Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Martin Yost, 45 of Sterling Heights, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he was convicted in June of First-Degree Murder for the brutal killing of 45-year-old Dhoua Lao.
On Thursday, August 20, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Rachel Rancilio sentenced Yost to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A jury found Yost guilty as charged of First-Degree Premeditated Homicide on June 12, following a two-week trial. Sian Hengeveld, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Chief of Trials and Circuit Court, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Erica Hardy, prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.
On November 13, 2023, Yost viciously beat Dhoua Lao to death. She had been his girlfriend for approximately two months. Roseville Police later found Yost passed out in the driver's seat of his vehicle with Lao deceased in the passenger seat.
“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. 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,” said Lucido.
Anyone in a domestic violence situation should call 911 if it is an emergency, otherwise call the nearest police department. Other resources are available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or 800-799-7233 and Turning Point at 586-463-6990.
On Thursday, August 20, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Rachel Rancilio sentenced Yost to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A jury found Yost guilty as charged of First-Degree Premeditated Homicide on June 12, following a two-week trial. Sian Hengeveld, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and Chief of Trials and Circuit Court, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Erica Hardy, prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.
On November 13, 2023, Yost viciously beat Dhoua Lao to death. She had been his girlfriend for approximately two months. Roseville Police later found Yost passed out in the driver's seat of his vehicle with Lao deceased in the passenger seat.
“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. 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,” said Lucido.
Anyone in a domestic violence situation should call 911 if it is an emergency, otherwise call the nearest police department. Other resources are available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or 800-799-7233 and Turning Point at 586-463-6990.
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