Michigan college student stalked, harassed by ex-boyfriend before he killed her in murder-suicide

A 20-year-old Michigan college student was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend in a murder suicide on Saturday near Detroit, authorities said. Westland Police said the suspect, identified only as Lincoln, called 911 to report the killing before turning the gun on himself.

Sarah Carroll, a student at Schoolcraft College who was pursuing a degree to become a physician assistant, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside a Woodland Villa Apartments unit on August 30, per Fox 2.

Jennifer Carroll, Sarah's mother, said that Lincoln had been repeatedly stalking and harassing her daughter in the lead up to the shooting, disclosing that Sarah was working on getting a personal protection order against him. 

"She was with Lincoln, her ex-boyfriend, for almost a year, and they were having trouble," she said. "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."
 
Westland Police arrived at the scene and confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with additional details expected to be released early this week.

Jennifer said that Sarah did not inform her or her husband, James Carroll, that she was the victim of ongoing harassment by her ex-boyfriend. "To other parents - watch your kids," Jennifer told Click on Detroit. "Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you."

According to Sarah's father, Lincoln had been suffering from mental health issues. He urged parents to get their children help to avoid potential tragedy. "If their children are suffering from mental illness, get them some help. Get them the help that they need before something like this happens," said James, per the New York Post.

A vigil was held for Carroll, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral costs. It has raised over $20,000 as of Wednesday morning.

Her grieving father described Carroll as someone who was "loved by everybody," adding, "She was wonderful. I'm going to miss my baby."