Westland, Michigan — The tragic death of a 20-year-old college student has left a community in mourning after she was shot in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide. Sarah Carroll was allegedly killed by her former boyfriend, who had been reportedly stalking her, according to family members.
On the evening of August 30, multiple calls about gunshots rang out from the 7700 block of Drew Circle. Responding officers found Carroll and her ex-boyfriend, Lincoln, both dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Jennifer Carroll, Sarah’s mother, stated that Lincoln, who had been in a relationship with her daughter for nearly a year, had turned violent after their breakup, allegedly stalking Sarah for the previous two months.
Prior to her death, Sarah was actively trying to secure a restraining order against Lincoln. “He came here that night, shot her, then called 911 to confess before turning the gun on himself,” Jennifer said. Local authorities confirmed the presence of a domestic history between the two.
“This was not a random event,” the Westland Police Department commented. “Both individuals had a prior relationship that led to this tragic outcome.” Investigators are conducting further inquiries to gather complete details about the incident.
In the days following the shooting, family and friends held a vigil in Sarah’s memory, marking a somber moment filled with shared grief and support. “When she smiled, she lit up a room,” Jennifer reflected. “She was a dedicated student who was working multiple jobs while pursuing her dream of becoming a physician’s assistant at Schoolcraft College.”
James Carroll, Sarah’s father, emphasized her loving nature and the impact she had on those around her. “She was loved by everyone she met,” he said, expressing his profound sense of loss. “I’m going to miss my baby.”
As the investigation continues, James revealed that he had been unaware of the seriousness of Sarah’s situation regarding her ex-boyfriend. He urged parents to maintain open lines of communication with their children to recognize any signs of distress. “If anyone is suffering from mental illness, please seek help,” he advised, echoing a strong message about the importance of mental health awareness and intervention.
Authorities have not disclosed a timeline for the investigation’s completion but continue to examine the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident. The community, meanwhile, grapples with the implications of this tragedy, calling for awareness and preventive measures regarding domestic violence and mental health issues.