Ohioans Share Thoughts on Craigslist Murder

A judicial gag order was issued in the Craigslist murder case unfolding in one of Ohio's smallest counties. According to reports by the Sheriff's Office the remains of a Florida man who responded to a job advertisement for work on a cattle ranch have been positively identified. A South Carolina man who also responded to the employment listing was shot in the arm and escaped through the woods. According to an ABC investigative report the suspects are 16-year-old Brogan Rafferty and 52-year-old Richard Beasley, the men are not related.

My Ohio Twitter followers shared their thoughts on the Craigslist murder via email and instant messaging.

* "I grew up in Caldwell where the murder and attempted murder occurred. It is a quiet and close-knit community, this is just shocking. I read the ABC interview with Beasley's mother and she said the man was serving as a mentor to the boy -- some mentor." -- Nora Sayre, retired nurse, Marietta.

* "How awful were the man and the teenager he more than likely pushed into the scam, taking advantage of desperate men just looking for work. I hope they throw the book at them both and that the death penalty can be applied in the case. Our small town is in a state of fear right now, we just don't understand how this could have happened here." -- Steve Rickers, construction workers, Caldwell.

* "Craigslist is a good website which allows people to make money selling unneeded items and is a great way to recycle gently used materials. I know people who have been thrilled to find winter coats for their kids and clothing on Craigslist. Caution just always has to be used, especially when not dealing locally. From news reports it sounds like the South Carolina man spent a lot of time talking and emailing with the fake employer. The evil man must be great at lying. It is just so sad, those men did nothing except try to grab an opportunity to earn a living." -- Nan Richards, graphic artist, Zanesville.

* "The shock and fear both men must have felt is chilling. Thank goodness the South Carolina man was able to keep his wits about him and react quickly to protect himself. The ABC news report said that Beasley had been arrested before for prostitution and drug trafficking related charges. It's a shame he was left to roam free if he is guilty of this crime." -- Ryan Harkins, Ohio University student, Athens.

* "I would like to think that I would know better than to willingly go with strangers in a vehicle into a wooded area, but I am not desperate for work and hungry. There are so many people out there willing to sit on their couches and accept a taxpayer funded check for doing nothing. These two guys were willing to leave their homes for the chance to earn a paycheck. It is a tragedy." -- Megan Collins, nurse, Marietta.

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