Argument at Michigan motel ends with woman killed, man accused of murder

An argument between a couple at a Michigan motel ended with the fatal shooting of a woman and the man has been charged with open murder, police say.

Around 5:30 a.m. on July 19, officers were called to the Rodeway Inn motel in Madison Heights, Michigan, for a report of a disturbance with people yelling, according to authorities.

Jajuan Darvez West, 21, was living at the motel with his girlfriend, a 29-year-old Detroit woman, officials said.

When police arrived, they found the girlfriend’s body lying on the floor, police said.

Madison Heights police Lt. Michael Siladke told the Royal Oak Tribune, “They were living at the motel trying to save money. They argued about money.”

Authorities said West had a loaded Glock handgun and the argument escalated.

Siladke said, “He told us he got really angry and fired a couple of shots to scare her. She got hit in the torso five times.”

Police said they learned the suspect’s identity shortly after they found his girlfriend’s body in the motel room. West was found a short distance away, hiding behind a dumpster at a gas station, Royal Oak Tribune reported.

He was arrested and the gun used in the alleged shooting was recovered, officers said.

West was charged with murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony and he was book into jail, where he is being held without bond, officials said.