One day after being released on parole, a Detroit man twice convicted of beating pregnant women attacked again — this time strangling and trying to kill his on-again, off-again girlfriend, prosecutors said.
The victim managed to text a family member for help and that saved her life, authorities said, stressing this case highlights the pervasive problem of domestic abuse, as well as the importance of victims speaking up and seeking help.
“This victim sought help, and that may have saved her life,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in announcing criminal charges against the suspect on Monday, June 1, 2026. “Women suffering domestic abuse are not alone. Resources and support are available to help victims escape abusive relationships.”
The case involves 47-year-old Ricky Kahil McLaurin of Detroit, who is jailed on assault with intent to murder and domestic violence, third offense charges for the alleged attack that happened on May 28, 2026.
According to Michigan Department of Corrections records, the 6-foot-2, 219-pound McLaurin has twice been convicted of assaulting a pregnant woman. The first time was in 2021. He pleaded guilty and got probation.
The second time involved an attack that happened in 2024. He pleaded nolo contendre — a legal term that means a defendant does not admit to a crime, but accepts the conviction and sentence. He received an 18-month to 6-year prison sentence, but served less than two years of his sentence before getting paroled on May 27, 2026.
The next day, prosecutors say, he attacked again.
According to the prosecutor’s office, McLaurin battered and strangled his latest alleged victim, while threatening to kill her. The victim, though, reportedly texted a family member for help. That relative then called the police. McLaurin later turned himself in to the Southfield Police Department.
An attorney of record has not been listed for McLaurin, who is jailed on a $100,000 cash bond. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison on the assault with intent to murder charge. Domestic Violence, Third Offense, is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. He has a probable cause hearing scheduled for June 11, when a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence for the case to proceed.
This case comes five days after a 70-year-old Pontiac man allegedly shot his wife in the face during a domestic dispute. According to prosecutors, on May 23, 2026, David Lee Montgomery opened fire during a May 23 marital spat when a bullet struck his wife in the jaw, barely missing her carotid artery. The victim is expected to recover from her injuries.
Montgomery was denied bond at his arraignment on two felony charges: assault with intent to murder − which carries a maximum life sentence − and felony firearm.
If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, please call 1-866-VOICEDV (1-866-864-2338) 24/7 to speak to a trained advocate. Support is free and confidential.
Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Man who twice beat pregnant women got parole, then attacked again
Reporting by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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