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Two Detroit sisters were charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a restaurant worker in the stomach following a dispute over an incorrect food order. The brutal attack, which sent the victim to the hospital for emergency surgery, has drawn widespread attention — particularly after it emerged that one of the accused was nine months pregnant at the time.
The incident took place on May 30, just after 6 p.m., in the 17100 block of East Warren Avenue on Detroit's east side. Prosecutors allege that Brianna Long and Kierianna Long received the wrong food order, argued with a worker, then crossed behind the counter and began physically assaulting them. The sisters allegedly chased the worker throughout the restaurant, hurling objects as they went. When the worker threw items back, prosecutors say the sisters picked up a knife that had been thrown in their direction and used it to stab the worker in the stomach. Authorities also allege that hot grease was nearly thrown at the worker, and that one of the sisters threatened, "I'm going to kill you," during the confrontation. The worker was transported to a local hospital and required emergency surgery. The sisters allegedly drove away from the scene but were later apprehended by police.
Both Brianna and Kierianna Long now face charges of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
The case took a striking turn at arraignment when it was revealed that Brianna had been nine months pregnant on the night of the alleged stabbing. She gave birth four days before appearing in court and addressed the judge directly during the hearing, maintaining her innocence and telling the court she had a four-day-old baby waiting at home. Her defense attorney argued that the restaurant worker had provoked the confrontation, claiming the worker told the sisters they "don't give a f---" about the wrong order and was the first to throw objects at them.
The presiding judge expressed serious concern that a food order error had allegedly escalated into a near-fatal assault and set bonds accordingly. Brianna was assigned a $25,000 cash bond, while Kierianna received a $100,000 cash bond and was set to return to court on June 10 for a bond redetermination hearing. If either sister posts bond, both will be required to wear a GPS tether.
The factual information above was sourced from clickondetroit.com as of June 11, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a worker is violently attacked during a shift, the physical recovery is only part of what lies ahead. Navigating the legal aftermath — workers' compensation, civil claims, employer liability — can feel overwhelming for someone already dealing with trauma and medical bills. Our team sat down with Michigan crime victim attorney Michael Haggard to walk through the legal options available to workers who have been stabbed or violently assaulted while on the job, and why getting the right legal guidance early can make all the difference in what comes next.
Editor Darla Medina: When a restaurant worker is stabbed on the job, what is the first legal avenue they should consider?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Workers' compensation is usually the starting point. In Michigan, if you are injured on the job, you are generally entitled to workers' comp benefits regardless of who was at fault. That covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages while you recover. But for a violent attack like a stabbing, that is often just the floor, not the ceiling.
Medina: What do you mean by that?
Haggard: Workers' comp does not account for pain and suffering, trauma, or long-term emotional damage. A stabbing victim may deal with post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, or an inability to return to work for an extended period. Those are real losses that workers' comp was never designed to address. That is where a personal injury or civil assault claim can make a significant difference.
Medina: Can the worker also sue the attacker directly?
Haggard: Absolutely. The person or persons who carried out the attack can be held civilly liable, separate from any criminal proceedings against them. A criminal conviction is not required to win a civil case — the standard of proof is lower. Even if the attacker has limited financial resources, a civil judgment creates a legal record and can be enforced over time.
Medina: What about the employer? Could the restaurant itself face any liability?
Haggard: That is a very important question. If an employer failed to provide adequate security, ignored prior incidents of customer aggression, or did not have reasonable safety protocols in place for staff, there may be grounds for a negligence claim against the restaurant. Employers have a duty to provide a reasonably safe working environment. When that duty is not met, and a worker is seriously hurt, the employer can be held accountable.
Medina: What would you tell a restaurant worker who has just been through something like this and does not know where to turn?
Haggard: Document everything immediately — medical records, incident reports, witness information, photographs of injuries. Then speak with an attorney who handles crime victim cases before accepting any settlement or signing anything from an insurance company. These workers deserve to understand the full scope of what they are entitled to, and far too often, they settle for far less than they should because they did not get proper legal guidance early enough.
If you or a loved one has been violently attacked on the job, time matters. Evidence fades, deadlines pass, and insurance companies move quickly to protect their own interests — not yours. The Legal Herald is here to help connect victims and their families with an experienced attorney who can review your case at no cost and with no obligation. Do not face this alone. Reach out today for your free consultation and take the first step toward understanding exactly what you are owed.
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