A Michigan man has been sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison after shooting his girlfriend during an argument over the paternity of their child. The incident happened in May 2024, but the court decided during a sentencing hearing held on April 18, 2025.
The man, Vaughn Smith, who was 35 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder and two firearms charges.
He appeared emotional and remorseful during his sentencing, even crying in front of the judge as he recalled the night that changed his life forever. The victim, whose name was not made public, also spoke during the hearing and asked the judge to show some mercy.
According to reports by WZZM, the couple had been in a heated argument for several days leading up to the incident.
Things got worse when the woman confessed that Smith was not the biological father of one of the children they were raising together.
The argument took a violent turn on the night of May 23, 2024. Smith shot his girlfriend twice—once in the leg and once in the head. Miraculously, she survived.
Her 16-year-old son stepped in during the attack and managed to stab Smith in defense of his mother. A nearby neighbor witnessed the chaos and quickly called 911.
At the hospital, the woman told police that Smith had threatened “to blow her brains out” before opening fire. Despite the trauma she suffered, she recovered from her injuries and later testified in support of Smith at his sentencing hearing.
In court, Smith apologized and explained what led him to make such a violent decision. “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,” he said. He also spoke about infidelity and emotional struggles in their relationship and suggested that both of them needed counseling.
His girlfriend echoed that sentiment and told the judge that Smith was trying to be a better person. She said he had been working on himself, learning how to be a good father and businessman, and pleaded with the court for leniency.
Judge Jon H. Hulsing acknowledged Smith’s remorse, saying that it did carry some weight in the final decision. However, considering the severity of the crime, he still handed down a strict punishment.
Smith was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 75 years. He will receive credit for time already served.
Smith is now behind bars in Ottawa County, and the case serves as a stark reminder of how personal issues can spiral into life-altering consequences. Even with remorse, emotional pain, and pleas for mercy, the court made it clear that violent actions come with serious penalties.
This case also highlights the importance of mental health support in relationships, especially when emotions run high. Though the victim survived and later forgave her attacker, the impact of that night will likely affect both families for a long time.