Madison Heights Woman in Prison for Life in Craigslist Murder

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STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – Bria Blackmon, a Madison Heights woman convicted of killing a Sterling Heights man she met on Craigslist last year, was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday.

Michael Scott Freeland, 57, whose charred body was found March 30, 2015, in what remained of his home, was initially thought to have died in a tragic house fire.

It turned out the fire had been set to cover up his murder.

Both Blackmon, 20, and her stepbrother, Demonte Easterling, 20, of Harper Woods, were convicted in February of murder, armed robbery and other charges by a Macomb County Circuit Court jury. Easterling was to have been sentenced, but the sentencing was adjourned until April 20, the Detroit Free Press said.

Blackmon, who was identified as a suspect through evidence found on Freeland’s computer, dated the man several times and then attempted to rob him, which led to his murder.

Freeland, a retiree, had lived alone. An autopsy and investigation determined he had been beaten with items found inside the home.

Authorities say at the time the case illustrates the dangers of online dating and the importance of choosing dating sites carefully.

At the time Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said Craigslist “may not be the best location to be (finding) people to establish a relationship.”