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, 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.