SAGINAW, MI — A 38-year-old Saginaw man with a violent criminal history is once again facing serious charges after allegedly subjecting his live-in girlfriend to a horrifying night of abuse, one that only ended when she managed to escape as he lay passed out from intoxication. Authorities allege Deran F. Henton kept the woman confined inside their South 10th Street home for hours, assaulting her in a sustained and brutal attack that included beatings, choking, and even biting.
According to Saginaw police, officers were called to a local hospital on the morning of Friday, May 16, after the victim arrived seeking emergency treatment. The woman told police the violence began the night before, when Henton, in a fit of rage, accused her of cheating. From around midnight until 5 a.m., she said, Henton subjected her to a relentless physical assault.
Prosecutors say Henton punched the woman repeatedly, choked her, and bit her body as part of a violent outburst that lasted for hours. The victim described being unable to leave or call for help during the attack and feared for her life when Henton threatened to kill her if she contacted the authorities. Her escape came only after Henton passed out in a drunken stupor, allowing her to flee the house and get to safety.
Repeat Offender with Troubling History
This is not Henton’s first encounter with the criminal justice system for acts of violence. In a disturbing echo of past charges, Henton was previously arraigned in 2019 on a slew of felonies, including armed robbery, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and two counts of first-degree home invasion. In that case, prosecutors alleged he broke into a home, sexually assaulted a woman, and robbed her — a combination of crimes that carried potential sentences of up to life in prison.
Despite the seriousness of the 2019 charges, Henton ultimately received a sentence of probation with credit for time served in jail. That outcome has now sparked renewed scrutiny, as questions arise about whether a stronger sentence at the time might have prevented this latest incident.
Justice System Under Pressure
Henton’s criminal history and the severity of the new allegations are already fueling conversations around the criminal justice system’s handling of repeat violent offenders. Advocates for victims of domestic violence have pointed out the chilling pattern: a man charged with breaking into a woman’s home, sexually assaulting and robbing her in 2019, is now accused of holding another woman captive and brutally assaulting her years later.
Community leaders and local law enforcement are calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate charges in the latest case. Prosecutors have not yet announced the full list of charges Henton may face, but given the nature of the alleged crimes, charges such as unlawful imprisonment, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and domestic violence are likely.
Support for the Victim
The victim, whose name is being withheld for her safety, is receiving medical care and assistance from victim advocacy groups in Saginaw. Police say she acted with immense courage in escaping and coming forward despite threats and the trauma she endured.
“This woman survived an unimaginable ordeal,” said one officer familiar with the case. “Her strength and determination to get help is the reason we’re able to bring charges against someone who clearly poses a danger to others.”
Community Impact and Legal Next Steps
As Saginaw grapples with another shocking case of domestic violence, the community is left to reckon with how best to protect women from repeat offenders. Domestic violence shelters and local advocacy groups are urging anyone in similar situations to reach out for help and reminding the public that resources are available.
Henton is expected to be formally charged in the coming days. Authorities are continuing their investigation and gathering evidence. His arrest, while a relief to many, is also a sobering reminder of how quickly past offenders can reoffend when proper rehabilitation and monitoring fail.
For now, the community waits for justice — and hopes that this time, the system won’t let another victim down.