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Woman Gets Life Sentence In Sterling Heights Craigslist Date Murder

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - A Madison Heights woman convicted of killing a 57-year-old man she'd met on Craigslist has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The mandatory sentence was handed down for 20-year-old Bria Corrine-Janelle Blackmon on Wednesday after a judge said she had a "total disregard for life."

In February, Blackmon and her half-brother, 20-year-old Demonte Easterling, were convicted of murder in the death of Michael Freeland of Sterling Heights.

Prosecutors said Freeland met Blackmon after he'd placed an online classifieds ad seeking a woman who wanted to have a baby.

Freeland, who was beaten with a 15-pound weight, 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. His credit cards and other personal items were later found in Blackmon's home

According to prosecutors, Blackmon and Freeland began dating following their initial meeting, but she eventually tried to rob him, and that's what led to the murder. The fire, it was argued, had been set in an effort to cover it up.

Blackmon told Judge Edward Servitto at sentencing that she "didn't want it to go this far."

Defense attorney Rebekah Coleman said Blackmon got into a fight with Freeland after he pressured her for sex.

The jury did not buy that version of events.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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