A California woman who performed BDSM acts for her OnlyFans account was sentenced to four years in prison after a session resulted in a man's death. Michaela Brashaye Rylaarsdam, 32, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the 2023 death of Michael Dale, 55, of Escondido.
Secret Life Revealed
Rylaarsdam, a housewife and mother, lived a double life as a BDSM queen. She met Dale through an online adult content directory weeks before his death. They communicated via WhatsApp, where she charged him for text messages. In a short period, Dale paid over $11,000 to the OnlyFans model.
Fatal Encounter
On April 17, 2023, Rylaarsdam went to Dale's home for a paid BDSM session. No sexual act occurred, but the activities led to Dale's death. He had high blood pressure and diabetes. Rylaarsdam bound his wrists and taped a plastic bag over his head for seven minutes, which killed him. She called 911 frantically.
Initially charged with second-degree murder, Rylaarsdam pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. In court, she expressed remorse: "I'm sorry is not enough. The desire to go back and undo this would be at the top." Her lawyer, David Cohen, said, "Clearly, there was no intent to kill Mr. Dale. This was clearly an accident."
Judge's Remarks
Superior Court Judge Brad Weinreb noted the recklessness: "The actions were so reckless that death was almost certain." He added that charges could have been higher. Rylaarsdam has been jailed since February 2025 and may serve just over a year due to time served.
Her husband and an uncle supported her in court. Dale's family did not attend. Cohen said Rylaarsdam turned to OnlyFans to support her struggling family. The case highlights the dangers of extreme fetish activities without proper safeguards.
