D.J. Wilson

January 2026 Issue
Photos provided by D.J. Wilson

Family: Husband Jim; Daughter McKenzie (22) & Son Michael
Hometown: Beaufort, SC
Career: Teacher (Academic Interventionist), EdD Literacy
Hobbies: Crocheting, Reading, Cricut Crafting

You and your husband, Jim, have spent a lot of time supporting your children at their school events. Tell us how your lives became all about Friday Night Lights?
We loved sitting by the band at Bluffton High football games. Our son Michael played the baritone and spent a little time on the bass drum, too. There was just something about seeing his smile when he was in the band. We went to all the games and so many band competitions. When he was named Homecoming King in his senior year, I’ll never forget McKenzie jumping up and down with excitement. McKenzie spent a little time in the May River band playing trumpet but decided it wasn’t for her. We surely miss those days of Friday night games with the music, the crowds, and the time together.

You are a literacy teacher, so it seems only natural your children are avid readers. How did you get them to love reading?
When our children were very small, I started reading books aloud to them. I can still recite Goodnight Moon because it was a big favorite for both children! They looked forward to the nightly ritual of a read aloud and enjoyed old favorites as much as they did a brand-new book. I believe this led both children to a love for reading.

Is it important to read to children? Are there any benefits?
It is so important to read to children! It provides a segue to discussions about topics that may arise as children grow older. I wrote my dissertation on the benefits of reading aloud to children and was able to prove that it increases motivation and improves attitudes in the classroom.

You experienced what many parents are going through these days in that your son got mixed up with drugs. What would you say to moms and dads going through this with their child?
If your child is struggling with addiction, I encourage you to find a support group where you can talk openly. It does not have to be a formal group—what matters is that you don’t carry it alone. Addiction is something that can be addressed, worked through, and healed with support.

Right when you thought things were getting way better for Michael, your family experienced a horrific tragedy.
Michael was living in Charleston in 2021 with friends. He was having a hard time functioning at work, his car broke down, and he just seemed to hit bottom. We were able to help him get to a rehab center of his choice in West Palm Beach, FL. He improved incredibly and was working at a wonderful Italian restaurant downtown. I remember the phone conversations we had and was so thankful he sounded healthy, clear-headed, and happy. Then, the unthinkable happened.

During the very early hours of November 7, 2021, Michael went home after work and sometime between midnight and the morning, he was violently killed by his roommate. Michael was not found until the next day, and since nobody knew how to reach us, we were not told until November 10. The police found a birthday card in his room and were able to reach us through the return address information. There has not been a trial yet because the man is battling mental illness and currently being held in a lockdown mental facility in South Florida.

You have received massive support from every corner of your lives. How important has that been for you and your family?
The incredible support from my school, our church, our friends, and our family have held us up. I can’t possibly name everything that folks have done for us. Someone in our church paid for Michael’s burial plot. Our neighbors brought chairs over for after the funeral. People brought food for us every other day for over three months. Money was donated so we could buy a beautiful casket and pay for the funeral. Best friends came to the house and cleaned before the funeral. We have even been able to connect with Michael’s Florida neighbors, a very kind family who have experienced their own part of the story living next door to the murder. When we go to West Palm Beach to attend hearings, we try to visit Elisabetta’s, the restaurant where Michael was working. The head chef, along with a couple of servers, often comes over to reminisce and show support for Michael.

Though your family has attended every hearing, this violent man is in a mental lockdown institution and deemed incompetent for trial. He becomes competent while in lockdown because his medications are monitored, so they send him beck to prison. There, he doesn’t take his meds, becomes incompetent and is sent back to the mental institution. He has eluded the system for four years. What are you hoping the courts do to put closure on this heinous crime?
When we go to the hearings in West Palm Beach, we are hopeful every time. This is the only way we have left to be Michael’s parents. We think maybe this is the time when there will be movement on a trial. Each time, however, we find that there is no competency. All of the evidence and DNA shows this man is the only killer, the only one who committed this heinous act of violence. There will never be true closure, even after a trial. We will never know what really happened that night and why Michael was killed. We will continue to show up and show our faces to the judge, the prosecutors, and the defense. We ultimately want peace and assurance that this violent man will never come out of prison. We pray he does not kill or hurt anyone while in the mental institution or prison.

Has your family been able to find peace in the four years since Michael’s murder? What helps the most?
It takes work. We are working on peace. It would be easy to just give up but we continue to push on and work for peace in honor of Michael. We are active members at The Baptist Church of Beaufort where we have a strong sense of community. One thing that helps the most is we actively seek joy. We seek joy in each other, in friendships, in nature, and adventures. In 2022, Jim and I decided to take a road trip to Canada, camping some nights and staying in hotels other nights. This past summer, we went to Costa Rica with dear friends, discovering the incredible nature there. We make a conscious effort to celebrate one another and our accomplishments. I started my doctorate program with Clemson in 2020. I remember that Michael said he was proud of me, so I continued on and finished in 2024. McKenzie also graduated from cosmetology school last year, so we made sure to celebrate her and the start of her new career. She has the most beautiful heart and shares our love of finding joy in life.

What was your favorite thing about Michael?
What is your favorite thing about McKenzie?
Michael was funny and loved by all. He was “class clown” of his senior class. His smile would literally light up the room, and he always tried to make everyone laugh. His favorite time of the year was his birthday in July. He always had a great summer birthday. McKenzie not only has her career, but she is also volunteering with the youth group at church. Jim and I are so proud of her and the way she continues to push on. Christmas has always been McKenzie’s favorite time of year. I love how much she enjoys the decorations, shopping for others, and curling up to watch movies together.

Tell us about Michael’s love of Hawaiian shirts:
Michael’s favorite shirt was any Hawaiian shirt. We never really paid attention to that until we were going through the hundreds of pictures after he died and he had one on in almost every photo. That was when we asked for pictures of people wearing a Hawaiian shirt in support of Michael. We were so humbled and honored at the response. So many of our people from everywhere wore a Hawaiian shirt and posted their pictures on Facebook to show their support. We didn’t have Hawaiian shirt day last year but plan to have one on January 16, when there is another hearing.

What are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to having the Hawaiian Shirt Day in January! The next court hearing is on January 16, so we would love to see pictures of people in their Hawaiian shirts! Post it to your Facebook page and please tag it #hawaiianshirtformichael so we can see everyone’s post!

What are you currently roaring about?
I am roaring about finding peace and intentionally seeking joy. It isn’t always easy—it takes intentionality, patience, and grace—but through my faith, I believe it is possible. Even in the hard moments, Jim and I hold onto the hope that peace can be found and joy will come.