A Michigan man who admitted to killing his wife the day after she served him divorce papers has been sentenced to decades in prison.
The Crime
Marcus Lofton, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for shooting his wife, 38-year-old Alicia Lofton, 15 times on August 17, 2023. The couple had been married for only six months. Alicia had served him divorce papers just one day before the attack.
Previous Trial and Plea Deal
Lofton’s guilty plea came after his first trial ended in a mistrial when the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Under his plea agreement, Judge Scott Noto sentenced him to 25–50 years in prison.
Heartbroken Family Speaks Out
During the sentencing, Alicia’s father, Arthur Joseph, addressed the court, calling Lofton “a piece of garbage” and expressing his anger and grief. He said he wished he could personally deliver justice for his daughter.
Troubled Relationship History
Court records show that their relationship had already turned violent before the murder. In May 2023, Lofton was arrested for a domestic violence incident involving Alicia and was ordered not to contact her. She was preparing to file for divorce and sell the house they shared when tensions escalated.
The Day of the Murder
On the day of the killing, Lofton went to the home to collect his belongings. A heated argument broke out, during which he grabbed Alicia’s Glock pistol from a drawer. The gun went off, and Alicia ran to lock herself in the bathroom. Lofton forced the door open as she tried to escape through a window and shot her multiple times.
Aftermath and Arrest
Neighbors called 911 after hearing gunshots. Police arrived to find Alicia’s body on the lawn, suffering from numerous fatal gunshot wounds. She was a mother of three adult children. Lofton fled in his SUV but was later taken into custody.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers surrounding domestic violence and the tragic outcomes that can occur when abuse escalates. Alicia’s death leaves a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.
