Craigslist Killers in San Diego: Internet Precautions

Three young men, all San Diego residents, have been arrested for the murder of Garrett Berki, a La Jolla High School grad. Rashon Abernathy, Seandell Jones and Shaquille Jordan plead not guilty to a charge of 50 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder. Bail has been set to $5 million. According to Fox 5, two of the defendants are allegedly gang members.

Law enforcement officials divulged that the defendants posed as sellers on Craigslist offering a $600 ad for a MacBook Pro computer. Berki responded to the ad with his girlfriend on May 11th, in Paradise Hills. The suspects robbed both Berki and his girlfriend. Berki attempted to follow the vehicle to get a license plate number and that is when one of the suspects shot him in the chest. Berki’s girlfriend remained unharmed.

Since Berki was instantly killed by that single shot, it remains unknown whether only one suspect will be convicted of murder with conviction of 50 years to life and the others charged with lighter sentences or succumb to a plea bargain. Either way, the defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and if convicted all men will serve some punishment for their crime.

The “Craigslist killers” have caused reason for an uproar in internet safety. It is important to remain constantly aware and take necessary precautions when dealing with total strangers. The tragic loss of a life has shown the world that the internet can be a tool that killers use in finding victims. It is important to remember, when responding to anonymous ads on the internet: schedule a public meeting place, take a group of friends with you (if young take an adult), and be weary of sketchy ads. If the desired item or place is too good to be true then it probably is.

Most importantly, be careful in order to avoid harm.