Mich. man handed life sentence for ‘brutal and senseless murder’ of girlfriend in 2023
08/26/2026 11:05 am PDT
MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (TCN) -- A 45-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder in the beating death of his girlfriend.
According to the Macomb County prosecutor, Martin Yost beat his girlfriend, 45-year-old Dhoua Lao, to death on Nov. 13, 2023. The two had been dating for about two months when she was killed.
Yost was convicted of first-degree murder on June 12. At trial, prosecutors said Lao, a mother of two, was beaten so badly that it was impossible to determine her race or gender at first and the scene was like “something out of a horror movie.” Jurors also saw text messages Lao sent to Yost in which she begged him not to kill her.
Yost was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Aug. 20, according to the county prosecutor’s office.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said, “Today’s sentence ensures that this defendant will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the brutal and senseless murder of a woman who deserved to live her life free from violence. The cruelty inflicted upon her was horrific, and no family should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one in such a violent manner.”
He continued, “While no sentence can undo the suffering caused, life without parole holds this defendant accountable and ensures he can never again pose a threat to another person. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones as they continue to live with this devastating loss.”
According to Yost’s attorneys, Yost plans to appeal his conviction, the Detroit News reports.
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