Westland, Michigan, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A college student was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend in an apparent murder-suicide at Woodland Villa Apartments. The victim had been stalked for two months and was seeking a restraining order. The case highlights serious issues of domestic violence and mental health awareness, as the local community mourns the loss and strives to prevent future tragedies.
Westland, Michigan: College Student Shot and Killed in Apparent Murder-Suicide
Sarah Carroll, a 20-year-old college student studying to become a physician’s assistant, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend on August 30, 2025. The tragic incident occurred at Woodland Villa Apartments, located approximately 25 miles from Detroit, Michigan. The ex-boyfriend, referred to only as Lincoln, had reportedly been stalking Carroll for two months before the shooting took place.
At the time of her death, Carroll was in the process of obtaining a restraining order against Lincoln. According to law enforcement officials, Lincoln shot Carroll and then called 911 to report the incident before taking his own life. Both individuals were found dead with apparent gunshot wounds, and the case is being treated as a murder-suicide. Authorities have confirmed that the incident was not random and that both victims shared a prior domestic relationship.
The Westland Police Department received multiple calls around 9 p.m. regarding the shooting. The investigation remains active, although no detailed timetable for its completion has been provided.
Background on Sarah Carroll
Sarah Carroll had an exemplary academic record at Schoolcraft College, where she was enrolled in a program to become a physician’s assistant and had made it onto the dean’s list. Her parents described her as a vibrant individual who could light up a room and was loved by everyone she met. Despite her successes, Carroll did not disclose her relationship troubles or the stalking situation to her parents.
In the months preceding the tragedy, Carroll’s family remained unaware of her issues with Lincoln, including her efforts to secure a protection order. Jennifer Carroll, Sarah’s mother, noted that her daughter had been experiencing ongoing difficulties in her relationship with Lincoln for almost a year.
In a statement, James Carroll, Sarah’s father, mentioned that Lincoln had previously been suffering from mental illness. Sarah’s family is urging other parents to be more involved in their children’s lives, emphasizing the need for vigilance regarding potential relationship issues.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of this devastating incident, family and friends held a vigil and a balloon release in honor of Sarah Carroll. To assist with funeral expenses, the Carroll family has set up a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe.
The case has highlighted the alarming issue of domestic violence and the necessity of mental health awareness. As investigations continue, local authorities and community members are focused on preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The Carroll family continues to cope with the profound loss of Sarah, a promising young woman whose bright future was cut tragically short. Ongoing discussions around stalking laws, domestic violence support, and mental illness are essential to foster a safer community moving forward.
FAQ
What happened to Sarah Carroll?
What actions was Sarah Carroll taking regarding her ex-boyfriend?
How did the community respond to Sarah’s death?
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Sarah Carroll, 20-year-old college student |
| Perpetrator | Ex-boyfriend identified as Lincoln |
| Location | Woodland Villa Apartments, Westland, Michigan |
| Date | August 30, 2025 |
| Incident Type | Murder-suicide |
| Stalking Duration | Two months |
| Legal Action | Restraining order sought |
| Community Action | Vigil held, GoFundMe for funeral expenses |
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Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Oxygen
- New York Post
- People
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Restraining Order
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Awareness
- Google Scholar: Stalking Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Google News: Murder Suicide
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.
