Center Line man Charged with Second-Degree Murder of Girlfriend while Children in the Home

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced 39-year-old Zachary Fuqua, of Center Line, MI, was arraigned on a charges including Second-Degree Murder related to the shooting death of his girlfriend within her home in front of her children.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 5:30 pm, Fuqua shot his 38-year-old girlfriend, Erica Marie Sanders, in the kitchen of her home in Center Line. Officers with the Center Line Police Department responded to the residence where they found the victim with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite attempts to provide lifesaving aid, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Three of the Sander’s four children were home at the time of the shooting. Her children are 5-17 years old.

On Friday, March 20, 2026, Fuqua was arraigned before District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce in the 37th District Court in Center Line, MI. Fuqua is charged with the following offenses:

·        Murder – Second Degree, a felony punishable by life or any term of years.

·        Firearms - Possession by Prohibited Person, a felony punishable by 5 years.

·        Ammunition - Possession by Prohibited Person, a felony punishable by 5 years. 

·        Felony Firearm, x3 Counts, each a felony punishable by mandatory 2 years consecutive.

These are the maximum charges available under the law based upon the evidence presented to date.

Due to the nature of the charges, Judge Faunce set no bond, and Fuqua was remanded into custody. Fuqua is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Wednesday April 1, 2026, at 8:45 am before Judge John Chmura, and a Preliminary Exam on Wednesday April 8, 2026, before Judge Suzanne Faunce at the 37th District Court in Center Line, MI.

“The allegations about this Defendant’s actions are abhorrent, and they have resulted in an immeasurable and devastating loss for the victim’s children, and family. Domestic violence can have tragic and far-reaching consequences. No one should have to live in fear within their own home. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help immediately. In an emergency, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at (800) 799-7233,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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