A chilling case from Illinois has highlighted the potential dangers of online dating after prosecutors allege a man deliberately ran over and killed a woman he had met through Facebook.
Brian James Wedderman, 37, now faces a first-degree murder charge following the fatal incident that occurred in Alton, Madison County. According to court documents, the victim was a 35-year-old woman from St. Louis, Missouri.
The Fateful Meeting
The pair had connected via Facebook and arranged to meet in person on the evening of May 10th. What began as a casual date took a tragic turn when an argument erupted between them.
Prosecutors state that during the altercation, the woman exited Wedderman's vehicle. What happened next forms the core of the criminal charges.
A Deliberate Act of Violence
"The state's attorney's office alleges that Wedderman intentionally used his car as a weapon," the report states. "After the victim had stepped out of the vehicle following their dispute, he allegedly accelerated directly toward her."
The impact proved fatal. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the woman was pronounced dead from her injuries.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Wedderman appeared in court on May 13th, where a judge set his bond at $1 million. The severe charge reflects what authorities describe as a premeditated act rather than a tragic accident.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions when meeting people through dating apps and social media platforms. Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the fatal encounter.
The case remains ongoing as the judicial process moves forward, with Wedderman facing the most serious criminal charge available under Illinois law.
