A family argument inside a Pontiac home turned nearly fatal when, prosecutors say, a 70-year-old man shot his wife in the face last Saturday while their grandchildren were inside the house. Authorities say the bullet came dangerously close to her carotid artery, but prosecutors report that she is expected to survive.
Prosecutors' account
According to FOX 2 Detroit, the suspect has been identified as David Lee Montgomery. He is charged with assault with intent to murder in connection with last Saturday's shooting. The outlet reports that the incident began as an argument inside a Pontiac home and that police were called to the scene afterward.
Prosecutor's statement
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald addressed the case in a statement to FOX 2 Detroit, saying, "No one should be unsafe in their own home or at the hands of an intimate partner." She added that easy access to firearms only makes domestic violence situations more dangerous for victims, a point underscored by the allegations in this case.
Why firearms raise the stakes
Data show a steep connection between guns and lethal intimate-partner violence. Nearly seven in 10 intimate partner homicides are committed with a firearm, according to an Everytown analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. The CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System has documented similar patterns in which firearms are frequently present in deadly domestic incidents. Those numbers help explain why prosecutors and advocates treat shootings inside family homes as especially urgent cases.
What the charge means
Montgomery is charged with assault with intent to commit murder, a felony under Michigan law. Under Michigan's assault with intent to commit murder statute, MCL 750.83, described by the Michigan Legislature, the offense is punishable by imprisonment "for life or any number of years." It is among the most serious non-homicide charges available to prosecutors in the state.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 911 if you are in immediate danger. You can also contact Michigan’s domestic violence hotline at 1-866-VOICEDV (1-866-864-2338) for free, confidential support. Chat and text options are available through the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Local advocates and law enforcement can help with immediate safety planning and connecting families to services.
