The trial of a transient intercourse offender accused of murdering skilled poker participant Susie “Susie Q” Zhao acquired underway Monday on the Oakland County Circuit Court docket in Michigan.
“Susie Q,” fundamental image, was a lot beloved by the California poker neighborhood. Prosecutors say she was brutally murdered by homeless intercourse offender Jeffrey Morris, high left. (Picture: On line casino.org/White Lake Police Division)
Jeffrey Morris, 62, is charged with first-degree premeditated homicide and felony homicide. Prosecutors say he sexually assaulted 30-year-old Zhao earlier than dousing her physique in petroleum and setting her on hearth whereas she was nonetheless alive.
Chief prosecutor John Skrzynski stated Monday that Morris used Zhao to make his “pornographic fantasies come true after which burned her alive,” as reported by The Oakland Press.
Zhao’s burnt physique was found by two native males on the Pontiac Lake Recreation Space in Oakland County, Mich. in July 2020.
Her wrists had been sure with zip ties. There was intensive harm to her genitals. Round 90% of the physique’s floor space had been burned, in response to the coroner’s report. She was recognized by her fingerprints.
Free Spirit
Zhao had just lately returned to her native Michigan after a decade in California, pursuing a profession as a high-stakes poker participant. She had internet profession match earnings of $224,671, in response to the Hendon Mob Database, however she was predominantly a money recreation participant.
“She was a free spirit within the truest sense. She performed by her personal guidelines, adopted her desires,” pals stated at a July 2020 police press convention. “All people beloved her.
Skrzynski stated Monday he believed Zhao was affected by schizophrenia on the time of her homicide, a element beforehand unreported.
Morris was arrested by White Lake police and an FBI job power ten days after the invention of the physique. He was driving west alongside I-275, round 30 miles from the place the physique was discovered.
He sustained accidents throughout his arrest and was charged with homicide whereas nonetheless in his hospital mattress. He has a prolonged prison document, together with a 1989 conviction for rape.
Morris Desires ‘Vindication’
Skrzynski informed the jury that mobile phone proof could be offered that confirmed Morris and Zhao had been collectively within the hours main as much as her killing. He stated their telephones had been close to the Pontiac Lake Recreation Space on the approximate time of the homicide.
Morris was additionally caught on safety cameras allegedly shoplifting cable ties and petroleum jelly at a close-by retailer.
Protection lawyer Michael McCarthy will argue the proof in opposition to his consumer is essentially circumstantial. McCarthy stated Morris had been trying ahead to “his day for vindication” in court docket after two years within the county jail. Whereas Zhao unquestionably suffered a “horrible loss of life,” there have been no eyewitnesses to the killing, McCarthy added.
Skrzynski says he has 17 potential witnesses.
The trial is anticipated to final every week.
