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Detroit Man, 18, Charged With Murder Of West Bloomfield Woman

Desean Smith
Desean Smith (Photo: West Bloomfield Police Department)

WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) -- A Detroit man has been charged with murder and arson three days after the body of a woman was found in a burning car in West Bloomfield.

Desean Smith, 18, was charged Monday with open murder, felony firearm and arson. He is accused of shooting 31-year-old Diana Pesserl on Friday.

The situation unfolded early Friday morning on the property of Pine Lake Elementary on Long Lake Road, between Orchard Lake and Middlebelt roads in West Bloomfield.

A car was found in flames behind the school, near the playground. Firefighters quickly put the fire out, then discovered the remains of a woman inside the vehicle.

Two persons of interests were interviewed by West Bloomfield detectives that morning. One of the men was released due to lack of evidence.

The men were stopped for hanging around Orchard Lake at around 1:30 a.m., about the same time that the car was found.

Police have not discussed a motive. Investigators say they don't believe Smith knew Pesserl.

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