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Charlene Harrison, a friend of Bachynski's, hopes to be a character witness for her. She telephoned both of Bachynski's attorneys on Friday and volunteered to testify on her behalf.

"I feel sorry for the victims and their families; it's a nightmare," said Harrison. "It's just that Sam is a victim herself. She was desperately looking to be loved, and Patrick Selepak knew that. He knew an easy mark when he saw one."

Bachynski and confessed killer Selepak are both accused of a rampage of robbery and murder. They've been charged with killing Scott and Melissa Berels and their unborn baby in their New Baltimore home. Scott was injected with bleach and Melissa, who was pregnant, reportedly begged to speak with her mother before she died.

The two were also charged with killing Winfield Frederick Johnson, 52, of Vienna Township. Johnson is thought to have helped the couple and was killed when he discovered they were wanted by police. His body was found bound and duct taped in the bed of his pickup truck.

Selepak has pleaded guilty to both crimes.

How the Internet love affair of Bachynski and Selepak turned deadly is not a mystery to Harrison.

"I know Sam; she was one of the many kids who came over my house," said Harrison. "She's a heavy girl, and was always looking to be accepted. She wanted to be loved, and probably thought she found someone."

Harrison said she met Bachynski through a friend of her son's and she was one of the young adults who frequented her house. When Harrison's son died, Bachynski was at her side.

"She laid down on the bed and hugged me and cried," said Harrison. "I couldn't get out of bed; I was wrought with grief. She tried to take my pain away."

Harrison said her oldest son, now 34, knows Bachynski, who was employed at the group home where he lives.

"She was always there for them," said Harrison. "She even used her own money to buy everyone there a Christmas gift. She didn't want anyone to be without a present."

Harrison said she doesn't want to discount the horror of the killings, or the pain of the families.

"I truly think she is a victim," said Harrison. "Patrick Selepak is the picture of evil and knew he could use a girl like Sam. She wanted a boyfriend in the worst way. I have pictures of her going to prom. She didn't have a date."

Bachynski's trial for Johnson's murder is expected to begin Aug. 8 in Genesee County. Her next appearance in Macomb County Circuit Court should be Aug. 16.