Detroit Man Accused Of Punching Pregnant Girlfriend In Stomach

DETROIT, MI — A Detroit man has been accused of assaulting and torturing his 30-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Wayne County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Billy Ray Cromer, 33, is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, torture and felonious assault, prosecutors said.

“This office has been presented with well over 30,000 domestic violence warrants in just the last five years. I can unequivocally say that alleged facts on this case are among the worst I have seen," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "Domestic violence is ever present, it is tragic, it is real, it is tremendously disturbing, and it has to be taken much more seriously by society.”

According to prosecutors, Cromer on Oct. 16 went to the home he shared with his girlfriend in Detroit and assaulted her. Prosecutors said Cromer grabbed the woman by her neck, choking her, before repeatedly punching her in the stomach and head.

During the assault the victim attempted to cover her stomach to protect her unborn child, prosecutors said.

Cromer also made her swallow several unknown prescription medicine pills, prosecutors said. He eventually took her to a local hospital for treatment on the same evening, according to prosecutors.

The unborn child did not survive the assault, prosecutors said. Authorities said no further details will be released at this time.

Cromer was arraigned Tuesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 9.