In the year , Craigslist expanded from being a San Francisco based online want ad, to being a worldwide web portal for cheap items, housing, and darkness.
No one gets hurt, and everybody gets what they want. But that one percent? Almost every year you hear about a new Craigslist killer some kind of Craigslist violence. It happens so often now that even Lifetime made a movie of the week based on the real life story of Philip Markoff, a Boston Medical student who brutally murdered a woman he met on Craigslist. After reading the following stories of Craigslist transactions that led to violence, you might begin to ask yourself, is Craigslist safe?
According to Craigslist crime statistics, the website is linked to at least crimes a year. But, when most of the Craigslist crimes are violent offenses you should at least think twice about answering a Craigslist ad. Police have been working on a way to deter violent criminals from using the site by suggesting that people doing Craigslist deals should just meet in the closest police station parking lot they can find.
While that suggestion might seem like a finger plugging a dam, and a bit churlish, it is good advice. In November , Miranda Barbour 19 , posted a Craigslist ad offering female companionship. Troy LaFerrara responded and the two met in a parking lot. Meanwhile her husband, Elytte 22 , had been hiding under a blanket on the backseat floor of the car. After the stabbing, Elytte restrained LaFerrara with a piece of cable around his neck.
Philip Markoff was a Boston University med student who murdered a woman he found on Craigslist offering sensual massage. He also robbed two other women who were offering similar services on Craigslist. Craigslist Nightmares. But What Was the Point? Criminals Caught Bragging Online. Completely Bizarre True Headlines. Dirty John and a Perfect Revenge. History's Weirdest Slaying Tools.
