nearby restaurant workers rushed to her aid and even helped chase after Watson, contributing to his eventual apprehension, as detailed by local news.
Authorities utilized surveillance footage to locate and arrest the suspect shortly after the incident.
Watson, who has a troubled history with mental health, has been charged with first-degree murder.
“It feels surreal. It’s hard to fathom what she went through in her final moments,” remarked Jaquoya’s aunt, Anna Solis. “Knowing she was trying to get up and couldn’t, it’s incredibly difficult.”
Family and friends gathered at the Chipotle on Monday to pay tribute to the beloved mother, lighting candles, placing flowers, and reciting prayers in her memory. She was known for her passion for makeup and fashion.
“She was a wonderful person. She had her silly moments and made some mistakes like we all do, but she always found her way back up,” Alicya commented. “I can’t imagine life without her.”
Her loved ones remembered her creative spirit and kind heart.
“Jaquoya brought warmth, style, glamour, humor, and generosity into the lives of everyone around her,” her obituary noted.
According to family, Wix took pride in her appearance, always ensuring her makeup and hair were perfectly done. She enjoyed taking selfies, thrifting, and expressing herself in joyful and unique ways.
Wix’s family is now uniting to support her 15-year-old daughter, who lost her father years ago.
Watson was denied bail during his arraignment on Wednesday, as reported by local media.
He has a history of assault convictions, first in Wayne County, Michigan, in 2010, and later in Louisiana in 2024.
