Wayne Man Sentenced To Prison After Fatally Shooting Ex-Girlfirend At Canton Hotel

CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A Wayne man who was convicted in a deadly Canton Township shooting was sentenced to prison last Friday, according to police.

Joseph Michael Slocum, Jr., 24, was sentenced to 40-60 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and using a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to police.

Police said Slocum fatally shot his former girlfriend, 19-year-old Veronica Crain, on Feb. 16, 2024 at roughly 9:30 p.m. at the Comfort Suites on Haggerty Road, near Ford Road.

Police said Slocum entered the hotel with a handgun and shot Crain in the head while she was working at the front desk.

Slocum, Jr. then fled the hotel and was struck twice by passing cars as he ran across the southbound Interstate 275 exit to Ford Road, police said.

Officers found him lying on the road suffering from multiple injuries, police said.

He was later charged in the shooting and placed in jail.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Veronica Crain as they continue to bear the profound grief resulting from the unimaginable act of murder," said Police Chief Chad Baugh. "We also thank the responding officers, detectives, and Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s team for their commitment to pursuing justice for Veronica."

Canton Police urged anyone who is a victim of domestic violence to get help from organizations like First Step at (734) 722-6800.