A Madison Heights woman was charged Tuesday with the murder of a man she met online.
Bria Corrine-Janelle Blackmon is accused of killing Michael Scott Freeland, whom she met on Craigslist and established a dating relationship with, according to the Sterling Heights Police Department.
Blackmon, 20, dated and later allegedly attempted to rob Freeland, 57, leading to his death, police say.
According to police, she set fire to his house in the 37200 block of Andrew with Feeland's body inside on March 27. Investigators determined he was dead prior to the start of the fire.
Police have not released information on how he was killed.
"I can't get into details about that," said Lt. Dave Smith of Sterling Heights police. "I can tell you that we know it was a homicide."
Blackmon, who was arrested Monday, is charged with first degree murder, felony murder, armed robbery, illegal use of a credit card.
"They had a relationship so she had visited him on several different occasions," Smith said.
FOX 2: "And this time she decided to rob and kill him?"
"That's how it worked out, correct," Smith said.
Police are investigating if there were other suspects involved in the case.
Smith said the case should serve as a warning to people looking for relationships online.
"Be careful about any internet relationships that are set up," he said. "This relationship began off of Craig's List and it may not be the best location to be (finding) people to establish a relationship."
"Sadly, the dangers affiliated in conducting business with a complete stranger through Craig's List has resulted in another tragic loss of life," Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said in a release. "I commend the men and women of SHPD for their unwavering commitment in solving this homicide.
"My office will take every step necessary to bring justice to the family of Michael Freeland."
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