A Muskegon Heights man with a history of domestic violence has been sentenced to prison for the illegal possession of a firearm. Dequarius Quitman Day, age 32, was handed a 60-month federal prison term followed by three years of supervised release, due to his status as a felon in possession of a gun. His sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten, highlighting the gravity of domestic violence when linked to weapon access.
"Too many women who crossed Mr. Day’s path lived in fear of violence," commented U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "For the millions of Americans who face domestic violence, an abuser’s access to a gun can mean the difference between life and death." Day had prior felony convictions that barred him from possessing firearms, and had an active warrant for an alleged assault against the pregnant sister of his victim from December 9, 2023, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The incident leading to Day's latest charge occurred on Christmas Day in 2023 when he threatened the mother of his child with a firearm. In a plea for help, the victim reported Day's actions while on the phone with 911, leading to his arrest and the subsequent discovery of a loaded Taurus 9-millimeter pistol in his vehicle. Despite his prior convictions, Day has been charged for both the December 9 and December 25 assaults, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The impact of domestic violence is far-reaching. Per the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, and one in four men have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner. Abusers with firearms are a particularly deadly risk, with victims five times as likely to be killed. The U.S. Attorney's Office notes that a variety of cases about domestic violence have been prosecuted, including those involving firearm offenses and methamphetamine trafficking, among others. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to curb violent crime within the community. The Muskegon Township Police Department, and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexia Jansen is the prosecutor. Domestic violence victims are encouraged to reach out to hotlines for support, including Victim Connect and The National Domestic Violence Hotline, among others.
