A Michigan man has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the back of the head in front of her children. Zachary Fuqua, 39, is accused of killing 38-year-old Erika Sanders on Tuesday in Warren, a city about 20 miles north of Detroit.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. at Sanders’ home on Sterling Street, with three of her four children present during the shooting.
Disturbing Details of the Incident
The tragic event unfolded when Fuqua allegedly shot Sanders in the back of the head before fleeing the scene. In a chilling detail, authorities report that as Fuqua was leaving the house, he gave the children candy, saying, “Here y’all babies go.”
Sanders was found lying face down when police arrived. Fuqua was later apprehended nearby and taken into custody.
Prior Warnings and Social Media Activity
In the days leading up to the shooting, Fuqua’s social media activity indicated he may have been struggling emotionally. A Facebook post on March 14 read, “Going out with a bang,” which could have been an ominous sign of his state of mind before the killing.
Legal Proceedings
Fuqua is currently being held without bond in the Macomb County Jail. Assistant Macomb County Prosecutor Jonathan Mycek described the crime as particularly callous, stating that Fuqua had no qualms about committing the murder in front of three minor children. Fuqua is scheduled to return to court on April 1 to face charges.
