Detroit Man Accused of Fatally Strangling Girlfriend Then Stabbing and Burning Her Body to Cover It Up

A man in Detroit has been arrested after he allegedly strangled and stabbed his girlfriend to death, according to authorities.

Around 11:20 p.m. on June 9, officers responded to a home in Detroit and found 48-year-old Stacy Smith’s body in her bedroom, according to the Detroit Police Department.

According to WJBK-TV, Smith’s daughter, Kaiya Smith, found her mother dead. She told authorities she smelled lighter fluid when she stepped inside the home and noticed that one of her mother’s legs had been partially burned.

Police also noticed the burn on her right leg, as well as a stab wound to the chest, officials said.

Prosecutors believe 42-year-old Cortez Coleman allegedly strangled his girlfriend, stabbed her with a knife and burned her right leg before fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe Coleman tried to cover up the crime, authorities said.

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On June 12, Coleman was arrested. He was arraigned on June 15 and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Smith’s death.

Coleman is scheduled to appear in court on July 5 for a probable cause conference and on JUly 12 for a preliminary examination, authorities said.