A 20-year-old Michigan college student, Sarah Carroll, was tragically shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend at the Woodland Villa Apartments near Detroit on Saturday, August 30, Fox 2 reported.
Who was Sarah Carroll?
A GoFundMe page set up in her memory describes Carroll as “smart, brave, strong,” with a “smile that lit up every room she entered.” The fundraiser, created for her parents James and Jennifer, aims to help cover funeral expenses.
“We are asking for help to cover her funeral expenses so we can lay her to rest with the love and dignity she deserves,” the page states.
Jennifer Carroll revealed that Sarah had been trying to get a personal protection order against her ex-boyfriend, identified only as Lincoln. “She was with Lincoln, her ex-boyfriend, for almost a year and they were having trouble,” her mother 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.”
Jennifer also said that Sarah had not told her or James about the stalking. “To other parents – watch your kids,” she told Click on Detroit. “Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you.”
James Carroll added that Lincoln “was suffering from mental illness” at the time of the attack. Sarah was shot multiple times with a shotgun.
“If their children are suffering from mental illness, get them some help. Get them the help that they need before something like this happens,” James said.
At the time of her death, Sarah was studying to become a physician assistant at Schoolcraft College. “She was loved by everybody. Everybody she met,” James said. “She was wonderful. I’m going to miss my baby.”
Tributes pour in
Friends and family shared emotional tributes online. James posted the GoFundMe on Facebook, writing, “I lost my sweet daughter last night. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. Thank you my friends.”
In another post, James thanked everyone for their support. “I just want to take a moment to thank all of my family and friends who showed up for the vigil tonight and those that couldn’t be there but were there in spirit. I would also like to give my heartfelt thanks to all of the people that have helped us out through gofundme. Your love and generosity are extremely appreciated in our time of need. You all have my endless thanks,” he wrote.
Jennifer shared her grief on Facebook: “My poor sweet girl is gone. I’m so broken and in shock. Forever 20.”
Carroll’s cousin, Ann Quinlan, called her “beautiful, sweet, and smart,” adding, “we will forever be mourning her loss.”
Aaliyah Wright, a friend from middle school, remembered Sarah in a heartbreaking post: “She was so funny, she would always keep adding onto any joke to keep everyone laughing and gasping for air, and she was beautiful. She was everything any girl would ever want to be.”
She continued, “When we lost our friend Rocky to suicide, it hit our entire friend group that nobody is promised tomorrow and we were so young then. Even now at 20, she was way too young and undeserving to be taken from us in such a way. I am devastated and genuinely angry that my friends and family keep becoming victims of violence. Absolutely nobody deserves this and it needs to stop. Please check in on your loved ones and remember that you are never alone. There is always help if you need it, whether you’re in an abusive relationship or receiving threats from someone. Please call law enforcement, because no family and no friend should have to go through this. I’m praying for you and your family. I love you so dearly, Sarah. Rest easy.”
