In the early morning hours of October 11, 2025, the life of 25-year-old Shayla Goretcki, a White/Caucasian female, was tragically cut short in her Midland, Michigan, apartment. Police were dispatched to the Robin Oaks apartment complex on Eastlawn Drive around 3:40 a.m. following a 911 call made by her boyfriend, 24-year-old Chepard Hompstead, reporting that she had been shot in the head. Upon arrival, officers discovered Goretcki deceased on her bedroom floor from a fatal gunshot wound under her chin. A Glock pistol and ammunition were found nearby.
The investigation into Goretcki's death revealed a preceding argument between the couple, who lived together and had been drinking that evening. According to Hompstead's account to investigators, he had threatened to kill himself and retrieved his gun. A struggle for the weapon ensued, during which the firearm discharged, striking Goretcki and killing her instantly.
Later that same day, Chepard Hompstead was arrested in connection with Goretcki's death. He was booked into the Midland County Jail and subsequently arraigned on four felony counts: involuntary homicide/manslaughter, careless discharge of a weapon causing death, and two counts of felony firearm. The Midland Police Department has characterized the shooting as an isolated incident, stating there is no ongoing threat to the public. During his arraignment, where family and friends of both Goretcki and Hompstead were present, a judge set his bond at $1 million. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for later in October.
