A California woman is facing murder charges after authorities say she recorded adult content while her client lay unresponsive with a plastic bag and duct tape around his head.
Michaela Rylaarsdam, 31, was arrested in February and charged with murder in connection with the April 2023 death of 56-year-old Michael Dale.
According to court documents, Dale had paid Rylaarsdam $11,000 for a fetish session that involved being wrapped in Saran Wrap, having boots glued to his feet, and adhesive poured over his eyes.
However, police say additional restraints led to his death.
An affidavit cited by the Los Angeles Times alleges that Dale was found with duct tape over his mouth, a plastic bag over his head, and additional layers of Saran Wrap and duct tape tightly secured around his face and neck.
Medical Examiner’s Findings
The medical examiner ruled Dale’s death a homicide, citing asphyxiation after determining the plastic bag had been around his head for at least eight minutes.
Rylaarsdam was performing CPR when police arrived at the scene. Investigators say she voluntarily handed over her phone, which allegedly contained video evidence contradicting her statements.
The Times reports that footage showed Rylaarsdam using a vibrator to create content for her OnlyFans page while Dale lay motionless with the plastic bag, tape, and wrap around his head.
Authorities found no evidence that Dale had consented to having the bag placed over his head, according to the affidavit.
Legal Proceedings
Rylaarsdam is being held without bail in a San Diego detention facility.
She has denied placing the bag over Dale’s head. Her attorney has not publicly commented on the case.
She is scheduled to appear in court again in April.
