Murder-Suicide at Woodland Villa Apartments Leaves Young Woman Dead
WESTLAND, Mich. — A tragic murder-suicide at the Woodland Villa Apartments late Saturday night has left two people dead, shocking the Westland community and leaving one family grieving the loss of a young woman described as “smart, brave, and strong.”
The Incident
According to the Westland Police Department, the case unfolded after a man called 911 and admitted to having shot his ex-girlfriend before taking his own life. Officers rushed to the Woodland Villa Apartments complex, where they discovered both the man and the woman dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity but confirmed that the incident appears to be a domestic-related murder-suicide. Police stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public, though the case remains under active investigation.
The Victim
Family members have identified the victim as Sarah Carroll. She was remembered in a heartfelt statement shared on a GoFundMe page created to cover her funeral expenses. Her parents, James Carroll and Jennifer Thomas, described their daughter as a vibrant young woman with endless potential:
“She was 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.”
Eyewitness Accounts
A resident who spoke with Westland Community News said their teenage son had been visiting a friend at the complex when the confrontation occurred. According to the witness, Carroll encountered her ex-boyfriend in the parking lot. During the exchange, the man reportedly pulled out a shotgun, fatally shot Carroll, and then turned the weapon on himself.
While police have not confirmed those specific details, investigators are working to piece together the events that led up to the tragedy.
Community Response
The violence has rattled neighbors in the Woodland Villa Apartments and beyond. Domestic violence advocates say incidents like this underscore the urgent need for awareness, resources, and intervention when relationships become dangerous.
In the wake of her death, Carroll’s family is leaning on the community for support. The fundraiser set up on their behalf has been pinned to the top of social media pages, with loved ones and strangers alike contributing donations and messages of sympathy.
Ongoing Investigation
Westland police say their investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. Officials added that more information may be released in the coming days as they work to provide closure to Carroll’s family and the community.
For now, Sarah Carroll’s family says they are focused on remembering her life and honoring her legacy. “We will never forget her light,” they wrote, “and we will carry her memory with us always.”
