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Man charged with girlfriend's stabbing death says he does 'stupid stuff' on drugs

Her death has been ruled a homicide. A man is facing charges while still recovering from self-inflicted stab wounds at the hospital.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A woman was killed when a man stabbed her in Grand Rapids and then injured himself. Police just identified her.

The incident happened around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the 300 block of S Division. Police say the woman was stabbed and died from her injuries at the scene. 

Police identified her as Lavonia Lucille Parham, 54. Her death was ruled a homicide.

The man, who police say is the suspect, then stabbed himself multiple times. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

He was later identified as Michael Anthony Rose, 60. He's being arraigned on charges of open murder and carrying a concealed weapon. He's being charged as a habitual offender, as it's his fourth charge.

He's still recovering at the hospital.

When officers arrived, they found Rose on top of Parham. They pulled him off and he collapsed on the ground, court documents say. First responders worked to save both of them.

Witnesses told police Rose and Parham were dating. He was allegedly seen chasing Parham with a knife, pushing her to the ground, then stabbing her multiple times. 

Once she stopped moving, Rose began to stab himself, witnesses said and video surveillance confirmed.

When Rose woke up at the hospital, he told investigators they've been dating for many years. That day, they did drugs together and sometimes he does "stupid stuff" when he's high, he said.

Rose told police they got into an argument and he just "snapped" on Parham, he said. He said he "takes responsibility for his actions," court documents show.

Credit: GoFundMe
A GoFundMe for Lavonia Parham's family.

The scene, right near Heartside Park, is a busy area for pedestrians. Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom says multiple witnesses saw the act, including students at nearby Grand Rapids Catholic Central. 

"This is devastating for the neighborhood," said Winstrom, "it's a very horrific scene for them to see."

Winstrom says the couple were known around the Heartside Park area.

"They're not strangers to us. That makes it a little extra sad," he said.

Catholic Central, on nearby Sheldon Boulevard, was not put on lockdown after the suspect was sent to the hospital. Investigators didn't believe there was any threat to the public.

"I think there's still so much progress to be made to support victims of domestic violence," said Winstrom. "To see a relationship end in a deadly stabbing, it's tough to wrap your head around."

Parham's family is raising money for funeral costs. You can help them on their GoFundMe here.

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