ALTON, Ill. — An East Alton man was sentenced to 29 years in prison on May 21 for trying to have his ex-girlfriend killed last year.
In an exclusive interview 5 On Your Side's Megan Kernan sat down with domestic violence survivor Kiajuana Carothers, who shared her heartbreaking story of how her ex-boyfriend of eight years harassed her before he tried to have her killed.
"That's why the police call it a crime of passion. It was more of a situation where he felt like, 'If I can't have you, nobody else can,'" Carothers said.
Carothers said her ex-boyfriend, Lorenzo Miller, became possessive and jealous after she broke up with him. This was months before police say Miller asked his friend Vernon McIntosh of St. Louis to murder Carothers at her home in Alton.
"There's no feeling like knowing that your death could be inches away. There is no feeling like running for your life. Especially after you provide and protect someone you know from your own instincts, and then you turn around, and that very person is willing to take your own life away from you," Carothers said.
Carothers was playing cards with some friends on the night of March 26, 2023. Officials said McIntosh fired five shots through a window into Carothers' living room.
"It was just a normal night. And then the next thing you know, there's gunfire," she said.
Carothers wasn't hit, but a close friend, Ericka Johnson, was grazed by a bullet.
"I actually didn't hear it until maybe the fourth or fifth shot, which that last bullet that was shot from the gun is the one that came in and went through my sweater and grazed my torso. Had I not turned when I did. I wouldn't be sitting here right now," Johnson said.
Carothers said that at Miller's trial, they showed a text message on his phone that had been sent from McIntosh.
"He actually sent in a text message and said he didn't get to shoot us. But he did shoot the house four or five times. But he was going to have to come back."
Three days after the shooting, Carothers said the hitman did come back, as she worried that he was going to finish the job.
"I was scared to sleep on anything other than the floor, so I was stuck sleeping on the floor. And when I looked up and saw the flame on my ceiling, I didn't know it was a flame at first until I got up and peeked out the window. And that's when I saw my van on fire," said Carothers.
Alton Police determined that McIntosh's car was near Carothers's home during both attempted murder incidents: at the time of the gunfire and when her van was set on fire.
"I knew it was him. I knew it was another one of his scare tactics or his way of sending a message or trying to scare me. Based on the shooting, I knew that somebody was probably out there, and they might shoot you if you come out the door. I trusted my instincts and decided that the best thing to do would be to stay inside," Carothers said.
Miller was found guilty of solicitation of murder and obstructing justice.
"I hate to use the term 'escaped death.' But that's exactly what happened here. We escaped death."
Carothers said that they showed pictures of her and Johnson during Miller's trial.
"Lorenzo had to send him pictures of us so that he would be secure on who he was shooting at. Whenever it was time to do the shooting. So yeah, I mean, sitting there watching your face and your best friend's face come up on the screen for a murder is crazy."
Carothers said at Miller's trial, "There was no remorse shown. Even during the trial, he pretty much looked like he didn't even care."
"The sentencing that the judge gave him was very satisfying, considering he had no empathy, no compassion, or nothing for her, for Kiajuana or myself as mothers; he could have easily taken us away from our children," Johnson said. "And with that, I'm glad the judge could recognize that and repay him."
Carothers wants to share the importance of recognizing red flags in a domestic abusive relationship.
"Pay attention to the red flags. I mean, I wish I could have understood more about the situation. But unfortunately, some things you just don't see coming. That's why understanding and accepting the red flags to break off the situation is always the best solution," she said.
The Madison County State's Attorney's Office confirmed to 5 On Your Side there was testimony that suggested Lorenzo Miller and Vernon McIntosh, the man who police say was hired to kill Carothers, were in a secret romantic relationship at some point.
Vernon McIntosh's trial is tentatively set for July 8, which Carothers and Johnson say they will be attending.
"If somebody is physically or verbally, emotionally abusing you, you should get out. Sometimes, people wait too late to free themselves. And fortunately for me, I think I waited too late, but at the same time, my life was saved to be able to tell this story," Carothers said.
In a statement, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said:
"Witnesses and victims who provide the evidence that allows us to successfully prosecute violent criminals do a real public service, and should be greatly commended. The victims in this case showed tremendous courage, working with investigators every step of the way. They came to court and, with resolute voices, told the jurors and the judge what happened. Their harrowing testimony and victim-impact statements painted a vivid picture of the terror they experienced. Their actions gave our prosecution team the evidence necessary to take this violent criminal off the street to ensure others in our community are also safe, and we appreciate them very much."
Resources for those experiencing domestic violence:
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Safe Connections Crisis Helpline at 314-531-2003. You can also text that number from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, free of charge.
Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments also has a crisis line at 314-993-2777. ALIVE also has hotline specifically for those in Franklin County at 800-941-9144.
The Women's Safe House can be reached 24 hours a day at 314-772-4535.