Roseville, Michigan
On Thursday, a Macomb County jury convicted 22-year-old Stephen Freeman of first-degree premeditated murder, criminal sexual conduct, and home invasion in the 2022 death of 63-year-old Gabriele Seitz. The verdict followed a two-week trial in Macomb County Circuit Court.
The Crime
On October 27, 2022, Seitz returned home to her Roseville apartment and encountered Freeman inside. An altercation ensued, during which Freeman allegedly strangled Seitz to death using a shoelace. Later that day, Freeman stole Seitz’s truck and became involved in a minor traffic accident while driving it. Authorities arriving at the scene discovered Seitz’s body in the bed of the stolen vehicle. Freeman fled the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
Legal Proceedings
Initially charged with felony murder, Freeman's charges were escalated to first-degree premeditated murder, home invasion, and second-degree criminal sexual conduct following further investigation. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office determined that Freeman had unlawfully entered Seitz’s residence, committed the crimes, and stolen her vehicle. Freeman was bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court for trial, facing six felony charges in total.
Sentencing
Freeman is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22, 2025. The first-degree premeditated murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
