Mike Martindale/ The Detroit News
Southfield— A 38-year-old Southfield man accused of killing his wife in front of their three daughters this week has a history of domestic violence, including a previous choking attack on her.
That information was revealed Thursday during the arraignment of Rahim Lockridge on a charge of open murder in the death of his wife of 12 years, Kenyatta. According to authorities, Lockridge strangled her about 9:40 p.m. Monday in the family's home on Potomac.
Lockridge was formally charged in 46th District Court in a video arraignment from the Oakland County Jail. He said he understood the charge against him and requested a court-appointed attorney.
"Due to the seriousness of the charge, there will be no bond," said Judge William Richards, who entered a not-guilty plea on Lockridge's behalf and set a Sept. 30 preliminary exam.
Richards also ordered Lockridge to have no contact with the girls, aged 8, 11 and 16, who are all in the care of their grandmother, according to police.
Lockridge, a former autoworker who is employed as a hair stylist and part-time security guard, allegedly argued with his wife over money before putting her in a fatal chokehold, police said.
"The daughters pleaded with him to let her go and when she did, she slumped to the floor," said Southfield Police Lt. Nick Loussia.
According to court testimony Thursday, the girls called 911 and performed CPR in an unsuccessful effort to revive their mother. Lockridge fled the home and was arrested in Detroit about two hours later, authorities said.
Several people believed to be relatives or friends of the couple were in court Thursday but declined to be interviewed.
Officials told Richards that Lockridge had two prior arrests for domestic violence, including one less than a year ago.
In that incident, Kenyatta told police she woke up Nov. 5 to find her husband choking her.
Lockridge pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and is on probation, according to court records.
In 2007, he was placed on six months' probation for a domestic violence incident in Detroit.
mmartindale@detnews.com
(248) 338-0319
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