The dangers are well known of meeting someone from the web without fully knowing everything possible about that party. Considering that it is the Internet it would seem impossible to really know every factor no matter how hard you try to inquire or investigate. Remembering the infamous Craigslist Killer comes to mind. Phillip Markoff who used the popular website by placing ads to lure women into their down fall resulting in a slew of robberies and a murder wasn’t that long ago yet his tactics are still being employed.
Four suspects have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a home invasion that began with an ad on Craigslist, Washington state authorities said Friday. The case began when James Sanders and his wife posted an ad on Craigslist offering a diamond ring for $1,050, said Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. Sanders arranged to meet prospective buyers of the ring at the family’s home, the prosecutor said.
“Two people show up and act like a couple looking for a ring for the mother-in-law,” Lindquist said. But once they entered the house, he said, the man posing as the husband pulled out a handgun.
The victim, his wife, and their sons, ages 14 and 10, were restrained with plastic handcuffs, Lindquist said. Two other suspects then entered the home. One pistol-whipped the older son, he said. Sanders broke out of his restraints and attempted to defend the 14-year-old, and was shot three times, the prosecutor said.
“While this is going on,” Lindquist said, “other bad guys are kicking Mom in the head while she’s lying on the floor.”
Three of the suspects were arrested on May 1. A fourth suspect, Clabon Terrel Berniard, 23, turned himself in Thursday, police said. Berniard and the others are accused of killing a man on April 28 in Edgewood, a city outside Tacoma. They are charged with first-degree murder, robbery and assault. The Internet can be an oasis of grand adventures but as that power continues to fall into those hands also filled with malice we must all be alert and info of the weary situations. In circumstances like this please consider other alternatives to selling, or trading your products and goods. Be safe and cautious for the long haul.
