ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - A young man who was discovered driving a truck with a dead body inside has been charged with felony murder on top of additional charges on Tuesday, Macomb County prosecutor's announced.
Stephen Freeman, 19, was arraigned for felony murder, a life offense, 11 days after he was first arraigned for concealing the death of an individual, a five year felony, and receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle in connection to the death of 62 year-old Gabriele Seitz.
He was originally given a bond of $75,000 cash or surety only with a GPS tether upon release.
According to prosecutors, Freeman gained entry into Seitz's home on Thursday, Oct. 27 through a window while the victim wasn't home. Freeman remained inside the residence until Seitz returned, where an altercation began.
Police say Seitz was killed during the altercation, although details surrounding how she died remain unclear.
"Later in the day, Freeman was driving Deitz’s truck near Hayes and Common Rd. in Roseville when he hit a semi-truck and fled the scene on foot," the prosecutor's added. "The Roseville Police Department searched the truck for information and found the deceased victim’s body."
Prosecutor's said the Roseville Police Department with assistance from the Michigan State Police worked diligently to piece together what happened the day of Oct. 27 and collected enough evidence to request a warrant for Freeman.
During his arraignment on Tuesday, the judge revoked his earlier bond -- Freeman will remain in the Macomb County jail until trial, officials added.
“I would like to thank the Roseville Police Department and Michigan State Police for investigating this matter in a quick and efficient manner. The additional charges for the victim’s death will provide justice to the family and keep our community safer.” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a prepared statement.
Freeman is due back in in 39th District Court on Nov. 30, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.