Police: Woman Who Met Man on Craigslist Murdered Him, Then Set Fire

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Authorities say a man whose body was found in the charred Sterling Heights home was killed by a woman he met on the Craigslist classifieds site.

The fatal fire, initially thought to be a tragic accident, was set to cover up the crime, according to police, who arrested Bria Corrine-Janelle Blackmon , 20, of Madison Heights, on Monday and charged her in the death of Michael Scott Freeland, 57, of Sterling Heights.

Freeland’s body was discovered in the burned-out home in the 37000 block of Andrew Drive in Sterling Heights Friday. An autopsy showed he was dead before the fire began, and evidence led investigators to believe he had been murdered.

Prosecutors have charged Blackmon with first-degree murder, felony murder, armed robbery and illegal use of a credit card. They allege Blackmon, who they identified through evidence found on Freeland’s computer, dated the man several times and then attempted to rob him, which led to his murder.

Blackmon was denied bond during her Tuesday arraignment.

Authorities say the case illustrates the dangers of online dating and the importance of choosing dating sites carefully. In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor said Craigslist “may not be the best location to be (finding) people to establish a relationship.”

Police are continuing their investigation of the crime to determine if others were involved.

The victim was “a really nice, quiet guy,” said Danielle Shafter, one of Freeland’s neighbors. A retiree, he lived alone.

The alleged homicide is Sterling Heights’ first in several years.