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Tragic Murder-Suicide Incident in Westland

Community members release balloons in memory of a shooting victim.

Westland, Michigan, October 14, 2025

News Summary

A 20-year-old woman, Sarah Carroll, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend in an apartment complex in Westland, Michigan. The incident, investigated as a murder-suicide, followed months of stalking. Sarah’s family revealed she was trying to obtain a protection order against her ex. The community has rallied in support of the Carroll family through a GoFundMe campaign. The Westland Police Department is set to provide more details as the investigation continues.

Westland, Michigan—Sarah Carroll, a 20-year-old woman, was shot and killed on Saturday night at an apartment complex in Westland. The incident is being investigated as a murder-suicide, involving Sarah’s ex-boyfriend, who is alleged to have shot her before taking his own life.

The shooting took place at Woodland Villa Apartments on Drew Circle Drive around 9 PM. Westland Police reported that the incident was not random and involved two individuals who had a prior relationship. Sarah’s parents, Jennifer and James Carroll, disclosed that her ex-boyfriend had been stalking her for two months. At the time of the incident, Sarah was in the process of obtaining a personal protection order against her ex-boyfriend but had not shared details of her struggles with her parents.

Jennifer Carroll emphasized the importance of parents being involved in their children’s lives and encouraging open communication. A balloon release was held by friends and family on Sunday evening in memory of Sarah. Those who knew her described her as funny, smart, and career-driven. Sarah was currently studying at Schoolcraft College with the goal of becoming a physician assistant. Her mother noted that she was about to start her third job and had recently made the Dean’s List.

James Carroll mentioned that the family never anticipated such a tragedy would strike their household. Following the incident, the shooter reportedly called 911 to confess to the crime before taking his own life. The Carroll family has since initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, which has raised over $12,000 as of Monday morning. Community members have gathered to honor Sarah’s life, and the overwhelming support from the community has been a source of comfort for the family.

In light of the incident, the Westland Police Department plans to release more details regarding the ongoing investigation soon. Resources to address domestic violence were also provided, including contacts for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Background on Domestic Violence and Support Resources

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to provide support and guidance for individuals facing similar challenges.

Summary of Events

Incident Details
Date Saturday night
Location Woodland Villa Apartments, Westland, Michigan
Victim Sarah Carroll, 20
Shooter Ex-boyfriend
Alleged Actions Murder-suicide
Community Response Balloon release, GoFundMe campaign
Fundraiser Amount Over $12,000

FAQ

Who was Sarah Carroll?

Sarah Carroll was a 20-year-old woman who was studying at Schoolcraft College to become a physician assistant.

What happened during the incident?

Sarah Carroll was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend in a murder-suicide at Woodland Villa Apartments in Westland, Michigan.

When did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred on Saturday night around 9 PM.

What were the circumstances leading up to the incident?

Sarah’s ex-boyfriend had reportedly been stalking her for two months, and she was in the process of obtaining a personal protection order against him.

How has the community responded?

Community members held a balloon release in memory of Sarah and have provided overwhelming support to the Carroll family.

What resources are available for those facing domestic violence?

Resources provided include the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.


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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER

The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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