Gaylord Authorities Investigating Attempted Murder Linked to Home Invasion

If you live in or around Gaylord, Michigan, this story probably shook you—because it wasn’t just another headline. Early Friday morning, just after 1 a.m., a man was attacked inside a room at the Timberly Motel on South Otsego Avenue. According to police, it wasn’t random. It was violent, personal, and planned.

The victim, a 34-year-old man, was stabbed or slashed with an “edged weapon”—a phrase law enforcement uses when they’re still trying to confirm whether it was a knife, box cutter, or something else sharp enough to seriously harm. He survived, thankfully, and was taken to Munson Otsego Memorial Hospital. Police say he’s stable.

This wasn’t just a break-in. It’s being investigated as an attempted murder.

What really stands out is where it happened. A motel. Not someone’s house in the suburbs. That small detail shifts the whole tone—because motels often blur the line between public and private space. And for a lot of people who stay there, especially in smaller towns like Gaylord, they’re not just travelers. They’re locals in transition, or folks trying to get back on their feet.

That makes this case personal for the community. Because it means anyone—someone passing through, someone living nearby—could’ve been there.

Who Is the Suspect—and Why It Matters?

His name is Darryl Damien Fisher-Stubbs. He’s 36 years old, and police say he’s from the Bahamas. Right now, he’s the prime suspect in this attempted murder investigation—and he hasn’t been caught yet.

According to Up North Live, Fisher-Stubbs is a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall, and was last seen wearing a black zip-up jacket, gray sweatpants, and black shoes. He may have facial hair and short black hair.

Here’s the part that makes this even more unsettling: authorities believe he and the victim knew each other. This wasn’t some random act of violence—it may have been personal. That raises the stakes not just for investigators, but for anyone in the community who might come across him. If there was a motive, there’s a chance he could target again.

Police are urging the public to stay away and treat him as dangerous. And they’re not saying that lightly. If you see him, they want you to call 911—not try to be a hero.

In Clinton, NJ, a break-in not only caused emotional damage but also cost the residents nearly $3,000 in stolen goods—after the suspects disabled the home’s security system.

Police Response—And What They’re Asking From You

The Gaylord Police Department didn’t waste time. They were on the scene minutes after the 1 a.m. attack was reported. By early morning, they had already released a statement, sent out alerts, and begun asking for the public’s help.

WNEM reports that law enforcement believes Fisher-Stubbs may still be in the area—or could be trying to flee. That’s why they’re urging anyone with surveillance cameras, dashcams, or even a clear memory from that night to come forward.

They’ve also issued a public tipline: 989-732-1777. If you know something, no matter how small it feels, now’s the time to say it.

But this isn’t just about tips. It’s also about awareness. Police have made it clear: do not try to approach him. He’s considered armed and dangerous. Your job isn’t to intervene—it’s to inform.

This isn’t the only recent case where a violent home invasion left victims critically injured—a similar attack in Wynwood ended with two men shot inside their own home.

How Safe Is Gaylord, Really?

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t associate Gaylord with violent crime. It’s a northern Michigan town, known more for skiing, lakes, and peaceful weekends than police tape. That’s what makes this case so jarring.

But if you zoom out, you’ll notice something: this isn’t the first incident that’s rattled locals recently.

Earlier this year, in nearby Bagley Township, a man violated a Personal Protection Order and tried to break into his ex-girlfriend’s home. That suspect had weapons, too—and police found a loaded gun and brass knuckles on him after he fled.

So while it’s true that Gaylord’s violent crime rates are still low compared to national averages, the tone is shifting. More people are asking: “Is this just bad luck—or part of a bigger trend?”

Have you ever felt unsafe in your own neighborhood—or had a close call you never reported? Share your story in the comments. Conversations like these are how communities stay sharp.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe—Starting Tonight

When something like this happens close to home, the first thing most of us think is: Could this happen to me? And that’s a fair question—especially when the attacker hasn’t been caught yet.

But here’s the good news: there are real steps you can take right now to make your space safer, without spending a fortune or turning your home into a fortress.

Start with the basics:

• Lock everything, always—even when you’re home.
• Light matters. Keep porch lights, motion lights, and hallway bulbs on during vulnerable hours (1–5 a.m.).
• Cameras help—even a simple doorbell cam can deter someone who’s “scouting.”
• Talk to your neighbors. The best alarm system in the world is still no match for a community that watches out for each other.

And if you’re staying in a motel or Airbnb?

• Ask if the doors have deadbolts or security chains.
• Don’t post your exact location on social media while you’re there.
• Keep something loud (like a whistle or even a cheap personal alarm) within reach.

Here’s what experts say:

The goal isn’t to live in fear—it’s to buy yourself time. Most criminals want fast, quiet, and easy. Anything you do to interrupt that gives you the edge.

Even in well-developed neighborhoods like Fishers, early morning invasions have shown that no zip code is off-limits.

What Happens Next—And Why It Affects You?

Right now, the investigation is active, and police are still trying to locate Darryl Fisher-Stubbs. Once caught, he’s likely to face multiple charges: attempted murder, felony home invasion, and possession of a weapon.

But here’s where a lot of cases like this stall: witness silence and public disengagement.

That’s why your involvement still matters—even days after the story breaks. Police aren’t everywhere. Surveillance cameras miss things. And sometimes, the smallest tip—”I saw someone matching that description behind a gas station”—ends up breaking the case wide open.

Also, keep an eye on local court records or your county’s law enforcement Facebook page and also join some local WhatsApp groups. You’d be surprised how often updates are posted quietly, without media follow-up.

Why This Story Shouldn’t Just Fade Away?

Look—most crime stories follow the same arc. A scary headline drops, everyone panics for a day, then the world moves on. But this one shouldn’t.

Why? Because it exposes a gap—between how safe we think we are, and how easily that illusion can crack. One man, one weapon, one door unlocked and suddenly, everything changes.

But this story also reminds us that we’re not powerless. We can be aware. We can talk to each other. We can stop pretending that safety is someone else’s job.

Gaylord might be a quiet town. But quiet doesn’t mean immune. And if you’re reading this, you’re already doing something that matters: you’re paying attention.

Let’s not treat that like it’s nothing.

Final Thoughts

Incidents like the Gaylord home invasion shake a community not just because they’re violent—but because they force us to face how quickly “normal” can shift. You don’t have to live in fear, but you do need to stay aware.

Keep an eye out, trust your instincts, and remember: safety starts with all of us—not just police.

What’s one change you’ll make after reading this? Let’s talk about it below.

Want to explore more real-life crime cases and safety tips? Check out our full coverage in the Home Incident section.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from law enforcement and verified news sources as of June 2025. It does not offer legal advice or confirm guilt; the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty. For urgent updates or safety alerts, please refer to official police channels.