A Michigan man who opened fire on his girlfriend during a heated argument over a child’s paternity received his sentence on Friday, nearly a year after the violent confrontation.
Vaughn Smith, who was 35 at the time of the shooting, appeared in court on April 18, overcome with emotion as he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder and two firearms charges. The incident, which took place in May 2024, followed several days of tense arguments with his girlfriend — whose identity has been withheld — culminating in her revealing that he wasn’t the biological father of one of their children.
During the sentencing hearing, Smith’s girlfriend asked the judge for leniency, despite being the victim of the attack.
“Please show some mercy for a man who was learning to be a better person, a father and a businessman,” she said.
According to WZZM, the argument escalated on the night of May 23, 2024, when Smith shot the woman twice — once in the head and once in the leg. Her 16-year-old son, witnessing the attack, intervened by tackling and stabbing Smith to protect his mother. A nearby neighbor saw the struggle and immediately called 911.
While at the hospital, the girlfriend told police that Smith had threatened “to blow her brains out” moments before pulling the trigger.
Smith was arrested and taken to the Ottawa County Jail, while his girlfriend ultimately survived her injuries.
During Friday’s hearing, Smith expressed deep regret, telling Judge Jon H. Hulsing,
“I made a terrible decision that day, your honor. And it came from me being hurt just hearing my daughter wasn’t mine. That hurt me so bad, and other infidelities that we’ve been sweeping under the rug. We both need counseling, your honor. We both need counseling.”
Judge Hulsing acknowledged Smith’s remorse but made it clear that the seriousness of the crime couldn’t be ignored.
“That obviously carries some weight,” he said, “but so does what happened that night.”
Smith was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison, with a maximum of 75 years, and will receive credit for time already served.
