HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Authorities in Michigan have arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of murdering his fiancée, claiming the gun he was handling accidentally discharged. Michael Devon Webb was taken into custody last week, facing charges of first-degree murder and using a firearm during a felony in the death of his fiancée, 23-year-old Rachel Renee Wooten, according to officials.
Police responded to a call about a shooting at the couple’s Highland Township home on April 15, 2025. The residence, located roughly 40 miles northwest of Detroit, was shared by Webb, Wooten, and their 6-month-old child. Webb reportedly called emergency services and stated that he had shot both his fiancée and himself.
First responders arriving on the scene found Wooten with a fatal gunshot wound to her neck. She was declared dead at the site, but thankfully, their infant child was unharmed in the incident. Webb was immediately arrested at the scene.
In his initial statement, Webb claimed the shooting was accidental, occurring while he was cleaning his firearm. However, evidence gathered from the scene reportedly contradicted Webb’s narrative, suggesting the shooting was not an accident, authorities said.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office indicated that Webb’s wound was likely caused by the same bullet that killed Wooten. “Rachel Wooten was a young mother whose life was tragically cut short,” said Prosecutor Karen McDonald, emphasizing a commitment to seek justice in this case of alleged domestic violence.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised the investigatory team for their work in challenging the initial account provided by Webb, describing the death as tragic and commending the uncovering of critical evidence.
Webb appeared before Magistrate Judge Andra Richardson in 52-1 District Court in Novi, Michigan, following his arrest. He remains in custody without bond, with a probable cause hearing set for April 30.
Conviction of first-degree murder in Michigan results in a mandatory life sentence without parole. Meanwhile, Wooten’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign in her memory. Her sister described Wooten as a beloved family member and a dedicated mother.
“Rachel was my rock and best friend,” her sister shared on the fundraising page. “This tragedy has devastated us, but we want to honor her life and legacy.”