Overview

Craigslist is a terrific site in many ways. But it has a terrible safety record. While Craigslist has facilitated millions of transactions, not all of them go well. Rip-offs, robberies or rapes related to Craigslist are reported almost every day. And the rate of killings tied in some way to Craigslist is staggering. The list below is not necessarily complete (sadly). We also have broken down the types of killings; how the victims were lured to their deaths, and more. It’s a devastating story.

We highlight these killings only because we believe Craigslist should do much more to promote safety among its users, and because SafeTrade is the best way to stay safe when you’re trading in person through Craigslist or any other Internet site.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

No. 106 Two arrested in connection with murder during Craigslist transaction

No. 106
October 2016
Calhoun County, GA
Victim: Branden William Boyd

Calhoun County investigators have arrested three men in connection with the fatal shooting of one man and wounding of another following a Craigslist transaction gone wrong.

According to investigators, Branden William Boyd, 22, met both men at a truck stop late Monday evening regarding an iPhone listed on Craigslist. The two men sat in a vehicle negotiating the sale when an argument began and escalated. Officials say several shots were fired, killing Boyd and wounding another.

Read news story here.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

No. 105: Farmington Hills man shot and killed during Craigslist meet up

No. 105
September, 2016
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Victim: Todd Terry

A Farmington Hills man responding to an ad on Craigslist was shot and killed by the person he was meeting. Now the victim's family wants his story to serve as a warning to everyone.

That alleged shooter was identified as Tremayne Alexander, who was arrested and arraigned on homicide, armed robbery and felony firearms charges.

Read the whole story here.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

No. 104: Selma man gets 25 years for 2012 Craigslist killing

No. 104
January, 2012
Selma, Alabama
Victim: Julius Burnett

A Selma man was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison for the Jan. 1, 2012 killing of a man he lured to a meeting online.
According to court records, Carl Brown, 24, pleaded guilty last week to murder in the killing of Julius Burnett, 47, of Clanton, and received the prison sentence in a plea deal.
Investigators said the two men met through Craiglist. Brown took Burnett to a house off County Road 74 and shot him him in the head and shoulder, taking his vehicle.
He then used Burnett's credit cards in Dallas County and Montgomery before he was arrested.
"We are doing everything we can to crack down on this kind of violence towards those in the gay community," District Attorney Michael Jackson said to WSFA.

Monday, April 18, 2016

No. 103 Dad shot in front of girl during Craigslist gun sale

No. 103
April 2016
City: Kansas City, MO
Victim: Jake Bratner

Friends of a Missouri man shot to death in front of his young daughter say he was attempting to sell a gun to someone he met through Craigslist,reports CBS affiliate KCTV.
Jake Brantner was gunned down at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, while his 10-year-old daughter sat in his car watching. Police confirmed that they believe the 39-year-old arrive to the parking lot to sell a handgun, friends have said it was a Craigslist transaction.
An alleged eyewitness who among throngs of fans filing toward Kauffman Stadium to watch the Kansas City Rolyals told KCTV that Brantner may have fired back at his attacker. He had a gun in his hand when police arrived.
No arrests have been made, and police have not said if a description of any suspect or vehicle will be made available.