COLDWATER, MI - A man in his twenties has been charged in the fatal stabbing of his co-worker. The alleged suspect, 20-year-old Valmir Djempsley, is accused of willfully killing with a knife. If convicted, he could face a possible life sentence.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Brandon Eduardo Velasquez Chavez, according to PEOPLE. The fatal incident occurred at the Clemens Food Group pork processing plant, where the two men worked together in the loin boning production area. The men had a verbal disagreement about Chavez having one of Djempsley's knives, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Djempsley allegedly told police that Chavez tried to "head butt" him. He then allegedly chased Chavez before stabbing him in his lower back, witnesses claim. The witnesses could not corroborate whether Chavez attempted to "head butt" Djempsley.
The weapon is believed to have been the knife that was used in the stabbing and it was recovered by police. Authorities were called to the plant at 7:41 p.m. and first responders attempted lifesaving measures. Chavez died 40 minutes after the call and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Djempsley was arraigned on Wednesday, July 1. He pleaded not guilty. Bond was denied and his next scheduled court date is July 9. Djempsley reportedly had a prior deportation order from Texas in 2024, prosecutor Victor Fitz said. His status was under investigation and he has an ICE hold.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Brandon Eduardo Velasquez Chavez, according to PEOPLE. The fatal incident occurred at the Clemens Food Group pork processing plant, where the two men worked together in the loin boning production area. The men had a verbal disagreement about Chavez having one of Djempsley's knives, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Djempsley allegedly told police that Chavez tried to "head butt" him. He then allegedly chased Chavez before stabbing him in his lower back, witnesses claim. The witnesses could not corroborate whether Chavez attempted to "head butt" Djempsley.
The weapon is believed to have been the knife that was used in the stabbing and it was recovered by police. Authorities were called to the plant at 7:41 p.m. and first responders attempted lifesaving measures. Chavez died 40 minutes after the call and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Djempsley was arraigned on Wednesday, July 1. He pleaded not guilty. Bond was denied and his next scheduled court date is July 9. Djempsley reportedly had a prior deportation order from Texas in 2024, prosecutor Victor Fitz said. His status was under investigation and he has an ICE hold.
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