Sterling Heights man accused of murdering pregnant girlfriend

STERLING HEIGHTS — A Sterling Heights resident has been accused of murder following the death of his pregnant girlfriend, according to county prosecutors.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office believes that the suspect, identified as Damarion Goler, 31, stabbed Talic Mersina, 31, near their apartment’s door March 24. The attack reportedly ended up killing Mersina, as well as her unborn child, prosecutors said.

The Prosecutor’s Office said Goler was discovered with Mersina in her vehicle, which was reportedly at a parking lot by a Clinton Township apartment complex that is home to Goler’s mother.

“The defendant allegedly chose to take the life of his pregnant girlfriend, someone who trusted and loved him. Justice demands that he face the consequences of his crimes,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement. “These acts are not merely crimes against individuals but against the very fabric of humanity itself.”

Prosecutors said Goler was arraigned March 27 in 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights before Magistrate Michael Piatek. The suspect was charged with four counts: a life felony of second-degree murder; a life felony of assaulting a pregnant individual, intentionally causing miscarriage; a 10-year felony of evidence tampering; and a five-year felony of concealing an individual’s death. Bond was denied, and Goler was reportedly sent to Macomb County Jail.

According to prosecutors, Goler’s next scheduled court dates include a June 5 status conference before 41-A District Court Judge Kimberely Wiegand. Goler’s listed attorney, Gary Francis Kennedy II, did not respond for comment by press time.

Anyone who has more information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office by visiting macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office or by calling (586) 469-5350.