Westland, MI, September 3, 2025

News Summary

A series of tragic incidents in Westland, Michigan, has underscored the severe issues surrounding domestic violence and gun safety. Following the murder-suicide of a young couple and the accidental death of a child due to an unsecured handgun, community members and authorities are calling for stricter firearm regulations and better support for domestic violence survivors. As families mourn their losses, the incidents serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for addressing these critical societal challenges.

Westland, MI: Tragic Murder-Suicides and Child’s Death by Unsecured Handgun Highlight Domestic Violence and Gun Safety Issues

A tragic series of incidents in Westland, Michigan, has drawn attention to significant issues regarding domestic violence and gun safety. A 20-year-old woman, Sarah Carroll, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, who then took his own life last Saturday night at the Woodland Villa Apartments. Police found both individuals dead upon their arrival at the scene.

According to Sarah’s parents, she had recently ended her relationship with the shooter and was attempting to secure a restraining order against him due to ongoing harassment. The family has since created a GoFundMe page to assist with her funeral expenses, raising over $17,600 by Monday morning. Family members remember Sarah as a vibrant, intelligent, brave, and strong individual, expressing that her death is a profound tragedy that no family should have to endure at such a young age.

In a separate incident that occurred on Tuesday evening, a murder-suicide took place involving Joseph King, 52, and Melissa Hattar, 46, both residents of Westland. Joseph King called 911 around 7:20 p.m., stating he had shot Melissa and intended to take his own life. A gunshot was heard during the call, followed by silence. When officers arrived, they discovered both individuals with apparent gunshot wounds. Neighbors described the couple as quiet and reserved, often keeping to themselves. This incident is currently under investigation.

The recent episodes have raised alarms about domestic violence, prompting authorities to provide hotline numbers for individuals facing such circumstances. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-7233, offering support and resources for those in need.

In yet another alarming incident in Westland, a couple, Timothy John Gravel, 32, and Heather Ashly LeBlanc, 29, are facing charges after their 5-year-old son accidentally shot himself with an unsecured handgun. The incident occurred on November 7 when the child found the firearm in their home. Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated that the child’s death was preventable and emphasized the critical importance of securely storing firearms. This tragic incident marks the seventh child death due to unsecured firearms in the area this year.

Timothy and Heather have been arraigned on charges related to firearm safe storage violations and compromising the safety of their child, with bail set at $50,000 for Timothy and $25,000 for Heather. A probable cause conference and preliminary examination for the couple are scheduled for November.

Overall Context

The events in Westland shine a harsh light on ongoing domestic violence issues and the pressing need for proper firearm safety measures. Experts continue to stress that the deaths resulting from unsecured firearms can often be avoided with responsible storage practices. In Michigan, the recent proliferation of firearm-related incidents involving children has sparked renewed discussions on introducing stricter regulations and educational programs aimed at promoting gun safety.

Key Statistics

• Sarah Carroll’s tragic death represents growing concerns about domestic violence.
• Over $17,600 raised for funeral expenses through GoFundMe.
• Seven child fatalities related to unsecured firearms reported this year in Westland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Canton Township Man Charged in Road Rage Incident
Detroit Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Shooting
Tragic Incident in Westland: Possible Murder-Suicide Investigation Underway
Westland Police Investigate Tragic Murder-Suicide
Tragic Shooting in Westland: Parents Charged After Child’s Death
High-Speed Chase in Garden City Leads to Teen Arrest

Additional Resources

• Patch: Woman, 20, Killed in Murder-Suicide
• Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
• Fox 2 Detroit: Westland Man Fatally Shoots Self
• Google Search: Gun Safety
• Freep: Westland Parents Charged in Child’s Shooting Death
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Safety
• CBS News: Two Found Dead in Westland Shooting Incident
• Google News: Gun Violence

Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER

The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.