OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – In the last nine days of August, three Metro Detroit women were shot and killed.
Police said in each case, an ex-partner pulled the trigger. Two were a murder-suicide.
It’s estimated that one in four people in the United States has experienced domestic abuse. Local 4 took a look at four troubling cases and what can be done to keep people safe.
Latricia Green Brown was shot and killed at Henry Ford Hospital, where she worked. Her ex-husband was arrested.
“She looked to the criminal justice system for protection and got none,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard on Aug. 28.
A mother and her baby were shot in their car in Pontiac. Her boyfriend was arrested but released on a low bond.
“The baby has to grow up without parents,” said Alicia Lepowski on Aug. 29.
Briana Frames was shot and killed in front of family members, including her 10-month-old baby. Her ex turned the gun on himself.
“It shouldn’t have to happen to nobody,” said Frames’ father.
Sarah Carroll was shot and killed in her apartment. Her ex-boyfriend, who’d been accused of stalking, turned the gun on himself.
HAVEN in Oakland County helps thousands of survivors of intimate partner violence.
More than 90 percent did not call police but came in on their own.
“What we’re trying to educate to society, is that it affects everybody,” said Christine Kinal, the CEO of HAVEN in Oakland County. “It’s race, socioeconomic status, education level. Children deal with us at an alarming rate.”
While domestic violence is underreported, for police, it still makes up two-thirds of their calls.
“It’s one of the most dangerous things for a police officer to encounter a domestic violence call, because it can turn on a dime,” said Local 4’s crime and safety expert Darnell Blackburn.
Blackburn said don’t hesitate to call 911 if you suspect abuse.
“You don’t want to be that person that doesn’t call, and you find out later on that someone lost their life,” he said.
Physical injuries are clear signs of domestic violence. Subtle signs to notice include isolation, fear, humiliation and control.
In recent weeks, Metro Detroit women have been killed at work, at home, in front of their children and shot at in their car.
“We will not accept violence in our community, and keeping the shock value is what’s going to keep us moving and not becoming complacent in our movement,” Kinal said.
If you need help, contact the Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-VOICEDV. Click here for additional resources.