CENTER LINE (WWJ) -- A 39-year-old Center Line man could spend the rest of his life in prison after authorities say he shot and killed his girlfriend in her kitchen, while three of her children were home.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that Zachary Fuqua has been charged with Second-Degree Murder in the death of 38-year-old Erica Marie Sanders.
The shooting happened at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the victim's home in Center Line.
Officers responding to the scene to find Sanders with a single gunshot wound.
She was pronounced dead, and Fuqua was arrested.
According to investigators, three of Sanders' four kids — ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old — were inside the home at the time of the shooting. Fortunate, none of the children were physically hurt.
Fuqua was arraigned Friday in 37th District Court, and ordered held without bond.
In addition to the murder charge, he's also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, and with three counts of felony firearm.
He is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference set for April 1, followed by a preliminary examination on April 8.
No information about a motive, or what led up to the shooting, have been released.
“The allegations about this Defendant’s actions are abhorrent, and they have resulted in an immeasurable and devastating loss for the victim’s children, and family," Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, in a statement. "Domestic violence can have tragic and far-reaching consequences. No one should have to live in fear within their own home."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help immediately. In an emergency, call 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233.