Kalamazoo, MI — A Michigan man who shot his wife 15 times just one day after she served him with divorce papers has been sentenced to decades behind bars following a plea deal that ended in a conviction for second-degree murder.
Marcus Lofton Sentenced to 25–50 Years
Marcus Lofton, 44, was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison for the brutal killing of his wife, 38-year-old Alicia Lofton, on August 17, 2023. The couple had been married for only six months at the time of the shooting. According to Law & Crime, the murder occurred just one day after Alicia handed Marcus divorce papers.
The case had originally ended in a mistrial after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. Following the mistrial, Lofton entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.
During the sentencing, Lofton chose not to speak, instead sitting silently as Alicia’s grieving family addressed the court.
Father Confronts His Daughter’s Killer in Court
Arthur Joseph, Alicia’s father, spoke directly to Lofton, holding back tears as he condemned the man who took his daughter’s life.
“I just want the world to know that this guy is a piece of garbage,” Joseph said in court. “I wish I could handle this and serve justice on his a— right now.”
According to courtroom reporting from MLive, family and friends of Alicia Lofton expressed deep frustration and heartbreak, remembering Alicia as a vibrant woman who was trying to reclaim her independence when her life was violently cut short.
Case Highlights Dangers of Domestic Violence During Divorce
Advocates say this case serves as a grim reminder of how dangerous the separation and divorce process can be for women in abusive or volatile relationships.
Some key facts:
- Alicia Lofton had served divorce papers just one day before the fatal shooting.
- She was shot 15 times, a level of violence that prosecutors say indicated rage and intent.
- Marcus Lofton fled the scene, but was captured later and taken into custody.
The sentence ensures Lofton will spend at least two and a half decades behind bars, though Alicia’s family said no punishment will bring her back.
Community Still Reeling from the Loss
Alicia’s murder shook the Kalamazoo community, where friends say she had just begun to rebuild her life. Many hope the lengthy sentence brings some measure of closure, even as they continue to grieve her loss.
“She wanted out. She was doing what she needed to do — and for that, she paid with her life,” one family member said after court.
Do you think the justice system did enough in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments.
