Wayne Man Charged In Deadly Canton Shooting: Prosecutors

CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A Wayne man is facing charges in connection to a deadly Canton Township shooting earlier this month, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Veronica Crain of Detroit, 19, was shot to death on Feb. 16 at roughly 9:30 p.m. at the Comfort Suites on Haggerty Road, near Ford Road, according to prosecutors.

Joseph Michael Slocum Jr., 23, was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm, a felony. He was placed in jail. His next court date is scheduled for May 3.

Prosecutors said Slocum entered the hotel with a handgun and shot Crain in the head before fleeing the hotel on foot.

Moments later, officers found Slocum lying in the road after he was struck twice by passing cars as he ran across the southbound Interstate 275 exit to Ford Road, according to prosecutors.

The first driver who hit the man stopped at the scene, but the second vehicle continued driving, according to Michigan State Police.

Slocum was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated, according to prosecutors.

"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. We will vigorously seek justice for Veronica and her family," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy in the release. "And please, if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many people and agencies who stand by to help you."