Deadly Craigslist Scheme Could Lead to Life in Prison for Teen

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 31, 2012

First there was the case of the Craigslist killer, and now another young man has attempted to use Craigslist in order to lure people to their death. Three men died as a result, and now 17-year-old Brogan Rafferty faces life behind bars if found guilty of the crimes.

According to authorities, Rafferty worked with Richard Beasley to lure four men to their deaths by using the Internet to offer the men jobs. Three of the men died after being shot; another man was hit in the arm and managed to survive the attack.

Rafferty, being a minor, told the court he only went along with Beasley's plan because he "thought he'd kill me." Prosecutors, however, argued that Rafferty knew exactly what he was doing and was old enough to be tried as an adult.

Jurors found Rafferty guilty of three counts of aggravated murder and one count of attempted murder. Even though he was tried as an adult, due to his young age, the harshest penalty he is supposed to be eligible for is life in prison.

Beasley, however, may still face the death penalty for his actions. He has already pleaded not guilty and will face the court in his own trial. Beasley already has a record in Texas and served time for burglary; he was waiting to be tried for prostitution and drug charges when taken into custody for these killings.

This is not the first time the website Craigslist has been used in murder plots. In 2010, Philip Markoff became known as the "Craigslist Killer" after responding to ads for dates and personal services, then attacking and robbing his dates and murdering Jessica Brisman.

Markoff was awaiting sentencing when he committed suicide inside the Nashua Street Jail. He had been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery, among other various charges, but always maintained his innocence.

Rafferty is expected to be sentenced on Nov. 5 of this year.