Mount Clemens, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Martin Yost, a 45-year-old Sterling Heights man, was convicted as charged by a jury of First-Degree Murder for brutally beating his girlfriend to death.
On Friday, June 12, 2026, following a two-week jury trial, a Macomb County jury found Yost guilty as charged of the following offense:
- Homicide – Murder – First-Degree - Premeditated, punishable by life without parole.
The trial was held before Circuit Court Judge Rachel Rancilio. Chief Assistant Prosecutor of Trials and Circuit Court, Sian Hengeveld, and Assistant Prosecutor, Erica Clute-Cubbin, prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.
Yost has been held without bond at the Macomb County Jail since November 13, 2023. He will be sentenced by Judge Rancilio on Wednesday, July 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
On Monday, November 13, 2023, Martin Yost brutally beat his girlfriend, Dhoua Lao, to death. He was later found by Roseville Police passed out in the driver's seat of his vehicle with Ms. Lao deceased in the passenger seat. Ms. Lao was the mother two daughters unrelated to the Defendant.
"This is a stark and tragic illustration of the ultimate and worst consequence of domestic violence. Justice has finally been secured in this case. The defendant’s conviction, as charged, including first-degree murder reflects the unwavering commitment of prosecutors, investigators, and the victim’s loved ones, to seek accountability and justice. No verdict can undo the profound loss suffered by the victim’s family, but we hope this outcome brings them a measure of peace and closure. Our office remains steadfast in pursuing justice for all victims of domestic violence,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
If you are in a domestic violence situation, call 911 if it is an emergency, otherwise call the nearest police department. Other resources are available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or 800-799-7233 and Turning Point at 586-463-6990.
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 that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
