Woman beaten, robbed after going on date with man she met on Instagram

india-ali
Photo credit: KTLA

Dating on social media is becoming a societal norm for millennials. The act of “sliding into the DM (direct message)” on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook has allowed millennials to have a larger dating pool than what was available to previous generations.


However, there can be some negative aspects when it comes to dating on social media. A Los Angeles-based woman found out the hard way. According to KTLA, India Ali, 32, began communicating with James Baker, 27, through direct messages on Instagram. Ali found Baker attractive and was drawn to his pictures and videos on Instagram. The two eventually agreed to go out on a date.


During the date, which occurred in 2016, Ali and Baker went to eat and drink at a bar. The night seemed to be going well as Ali posted videos and pics of the date on Instagram. However, Ali doesn’t remember what occurred after leaving the bar.

The next day, Ali woke up at the Westin hotel near LAX, lying in a pool of vomit. Blood was scattered everywhere and her clothes were all over the room. When she looked into the mirror, her eyes were swollen shut and bruises covered her face. She also realized her car keys and cellphone were missing.


Ali was able to call 911 and was rushed to the hospital. Her brain had started to swell due to the blows to her head. When police used the Find My iPhone app, they found Baker in Ali’s car at another hotel near LAX.

Baker was arrested and found guilty of felony assault and theft.

Ali hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of dating on social media.

Baker will be sentenced on June 5.

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