Michigan Woman Killed by Stalking Ex-Boyfriend in Murder-Suicide at Woodland Villa Apartments

Sarah Carroll, 20, was shot dead by her ex-boyfriend in an apartment complex in Michigan

A 20-year-old Michigan woman was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking and harassing her for months, before he turned the gun on himself in a murder-suicide, police said.

Sarah Carroll was found dead Saturday at the Woodland Villa Apartments in the Detroit area after being fatally shot multiple times with a shotgun by her former boyfriend, identified only as Lincoln. Authorities said the suspect called 911 himself to report the shooting, telling dispatchers he had shot his girlfriend, before killing himself.

Sarah had been trying to get a protective order against her ex-boyfriend before her murder on Saturday, police said

Police confirmed the suspect had been harassing Carroll for two months following their breakup. Her mother, Jennifer Carroll, revealed that Sarah had been trying to obtain a personal protection order but had not disclosed the extent of the stalking to her family. “To other parents – watch your kids. Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you,” Jennifer said. She described her daughter as “brilliant, amazing,” adding that “when she smiled, she lit up a room.”

Sarah’s father, James Carroll, said the gunman had been struggling with mental health issues in the months leading up to the tragedy. “He was suffering from mental illness, and we just want to get the message out there that if your children are suffering, get them help before something like this happens,” he said.

Sarah had not told her parents she was being stalked by her ex, her mother Jennider Carroll said

Friends and family gathered for a candlelight vigil at the apartment complex to honor Sarah’s memory. A GoFundMe page has also been launched to help cover funeral costs. In a statement, the family described Sarah as “so full of life – smart, brave, strong, and with a smile that lit up every room she entered.”

The Westland Police Department said additional details on the case are expected to be released later this week.