Michigan man charged after allegedly killing teen ex-girlfriend who tried to leave him
02/27/2024 1:31 pm PST
CANTON, Mich. (TCD) -- A 23-year-old man faces charges after allegedly fatally shooting his teenage ex-girlfriend at a hotel earlier this month.
According to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, on Feb. 16, at around 9:22 p.m., officers with the Canton Police Department responded to a hotel in the 5700 block of North Haggerty Road in reference to a shooting. Officers found 19-year-old Veronica Crain behind the front desk with a gunshot wound to the head, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators allege the victim’s ex-boyfriend, 23-year-old Joseph Slocum Jr., went into the hotel and shot Crain before fleeing the scene. Moments later, Canton police officers responded to a car accident near Southbound I-275 and Ford Road, where they found Slocum lying in the road with numerous injuries. Slocum was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The prosecutor’s office charged Slocum with first-degree murder and felony firearm. He appeared in court for his arraignment on Feb. 26.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement, "I say this often: The most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when they are trying to leave the relationship. Horrifyingly, this case is a textbook example."
She continued, "We will vigorously seek justice for Veronica and her family. And please, if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many people and agencies who stand by to help you."
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