Investigation of poker pro Susie Zhao’s death reveals that she was burned alive

New details in Susie Zhao murder case

(Warning: This article contains details that some may find deeply upsetting) Graphic details of the final moments of poker pro Susie Zhao’s life were revealed in court this week as alleged killer Jeffrey Bernard Morris was bound over for trial on murder charges.

Investigation of poker pro Susie Zhao's death reveals that she was burned alive

As we reported previously, Susie Zhao’s body was discovered on July 13th near a state land parking area in White Lake Township, Michigan.

One of the men who discovered her body, Ronald Granville, pictured below, told this week’s preliminary court hearing: “It was hard to tell if it was a Halloween prank or mannequin that was burned.”

Investigation of poker pro Susie Zhao's death reveals that she was burned alive

Sexually assaulted and burned alive

The deputy medical examiner then revealed horrific details that indicated Zhao had been alive when she was set alight, having suffered a serious sexual assault.

Dr. Andrew Hanosh told the court that Zhao’s body was “extensively burned”, including having her hair burned off and her tongue badly burned.

“I would estimate at least 90% of the body’s surface area,” Dr.Hanosh said, explaining also that soot was found in her airway determined that Susie had been alive during the burning.

Dr. Hanosh ruled her death as “homicide” due to “thermal body burns with smoke and soot inhalation”

Investigation of poker pro Susie Zhao's death reveals that she was burned alive

Previously, details had emerged indicating Susie had been tied and tortured prior to her murder. This week the court heard that she had suffered extensive wounds to her genital area, believed to have been carried out just before or just after her death.

The court heard from multiple witnesses brought by Michigan state prosecutor Kenneth Frazee. They included members of the public as well as police and the FBI.

FBI track Morris’ movement using cell phone technology

FBI Special Agent George Rienerth, described as an “expert in historical cell site analysis,” and pictured below in an earlier case, testified about Morris and Zhao’s mobile phones.

 

George Rienerth poker

 

He explained how Zhao’s two cell phones, as well as Morris’ single phone, were in the same location for long stretches of July 12th, at one point Morris calling Zhao.

However, it was only Morris’s phone that was tracked from the Sherwood Motel to the spot where Zhao’s body was discovered, with Zhao’s phone at the hotel from 10 pm until 5 am.

Sherwood Motel poker

The court also heard testimony from a park ranger, Derek Yarnall, that there was no sign of any vehicle or body when he performed a midnight check of the parking lot where Zhao’s body was found.

Suspect steals zip ties according to store security leader

The court also heard from Keith Hawkes, the person in charge of security at the Meijer store in Waterford.

Hawkes reviewed CCTV footage recorded shortly before midnight of July 12th. He witnessed Jeffry Morris stealing ‘two packages of 14” black zip ties’, along with a ‘jar of petroleum jelly’.

https://twitter.com/PopularcrimeTV/status/1305660557404581889?s=20

Similar zip ties found in the suspect’s car according to detective

Detective Thomas Sarasin gave evidence that similar zip ties to those stolen were found on Susie Zhao’s wrists, near her dead body, and also in the engine of Morris’ Audi car.

Sarasin also explained that a search of Morris’ mobile phone revealed videos of death and violence against women. His internet browsing history also showed up daily searches for brutal pornographic acts.

 

Morris will stand trial and no bail is given

With the defence calling no witnesses during the five-hour hearing,JudgeKelley Kostin made her judgment that, “The court is satisfied that the prosecution has met its burden as to probable cause.”

The court bound the case over for trial and did not set a bond, which means Jeffrey Bernard Morris will face trial on first-degree murder charges and will not be released on bail.

Susie Zhao – family member, friend, and poker player

Susie was well-known and much-liked by the poker community, news of her death sparking many memories of her fun attitude at the tables…

She played at many casinos, including the Commerce and Hollywood Park, and was a regular on the Live at the Bike stream only a few years ago.

Susie was born in Beijing, China in 1987 and grew up as the only child of her father Jingping Zhao, and mother Fang Dai. She graduated with a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University in Chicago in 2010, before turning to her love of poker.

An open-air Funeral and Memorial Service was held for Susie on August 1st in Troy, Michigan with the message ‘ “Broken heart to our one of the most strong, and excellent poker friends: Susie Q, rest in peace “ from her poker friends, and all her friends and family.’

Earn up to 60% partypoker rakeback when signing up through us!

When signing up through VIP-Grinders.com on partypoker, you can now earn up to 60% cashback on partypoker plus take part in the following exclusive VIP-Grinders Promotions with massive extra value:

T&Cs | 18+ Only
Upon making your first deposit of £/€/$20, you will receive $30 in SPINS tickets, up to 60% rakeback, our Exclusive Party & Bwin Chase along with other exclusive promotions and races.
New customer offer
$30 Tickets
60% VIP | Chase

Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org

Filed Under: Poker Gossip Poker News

Categories

GGPoker Welcome Bonus
Brands
Date (UTC-0)
Prizes
 
17th Nov 18:30
$250
24th Nov 18:30
$250
30th Nov 18:30
$250
1st Dec 18:30
$250
8th Dec 20:00
$250
15th Dec 18:30
$250
22nd Dec 18:30
$250
29th Dec 18:30
$250
5th Jan 18:30
$250
12th Jan 20:00
$250
ewallet-general-banner-new-version-2021