A Michigan man has been arrested for bludgeoning a woman to death with a hammer after he was released without a bond one day before he was due to take the stand in a domestic abuse charge against her.
The dead woman’s body was found in the city of Warren in the US state of Michigan on Monday.
Erik Fry, 34, has been charged with murder after previously being charged with domestic violence against the same victim, named as Amanda Harvey, 34, according to the police.
The police said Harvey was the suspect’s long-term girlfriend.
Court records said that he was previously charged with domestic violence before being released without bond. He was due in court on Tuesday, hours after his partner was found dead in a home in Warren.
Police spokesperson Bill Dwyer said cops had attended callouts to the house before, even as recently as the day before when neighbours claimed a friend of Harvey was concerned about her wellbeing.
Dwyer added: “This entire incident is tragically regrettable. I am appreciative for the hard work of the men and women of this police department and the fact this dangerous individual is in custody and no longer posing a threat to the citizens of Warren.”
The police said everything seemed to be in order on the Sunday, but were called out to the home again the following day and found her dead body, adding that Fry was the caller.
The suspect, who is reportedly dead, told the emergency services that he just “killed a woman”.
Public prosecutor Peter Lucido called it an outrage that Fry was released without bond on the previous charge.
Netizen ‘Sunflowerz Lyz’, allegedly one of Fry’s former girlfriends, said on Facebook: “I found out about this news last night. I’m very overwhelmed that everyone calls, message and social media “check in with me” they are so happy that it is not me. I am surviving domestic violence with first of ex boyfriend Erik Fry for almost six years.
“I’m praying for this girl “Amanda Harvey” family. I do remember that she did Facebook message to me that he does abuses with her in few years ago. I already told her that “LEAVE HIM” end up she didn’t listen to me (sic).”
The investigation is ongoing.
