Richard James Beasley

Serial Killer

Richard James Beasley – The Craigslist Killer

Richard James Beasley, born June 15, 1959, became known as the "Craigslist Killer" after authorities uncovered a calculated robbery and murder scheme that targeted men looking for employment in Ohio. Between August and November 2011, Beasley and his teenage accomplice, Brogan Rafferty, lured men with promises of work, housing and a new beginning. Three men were murdered and a fourth survived an attempted killing. The crimes took place primarily in remote areas of Noble County and Summit County, Ohio. Beasley presented himself as someone capable of helping people in difficult circumstances. He had previously described himself as a minister or chaplain and had been involved in religious and charitable activities around Akron. Behind that image, however, was an extensive criminal history dating back decades. He had convictions in Texas, including burglary and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, had spent years in prison, and was still dealing with criminal and parole problems when the 2011 murders occurred.

The Murder Scheme

The central element of Beasley's scheme was a nonexistent farm job. Advertisements placed on Craigslist offered employment as a farmhand or caretaker on a large cattle farm in southeastern Ohio. Applicants were promised approximately $300 per week, housing in a trailer and, in some versions of the offer, access to vehicles and other benefits. The supposed farm did not exist. The advertisements were particularly attractive to people who were unemployed, experiencing financial problems or hoping to make a new start. Applicants were questioned about their backgrounds, possessions and personal circumstances. Some were encouraged to bring their belongings because they were supposedly moving permanently to the property. Prosecutors ultimately argued that this gave Beasley an opportunity not only to isolate his victims but also to steal their vehicles, property, money and identification after killing them. Beasley worked with Brogan Rafferty, who was only 16 years old during the murders. Rafferty helped communicate with victims, travel with Beasley, prepare burial locations and participate in the criminal operation. Evidence presented in court portrayed Beasley as the dominant figure in the relationship and the organizer of the scheme.

Ralph Geiger

Ralph Henry Geiger was the first known murder victim. Geiger, 56, had once operated a successful construction business but was homeless by 2011 and staying at an Akron shelter. In early August, he told people at the shelter that he had obtained work on a farm in southern Ohio. He left Akron expecting employment and a chance to improve his circumstances. On August 8, 2011, Geiger checked into a Best Western hotel in Caldwell, Ohio, with two other people. Evidence later showed communications between phones connected to Geiger, Beasley and Rafferty during this period. The Ohio Supreme Court concluded that Geiger was most likely murdered on the morning of August 9, 2011. Geiger was shot once in the head and buried in a shallow grave in a remote wooded area of Noble County. His body would remain concealed for more than three months. After Geiger's death, Beasley began using Geiger's identity. He possessed Geiger's identification documents, used the name Ralph Geiger while dealing with other people, submitted employment applications under Geiger's name, opened a bank account and used the identity while seeking medical treatment. Investigators and prosecutors believed obtaining Geiger's identity was a significant motive for his murder. Beasley's later use of Geiger's name became an important piece of circumstantial evidence connecting him to the crime. ...

Confirmed Victims: (3)

Ralph Geiger Age: (56), Date of Death: 2011-08-09

Survivors:

Scott Davis , Date of Attack: 2011-11

Richard Beasley - Wikipedia