A Detroit man is accused of fatally choking his boyfriend of 10 years during an argument over a video game, according to police reports.
Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call just before midnight on Thursday (Jan. 6) at an apartment in the 10 block of Carter Street in Pontiac.
Authorities state that Docquen Jovo Watkins, 31, of Pontiac, called 911, reporting a fight with his boyfriend, Rory Teasley, 28, also of Pontiac. Watkins informed the police that Teasley was “sleeping” on the couch.
Upon arrival, deputies found Teasley unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Rory Teasley was a social media personality with over 218,000 followers on TikTok and more than 62,000 on Instagram. He described himself as an “International twerk instructor, comedian, and everybody’s gay best friend.” Teasley’s content primarily showcased his dance moves, with popular videos featuring him dancing to songs like Beyoncé’s “Freakum Dress” and Saucy Santana’s “Shisha.” He also maintained a YouTube channel where he posted challenges and reaction videos.
Officials reported that Watkins and Teasley had been playing the video game “Overwatch” when an argument erupted, during which Watkins allegedly choked Teasley to death.
“We see far too often across the country these days when people resort to violence over trivial and insignificant disagreements,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “There is never a reason where violence is acceptable over a disagreement. Those who do so will be held accountable.”
Authorities noted that Watkins has a prior misdemeanor conviction for malicious destruction of property. He was taken into custody and is being held at the Oakland County Jail without bond. Watkins was arraigned on Sunday on a second-degree murder charge.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Jan. 18, followed by a preliminary examination on Jan. 25.
