Background: Marcus Lofton testifies during his trial (MLive.com/YouTube). Inset: Alicia Lofton (GoFundMe).
A Michigan man who pleaded guilty to murdering the woman who tried to divorce him learned his fate in court.
Marcus Lofton, aged 44, received a prison sentence of 25 to 50 years after admitting to second-degree murder. He fatally shot his wife, 38-year-old Alicia Lofton, 15 times on August 17, 2023, just a day after she gave him divorce papers. The couple had been married for only six months.
Marcus Lofton agreed to a plea deal following a mistrial where the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the charges. During the sentencing, which was reported by the local news outlet MLive.com, Marcus Lofton remained silent but was present in court to listen to Alicia Lofton’s loved ones share their grief.
Alicia Lofton’s father, Arthur Joseph, confronted Marcus Lofton after Judge Scott Noto issued the sentence. He managed to control his emotions while stating, “I want everyone to know this man is despicable. I wish I could deliver justice myself.”
Previously reported by Law&Crime, the trouble in Marcus Lofton and his late wife’s relationship escalated after his arrest for domestic violence against her in May 2023, which led to a no-contact order. As Alicia prepared to divorce him and sell their shared home, Marcus’s frustration grew.
The day following the delivery of divorce papers, Marcus attempted to collect his belongings from their home, resulting in an argument. He took Alicia’s Glock pistol from a drawer, and during the commotion, the gun fired. She escaped to a bathroom and locked the door, but he broke it down. As she tried to flee through a window, Marcus shot her multiple times before leaving in his SUV.
Neighbors dialed 911, and police found Alicia Lofton’s body on the lawn with multiple fatal gunshot wounds. Alicia was the mother of three adult children.
