Professional poker player Susie Zhao was found deceased in a Michigan park on July 13th, which prompted an investigation by the White Lake Township Police Department.
It took almost a month, but authorities have formally charged a suspect in the case. Transient sex offender Jeffery Bernard Morris is facing first-degree murder charges.
“This is not the end of the investigation into Susie’s death but the beginning of the pursuit of justice for her and her family,” Detective Lt. Chris Hild told reporters, per The Detroit News.
According to the police, Morris reportedly met Zhao at a motel the night before her badly-burned body was found in a park. They came to this conclusion after both local and federal investigators reviewed cell phone records.
Zhao was born in Beijing and was raised in Michigan. She pursued a professional poker career in Los Angeles and later spent time in Las Vegas as well.
The pro finished 90th at the 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event, winning over $73,000. According to The Hendon Mob, she earned over $224,000 in her career.
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