A heartbroken father expressed his suspicions about his daughter’s ex-boyfriend, who tragically took her life before ending his own.
On August 30, a Michigan student named Sarah, aged 20, was tragically shot by her ex-boyfriend outside her residence at the Woodland Villa Apartments in Westland, according to FOX Detroit.
After reportedly using a shotgun to fatally shoot Sarah, the ex-boyfriend called 911, confessed to the murder, and then committed suicide.
Jennifer Thomas, Sarah’s mother, revealed that Sarah was in the process of securing a restraining order against the ex-boyfriend, with whom she had a year-long relationship.
Neither Jennifer nor Sarah’s father, James Carroll, were aware of the stalking behavior that Sarah had been enduring for the past two months, as conveyed in an interview with Click On Detroit.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, James has spoken about the incident, suggesting there was something unsettling about Sarah’s ex.
“‘He just didn’t like to talk. He was always quiet. He wasn’t outspoken. He never looked you in the eye,” he shared with the Daily Mail.
“He wasn’t a sociable person. It just seemed like there was something off with him.”
James recounted attempts to converse with his daughter’s ex multiple times, noting the latter had little to contribute to conversations.
Despite this, James admitted he never imagined the ex-boyfriend would commit such a heinous act.
Upon learning of his daughter’s violent death, James described being in shock, finding the reality difficult to grasp.
“Everybody loved her. She was so helpful – you could call her and she’d be there for you, she’d drop what she was doing. She was beautiful, smart, she was on the Dean’s list at her school. I was very proud of her,” he added.
“She was just a gentle soul. She was very sarcastic, very funny. We always picked at each other and played around. She had a way with people. Everybody just loved her.”
Sarah’s mother spoke of her daughter as an exceptional individual who brought light wherever she went.
“She had a smile that was just brilliant, and she was so smart. She was on the Dean’s List,” she said.
Prior to her untimely death, Sarah was committed to her academics and aspired to enter the medical field post-graduation, as noted in her online obituary.
“She adored her eyelashes and nails, enjoyed heading over to Canada for the evening, and brought joy to those around her with her sweet, loving, and witty personality. Her family also remembers her well-known dislike for spiders – she really, really hated them!” the obituary noted.
“Though her time here was far too brief, Sarah left an unforgettable imprint on everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her strength, humor, and the love she gave so freely.”
A GoFundMe page has been established in Sarah’s memory, indicating ‘gun violence’ as the cause of her death.
“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,” the message reads.
As of now, $21,771 has been raised. You can make a contribution here.