MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) - A Sterling Heights man is facing murder charges after police say he brutally beat his girlfriend to death, put her body in his car and drove until he was found by police off a Roseville ramp this week.
Martin Yost, 42, was arraigned on Second Degree Murder on Thursday, a life felony if convicted, after he allegedly killed his 45-year-old girlfriend by severely beating her in the head and face, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said.
"This is a stark and tragic illustration of the severity of domestic violence," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said. "Such crimes are deeply serious, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served."
WWJ's Mike Campbell reported earlier in the week that police made the grisly discovery while responding to a disabled vehicle at the crossroads of northbound Gratiot, near 13 Mile, near I-94 around 11:15 p.m. on Nov. 13.
Roseville police confirmed that responding officers found two occupants inside the vehicle. The passenger, identified as a 45-year-old female resident of the City of Warren, was discovered deceased with significant trauma to her head.
The driver, identified as Yost, was found passed out and covered in blood, the department.
Police believe the woman was physical assaulted in Detroit by Yost before he put her in the car and drove to Roseville.
Campbell said the investigation forced the roads closed for nearly five hours as police processed the scene.
During Yost's arraignment, a judge denied him bond and order him not to have any contact with the victim's family.
A preliminary exam is scheduled for December 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Lucido urged anyone who is facing domestic violence to reach out in whatever way possible.
"Your safety is paramount, and help is available to guide you through this difficult time," he stated.
If you are in a domestic violence situation, call 911 if it is an emergency, otherwise call the nearest police department. Other resources are available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or 800-799-7233 and Turning Point at 586-463-6990.
