Do you think this is a cause for concern?

[Angelwendy]

My best friend has told me today that she is writing to an American prisoner (who she's never met) that she found on a website called Writeaprisoner. He's serving a 60 year sentence for murder.
She's saving up to go visit him (we live in the UK so this trip will cost her a few grand).
I don't particularly see a massive issue with her just writing to him (I wouldn't personally do it but whatever). But to visit him and to admit she has feelings for him is worrying to me. I don't want her to end up getting obsessed with this person whose committed the worst possible act of violence

She’s an adult, it’s her money and her choice. As her friend you can be concerned and try to find out what the attraction is (she went out looking for a prisoner to write to) but ultimately it’s up to her.

I just don't want her blowing her £ on it as she doesn't earn much. But you're right that she's an adult and I can't stop her from making her own choices. Just hope she's safe and ok

It's up to her... She's mad, but it's up to her.

Do you think I should express my concerns or just leave her to it and be there for her if anything does go wrong?

Ask her what is appealing about the relationship? I presume it’s emotional investment? She may feel “safe” that he is in another country and theoretically away for life. I would not be supportive and I would tell her why, safety being one concern.

She said she was lonely and thought it would be nice to write to someone who might also be very lonely too. She's always had a fascination with crime documentaries etc so I think the idea of writing to a murderer interested her. I just really wish she wasn't planning on visiting him