What began as a young woman’s dream of becoming a physician assistant ended in tragedy Saturday when she was fatally shot in a murder-suicide carried out by her former boyfriend in suburban Detroit.

Sarah Carroll, a 20-year-old college student from Michigan, was killed by her ex-boyfriend Lincoln after enduring months of reported stalking and harassment, culminating in a deadly encounter at the Woodland Villa Apartments in Westland, New York Post reported.

Authorities say the incident occurred on Saturday evening at the Woodland Villa Apartments, located near Detroit in the city of Westland. Carroll, a student at Schoolcraft College, had been attempting to legally protect herself from her ex-boyfriend in the weeks leading up to the shooting. But her efforts were tragically cut short.

Police have classified the incident as a murder-suicide. According to Westland officials, Lincoln, whose last name has not been publicly released, shot Carroll before calling 911 and then taking his own life with the same weapon.

The victim had sought protection before her death

Sarah's family later revealed that she had been stalked and harassed by Lincoln for at least two months before the fatal encounter. Despite the persistent harassment, she never told her parents about the ongoing danger. Her mother, Jennifer Carroll, said their relationship of nearly a year had deteriorated in recent months.

"She was with Lincoln, her ex-boyfriend, for almost a year, and they were having trouble," Jennifer said in an interview with Fox 2. In the weeks leading up to her death, Sarah had been in the process of obtaining a personal protection order (PPO), a legal measure designed to restrict contact from someone deemed to be a threat.

James Carroll, Sarah’s father, disclosed that Lincoln had a history of mental illness. He said a shotgun was used in the attack, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues before they escalate into violence.

Remembered for her warmth and ambition

Described by loved ones as "smart, brave, and strong," Sarah Carroll’s death has left her family and community reeling. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with funeral costs and has quickly drawn emotional messages and support from across the state.

“She was only just beginning her journey,” wrote Deborah Carroll, who organized the fundraiser. “Losing her at such a young age is something no family should ever have to go through.”

Sarah had dreams of becoming a physician assistant and was actively enrolled at Schoolcraft College. Her family said she loved helping others and lit up every room she entered. Her father, James, expressed his grief, saying, “She was wonderful. I’m going to miss my baby.”

A community shaken and searching for answers

In the aftermath of the shooting, Westland police have promised to release additional information about the case later in the week. The tragedy has prompted urgent conversations about stalking, domestic violence, and the role of mental illness in crimes of passion.

Jennifer Carroll encouraged other parents to speak openly with their children and stay vigilant when signs of trouble appear. “Watch your kids. Try to get them to be open and talk to you,” she urged in an interview with Click on Detroit.

Meanwhile, James Carroll made a broader appeal to the public, stressing the need for mental health support: “If their children are suffering from mental illness, get them some help. Get them the help that they need before something like this happens.”

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Early intervention matters. If someone you care about is being harassed or stalked, encourage them to take legal action immediately. Personal protection orders can act as a first line of defense, although they are not always enough to prevent violence.

2. Open communication saves lives. Sarah Carroll did not tell her parents about the stalking she was enduring. Creating a safe space for loved ones to disclose fears, especially in relationships that have turned threatening, is crucial.

3. Addressing mental health risks is essential. When diagnosed or observed, mental health issues must be acknowledged and treated, particularly when combined with access to firearms. However, it's critical to remember that violence is never an inevitable result of mental illness, and victims are never to blame.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the deadly consequences of stalking and harassment when left unaddressed. It serves as a sobering reminder of how intimate partner violence can escalate without proper intervention. Lastly, it calls for a broader societal commitment to supporting those experiencing mental health crises before they result in tragedy.

Conclusion

Sarah Carroll, a 20-year-old student, and aspiring physician assistant, was fatally shot on Saturday by her ex-boyfriend, Lincoln, at the Woodland Villa Apartments near Detroit in what authorities ruled a murder-suicide. She had been stalked for months and was trying to obtain a protection order when she was killed. Her parents, who were unaware of the abuse she faced, are now urging other families to maintain open lines of communication and seek help for loved ones showing signs of distress. Community members are mourning Sarah's loss through a GoFundMe campaign, and the Westland Police Department is expected to release more details about the investigation soon. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risk posed by ignored warning signs and untreated mental health conditions.