Published on: March 19, 2026, 04:32h. 

Updated on: March 19, 2026, 04:32h.

• Texas Individual Evades Jail Time After Aggravated Hate Crime Near Detroit Casino
  
• Victim Knocked Unconscious Following Homophobic Assault
• Victims Express Disappointment Over Security’s Reaction, Attacker Given Probation

A Texas resident has sidestepped a prison sentence after pleading guilty to a brutal hate crime that occurred outside the MGM Grand Detroit last year.

During the early hours of July 13, 2025, William Wilson, from Fort Worth, reportedly punched a woman unconscious during a homophobic act, continuing the assault while she was down.

He faced charges of felony assault with intent to inflict serious injury, aggravated assault, multiple counts of assault and battery, along with four counts of hate crime leading to bodily harm – charges that could have brought a maximum sentence of five years behind bars.

Wilson accepted a plea bargain and admitted to a single count of hate crime resulting in bodily injury in January. He received a sentence of two years’ probation this week.

Details of the Homophobic Assault

Wilson allegedly attacked Celia Haueter after witnessing her holding hands with her fiancée, Chelsi Way. The couple, along with Haueter’s brother, David Supal, and his partner, Zach Chearhart, were celebrating Way’s 30th birthday at a concert hosted at the casino.

As they headed toward the valet area at the conclusion of the night, they were approached by two intoxicated men, including Wilson.

Witnesses claim one of the men began hurling homophobic slurs at Way. She later recounted that her brother intervened, voicing his concerns for her safety due to her medical condition involving blood thinners and clotting issues.

“We’ve never been personally targeted and attacked,” Way stated to CBS News. “We all exchanged glances, wondering if this was really happening.”

When Haueter requested the men to stop, Wilson reportedly struck her and hit her again as she attempted to stand up. Supal instinctively jumped in front of her to shield her, sustaining multiple hits in the process.

Wilson then left the scene while bystanders and security personnel looked on. Way trailed behind, dialing 911 to report the incident. Authorities subsequently found and arrested Wilson.

Haueter was transported to a local hospital, where she required 30 stitches for facial injuries.

Reactions to MGM’s Security Response

The victims expressed deep dissatisfaction with what they viewed as a lack of timely action from MGM’s security staff during the incident.

Investigations by Casino.org reveal that valet employees observed the altercation at 1:13 a.m., immediately notified security, and contacted emergency services. Security arrived by 1:14 a.m. and began providing medical aid. Police and paramedics were soon on the scene as well.