GRAND HAVEN, MI – A Michigan man who was found guilty of shooting his girlfriend during a heated argument over the paternity of their child has been sentenced to prison. Vaughn Smith, 35 at the time of the incident, appeared in court on Friday, showing visible emotion as he awaited his fate.
In the courtroom, Smith pleaded guilty to charges of assault with intent to commit murder, along with two firearm-related offenses. Despite his girlfriend advocating for leniency on his behalf, it was ultimately up to the judge to determine his sentence.
The events leading to the shooting began when Smith and his girlfriend, then 34, engaged in several days of arguments. Tensions peaked when she revealed that Smith was not the biological father of one of their children.
The argument escalated on the evening of May 23, 2024, when Smith shot his girlfriend twice — striking her in the head and leg. Her 16-year-old son intervened, tackling Smith and stabbing him in an effort to protect his mother. A neighbor witnessed the commotion and alerted authorities.
While receiving treatment at the hospital, the girlfriend provided a statement to police, claiming that Smith had threatened her life during the confrontation.
Following the arrest, Smith was held in Ottawa County Jail, where he later entered a guilty plea. During his plea, he expressed profound regret, admitting to poor judgment spurred by emotional turmoil upon learning the paternity truth and other relationship issues. “I made a terrible decision that day,” Smith told the court, asking for counseling for both himself and his girlfriend.
His girlfriend, beside him in court, pleaded for mercy, describing Smith as a person striving to improve himself and be a better partner and father.
Judge Jon H. Hulsing acknowledged Smith’s remorse but emphasized the severity of the crime when delivering a sentence of nearly 30 years in prison, with a potential maximum of 75 years. This decision reflects the grave nature of the offense, notwithstanding Smith’s apparent regret and the victim’s plea for clemency.