A college student tragically lost her life at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking her for several months, in an incident that authorities are calling a murder-suicide.
Sarah Carroll, aged 20, was fatally shot in Westland, Detroit, on Saturday (August 30) by her ex-boyfriend, Lincoln, who subsequently ended his own life.
Sarah’s mother, Jennifer Carroll, shared with Fox 2 that her daughter was in the midst of obtaining a restraining order against Lincoln when the fatal incident occurred over the weekend.
She explained to the news outlet, “She was with Lincoln, her ex-boyfriend, for almost a year and they were having trouble. He was stalking her for the past two months. And he came here last night, shot her, called 911, said he killed his girlfriend, and then shot himself.”
Jennifer Carroll continued to speak about her daughter, describing her as “a wonderful person” who “had a smile that was just brilliant and she was so smart. She was on the Dean’s List.”
According to Carroll, Sarah had not disclosed to her parents the extent of the stalking she was experiencing from Lincoln before the tragic murder took place.
In an interview with Click on Detroit, she advised other parents: “To other parents — watch your kids. Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you.”
Following Sarah’s untimely death, a GoFundMe page has been established, with the funds raised to be allocated for ‘funeral expenses’.
The fundraiser page reads: “Our hearts are shattered as we share that our beautiful Sarah Carroll was taken from us far too soon due to gun violence. Sarah was so full of life — smart, brave, strong, and with a smile that lit up every room she entered.
“She was only just beginning her journey, and losing her at such a young age is something no family should ever have to go through.”
The page further states: “We love and miss her more than words can ever say. Thank you for your prayers, your donations, and the love you’ve shown our family during this heartbreaking time.”
James Carroll, Sarah’s father, has also addressed the media in the wake of the tragedy.
He told Click on Detroit that Lincoln ‘was suffering from mental illness’.
“If their children are suffering from mental illness, get them some help. Get them the help that they need before something like this happens,” he urged the audience.
According to the New York Post, more information about the murder-suicide is expected to be released by authorities later this week.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. You can call or text 988 to connect with a 24-hour crisis center, or webchat at 988lifeline.org. Alternatively, the Crisis Text Line is accessible by texting MHA to 741741.