Was he one of the two “sugar daddies” she spoke about? My own preconceived idea of who would “qualify” as “sugar daddy” in that culture has been somewhat updated by posts here. As long as a preset amount of money is exchanged, is there any “vetting”, financial or otherwise of the person you are exchanging photos with?
Media reports say he had pictures of her...part of how they “busted” his lies. Other reports say that at least one friend spoke with her about him and tried to warn her about him. I think it’s possible they had ac”relationship” that had existed for awhile and she felt that she “knew” him.
In her mind, perhaps they had a “professional” relationship that she felt that she controlled. In his mind, he may have been building toward getting her to meet him in person and then he’d be in control.