Father of NBA Star Jaylen Brown Arrested on Attempted Murder Charge After Las Vegas Stabbing Incident
By Grok News Desk
August 22, 2025
In a shocking development, Quenton Marselles Brown, the father of Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following an alleged stabbing in Las Vegas. The incident, which stemmed from a dispute over a parking spot, has drawn widespread attention due to the NBA champion’s family connection.
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reports, the altercation occurred on Wednesday evening, August 20, at All American Park in the 1500 block of South Buffalo Drive. Authorities state that two men engaged in a verbal argument after Brown’s vehicle door reportedly dinged the victim’s car. The dispute escalated when Brown, a 57-year-old former professional boxer standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds, allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the abdomen and back. The victim, identified as Cross Tupuola, a local youth football coach who is 5’9″ and 160 pounds, attempted to flee but was pursued by Brown, according to witness accounts and the arrest report.
Tupuola sustained severe injuries, including stab wounds to the upper right chest, a defensive wound on his left hand that damaged tendons, eviscerated bowels, a broken rib, and damage requiring a partial gastrectomy. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery, where he remains in the ICU but is reportedly recovering. Witnesses described Brown swinging a knife-like object approximately 25 times and stated that he initiated the physical violence without acting in self-defense. The weapon used in the attack has not been recovered.
Brown fled the scene but was located a short distance away by police, who noted abrasions on his knees and facial bleeding. He spontaneously claimed the incident began over a “door ding” but was detained and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Thursday morning. Court records show he faces one count of attempted murder, along with additional felony charges including three counts of battery with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $300,000 during an initial court appearance on Thursday afternoon, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
Brown’s attorney, Arnold Weinstock, has claimed self-defense, alleging that Tupuola pistol-whipped Brown first during the confrontation. However, police reports and multiple eyewitness statements contradict this, indicating Brown was the aggressor.
Quenton Marselles Brown, who goes by his middle name Marselles, had a notable career as a heavyweight boxer, debuting in 1989 and retiring with a 33-18-1 record, including 25 knockouts. He held titles such as the 2015 World Boxing Union C.A.M. Heavyweight title and the 2016 WBU World Championship, and served on the Hawaii State Boxing Commission Board. In a 2016 interview, Brown spoke about returning from retirement to inspire his sons, emphasizing perseverance in sports.
Jaylen Brown, 28, the NBA Finals MVP who helped lead the Celtics to their 18th championship in 2024, reportedly does not maintain a close relationship with his father and was unaware of the incident or arrest. Sources close to the family indicate Jaylen has been more publicly connected to his mother and grandfather throughout his career. The Boston Celtics organization has declined to comment on the matter.
This arrest comes amid a quiet offseason for Jaylen Brown, who signed a record-breaking five-year, $304 million contract extension in 2023 and has been active in philanthropy and brand ventures. The NBA community and fans have expressed shock on social media, with discussions highlighting the contrast between Brown’s on-court success and this family-related controversy.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and additional witness testimonies. The case underscores ongoing concerns about escalating disputes in public spaces, particularly involving individuals with combat sports backgrounds.