Michigan Authorities Exploring Poker Ties in Brutal Murder of Susie Zhao

Police in Michigan confirm they are looking into gambling ties to the murder of a popular poker player.

Susie “Susie Q” Zhao's charred body was discovered in a vehicle in the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area.  She was just 33.

"We have to determine whether or not this is a cover-up or this may be some sort of retaliatory incident because of her profession," said Det. Lt. Chris Hild, a White Lake Township police spokesman.

Although the cause of death is yet to be confirmed, authorities believe Zhao was killed at the recreational area before her body was set ablaze.

Hild said police have not been able to connect anything that ties her career to her death.

“We’re looking at every avenue — whether it was part of her hitchhiking — she used to hitchhike quite a bit. She got rides with people she didn’t know frequently,” Hild said. “So did she run into the wrong person or does this have something to do with her history that nobody is aware of? That’s what we’re digging into right now.”

Hild said Zhao’s vehicle recently was impounded by the police department prior to her death for traffic-related offenses. Police are looking into whether Zhao was picked up that evening and talking to neighbors about what they saw. 

The White Lake Township Police Department is investigating with FBI assistance. Anyone who has information on Zhao’s whereabouts prior to her death may contact Hild at 248-698-4404 ext. 2381.

- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com