Canton, Michigan – A 23-year-old man has been taken into custody following the tragic shooting death of his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend, Veronica Crain. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Joseph Michael Slocum Jr. was arrested after police discovered Crain’s lifeless body at a hotel in Canton.
According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, Canton police responded to reports of a shooting at the hotel on the evening of February 16th. Upon arrival, officers found Crain behind the hotel’s front desk with a gunshot wound to the head. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene by medics.
Authorities allege that Slocum entered the hotel, fatally shot Crain, and then fled the scene. Approximately 30 minutes later, police responded to a separate location where they discovered Slocum lying in the road, suffering from multiple injuries, following a car accident.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy commented on the nature of the case, stating, “The most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when they are trying to leave the relationship. Horrifyingly, this case is a textbook example.”
Veronica, who worked at a Comfort Inn, was remembered by a nearby business that corroborated her employment. When contacted, Comfort Inn officials declined to comment, redirecting inquiries to law enforcement.
Slocum has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm. Slocum pleaded not guilty during his arraignment, as confirmed by the prosecutor’s office.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, assistance is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org.