A Michigan man who opened fire on his girlfriend during a heated argument over a child’s paternity was sentenced on Friday, nearly a year after the violent incident.
Vaughn Smith, 35 at the time of the shooting, appeared in court on April 18, overcome with emotion, and pleaded guilty to assault with intent to murder and two firearms charges.
The incident occurred in May 2024, following several days of heated arguments with his girlfriend — whose identity has been withheld — that culminated in her revealing that he was not the biological father of one of their children.
Despite the fact that she was the victim of the attack, Smith’s girlfriend requested leniency from the judge during his sentencing.
“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 became heated 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, who witnessed the attack, intervened, tackling and stabbing Smith to protect his mother. A nearby neighbor witnessed the struggle and immediately dialed 911.
While at the hospital, the girlfriend told police that Smith had threatened “to blow her brains out” just before pulling the trigger.
Smith was arrested and taken to Ottawa County Jail, but his girlfriend survived her injuries.
During Friday’s hearing, Smith expressed deep regret to Judge Jon 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 emphasized that the gravity of the crime could not be overlooked.
“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 be granted credit for time already served.
