The 34-year-old woman fatally stabbed Sunday afternoon (Sept. 20) while on lunch break in downtown Detroit has been identified by her family as Jaquoya Wix.

DETROIT - The 34-year-old woman fatally stabbed Sunday afternoon (Sept. 20) while on lunch break in downtown Detroit has been identified by her family as Jaquoya Wix.

The attack happened around 2:30 p.m. in an alley near Woodward Avenue and E. Congress Street, according to the Detroit Police Department.


Police said the Chipotle worker was on lunch break when she was approached by a man in his 40s.

Investigators said there appeared to be no interaction between Wix and the suspect before the stabbing.

After the stabbing, Wix ran to a nearby business and collapsed outside, police said.

Medics arrived within four minutes and took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police said the suspect ran from the scene and was chased by a downtown worker.

Officers used surveillance cameras to track the suspect to the area of Woodward Avenue and State Street, where officers took him into custody.

Investigators are working to determine a motive.

Wix was the mother of a 15-year-old girl, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said.

 From what we now know, this was an unprovoked attack by an individual suffering from severe mental health issues. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jaquoya and our city grieves with her family during this incredibly difficult time,  Sheffield said in a statement.

Chipotle expressed condolences to Wix's family and friends.

 We are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred today in downtown Detroit. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected, as well as our Woodward Avenue restaurant team, during this incredibly difficult time. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and hope the individual responsible is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,  Chipotle's Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer Laurie Schalow said in a statement.

The family has set up a GoFundMe for funeral expenses and to support Wix's daughter.

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