CANTON (WWJ) — A Wayne County man is looking at the possibility of life in prison after being charged with the killing of his ex-girlfriend at a hotel earlier this month.
Joseph Slocum, Jr., of Wayne was arraigned Monday on one count each of first-degree murder and felony firearm for the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Veronica Crain.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 Slocum, 23, allegedly walked into the Comfort Suites on Haggerty Road, near I-275 and Ford Road, and shot Crain in the head as she was behind the front desk. He then ran from the hotel, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
She was pronounced dead when police and first responders arrived at the scene.
About 20 minutes after the shooting Canton police were called to southbound I-275 near Ford Road for reports of a crash involving a pedestrian.
When officers showed up they found Slocum lying in the road, suffering from multiple injuries. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. His condition was not disclosed.
"I say this often, 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," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, per a press release.
"We will vigorously seek justice for Veronica and her family. 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," Worthy said.
Slocum was remanded to jail after Monday's arraignment. His next court date is scheduled for May 3.
