Richard Beasley, often known as the "Craigslist Killer," is an American serial killer who utilized Craigslist to entice victims into committing crimes. In 2011, he posted fraudulent job advertising on Craigslist, offering positions on a cattle farm in Ohio, which resulted in robbery and murder. Beasley worked with a juvenile accomplice, Brogan Rafferty, who helped him commit the crimes. The plot was revealed when a potential victim managed to flee after being shot. Beasley was convicted in 2013 of aggravated murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld his death sentence in January 2024. The story has raised awareness about safety risks and the significance of remaining vigilant in online dealings.
I want to make sure you understand: I have killed nobody.
Richard Beasley. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Columbus, OH. December 9, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.
Richard Beasley: The Craigslist Killer
Background and Crimes
Richard Beasley, often referred to as the “Craigslist Killer,” is an American serial killer who gained notoriety for using Craigslist to lure his victims. In 2011, Beasley was involved in a series of heinous crimes that resulted in the deaths of three men. He posted fake job advertisements on Craigslist, targeting vulnerable individuals seeking employment. The ads promised jobs on a cattle farm in southern Ohio, but instead led to robbery and murder.
Beasley operated with a teenage accomplice, Brogan Rafferty, who assisted him in these crimes. The scheme came to light when one potential victim managed to escape after being shot. This incident prompted law enforcement to investigate Beasley, leading to his arrest.
Modus Operandi
Beasley’s method involved interviewing potential victims under the guise of offering them employment. He would select candidates based on their perceived vulnerability and likelihood of compliance. Once he had lured them to remote locations, he would rob and murder them. The victims included Ralph Geiger, David Pauley, and Tim Kern. Each murder was premeditated; Beasley sought not only to eliminate witnesses but also to steal identities and possessions from his victims.
Legal Proceedings
In 2013, Richard Beasley was convicted of multiple charges including aggravated murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping. He received a death sentence for his role in the murders. His accomplice Rafferty was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole due to his age at the time of the crimes.
The legal proceedings surrounding Beasley were complex and included appeals regarding his sentencing. In January 2024, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld his death sentence while ordering a resentencing for non-capital offenses due to procedural errors during the original sentencing process.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The case attracted significant media attention due to its shocking nature and the use of online platforms like Craigslist for criminal activities. It raised awareness about safety concerns related to online classifieds and highlighted the dangers faced by individuals seeking employment through such channels.
Beasley’s actions have been discussed extensively in various media outlets and true crime narratives, contributing to ongoing discussions about crime prevention and victim protection in digital spaces.
Current Status
As of December 2024, Richard Beasley remains on death row while continuing to pursue post-conviction appeals regarding his convictions and sentences. His case serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with online interactions and the importance of vigilance when responding to job offers or meeting strangers from online platforms.
VIDEO: The Craigslist Killer: Richard Beasley | Making A Serial Killer | https://youtu.be/jDXJ_sw6ubU
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