Westland Man Charged in Homicide of Girlfriend

Published on September 08, 2026

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Daniel Jarrett Dean, 20, of Westland, in connection with the fatal shooting of Monica Rokita, 18, also of Westland. The defendant and the victim were residing together at the time of the incident.

On September 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Westland police officers were dispatched to an apartment complex located in the 36000 block of Hunter Avenue for a reported shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim in the kitchen/living room area of the apartment unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the face, arm, chest, and stomach. Medics arrived on the scene and pronounced Ms. Rokita deceased.

It is alleged Defendant Dean produced and fired a rifle multiple times, fatally wounding Ms. Rokita, before fleeing the scene. Investigation by the Westland Police Department led to the arrest of the defendant a short time later. More complete facts and evidence will be placed on the record in court at the preliminary examination.

Daniel Jarrett Dean has been charged with one count of Premeditated First-Degree Murder and one count of Felony Firearm. *

“This was overkill. Words cannot even begin to adequately express the utter gruesomeness of this crime. The defendant that we are alleging was responsible for this domestic violence carnage will be aggressively prosecuted and brought to justice,” said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

He was arraigned this afternoon in 18th District Court via Zoom before Judge Michael McNamara and received a $1 Million cash/surety bond. The Probable Cause conference is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., via Zoom, and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for September 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., in-person, before Judge Michael McNamara.

Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Westland Police Department.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

#####