College student killed by ex-boyfriend who was stalking her for months in murder-suicide

A college student has been killed by her ex-boyfriend who had been stalking her for months in what police are describing as a murder-suicide.

20-year-old Sarah Carroll was shot and killed in Westland, Detroit, on Saturday (August 30) by her ex-boyfriend, Lincoln, who then took his own life.

Jennifer Carroll, the victim's mother, told Fox 2 that Sarah was in the process of getting a restraining order against her former boyfriend when he fatally shot her over the weekend.

Carroll told the outlet: "She was with Lincoln, her ex-boyfriend, for almost a year and they were having trouble. He was stalking her for the past two months. And he came here last night, shot her, called 911, said he killed his girlfriend, and then shot himself."

The mother continued: "She was a wonderful person. She'd light up her room whenever she'd come in. She had a smile that was just brilliant and she was so smart. She was on the Dean's List."

Carroll went on to say her daughter did not inform her parents that she was being stalked by her former partner prior to Lincoln committing the brutal murder.

Sarah was murdered on Saturday (GoFundMe)

She told Click on Detroit: "To other parents — watch your kids. Try to get more into their life, try to get them to be open and talk to you."

A GoFundMe page has also been set up since Sarah's tragic passing, with all the money raised to be used for 'funeral expenses'.

The fundraiser states: "Our hearts are shattered as we share that our beautiful Sarah Carroll was taken from us far too soon due to gun violence. Sarah was so full of life — smart, brave, strong, and with a smile that lit up every room she entered.

"She was only just beginning her journey, and losing her at such a young age is something no family should ever have to go through."

The GoFundMe continues: "We love and miss her more than words can ever say. Thank you for your prayers, your donations, and the love you’ve shown our family during this heartbreaking time."

Sarah Carroll was just 20 years old (GoFundMe)

James Carroll, Sarah's father, has also been speaking to the press following the weekend's tragic events.

He told Click on Detroit that Lincoln 'was suffering from mental illness'.

"If their children are suffering from mental illness, get them some help. Get them the help that they need before something like this happens," he told the outlet.

Police are set to release more details regarding the murder-suicide later this week, the New York Post reports.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.