Second Person In Custody In Craigslist Date Beating Death; Victim Was Attacked With Household Items

STERLING HEIGHTS (CBS Detroit) Police confirmed Wednesday that a second person is in custody in the craigslist date that turned deadly.

And they're adding this detail: The 57-year-old victim was beaten to death.

"I can confirm that," Lt. Dave Smith told CBS Detroit, adding, "It's not just hands, I can tell you that ... (It was) items within the home."

The second person is in police custody, he added, but has not been arraigned on charges. Charges are expected later today or tomorrow.

Bria Corrine-Janelle Blackmon, 20, of Madison Heights, has been charged with murder after allegedly killing Michael Freeland, 57. Freeland was found dead in his home in the 37000-block of Andrew Dr, near 16 Mile Road and Van Dyke in Sterling Heights.

A fire was set at his residence, but an autopsy showed Freeland died before the fire started; and evidence at the scene, prosecutors said, led investigators to believe he was murdered.

According to prosecutors, Bria Blackmon met Freeland on the classifieds website Craigslist and began dating him. It's alleged that she eventually tried to rob him, that's what led to the murder, and the fire was set to try to cover it up.

Blackmon — who was identified through evidence found on the victim's computer and cell phone — is charged with first degree murder, armed robbery and illegal use of a financial transaction device.

Bond was denied at an arraignment Tuesday.

"Sadly, the dangers affiliated in conducting business with a complete stranger through Craig's List has resulted in another tragic loss of life," said Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, in a statement. "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."