More Craigslist Murders

AKRON, Ohio— The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office confirms a body found on Friday in a shallow grave near Rolling Acres Mall in Akron, is that of 47-year-old Timothy Kern, of Massillon.

Investigators said Kern had been shot in the head.

Kern is believed to be the third person found murdered, after responding to what turned out to be a phony ad on Craigslist, about a job as a caretaker at a cattle farm in Noble County.

The second body was also found on Friday in a shallow grave in Noble County, and the first was found in much the same manner earlier this month.

A fourth man was shot, but survived by hiding from the would-be killer and then contacted authorities.

Like the other victims, Tim Kern had responded to the Craigslist ad, in the hope of making a better life for himself and his family.

Earlier this week, his father, Jack Kern, said "Tim came out and he was very upbeat about the whole thing and told my grandson that he was going to get 300 dollars a week and a truck to drive around this farm and a trailer to live in, and he was just going to turn his life around and really go forward."

Arrested in connection with the Craigslist investigation are 52-year-old Richard Beasley, of Akron, and 16-year-old Brogan Rafferty, of Stow.

Rafferty's father told Fox 8 last week that he believes Beasley, an ex-con who claimed to have found religion, corrupted his son, and then as the Craigslist scheme unfolded, the teen found himself in over his head.

"If Brogan squeals on him, (then) he's going to have him killed in prison, by people he's got in there," said Michael Rafferty, adding, "So, it's like 16-years-old and all of the sudden, this guy turns into a monster and he's a big man, an adult."

Authorities have not revealed a motive for the slayings, but the family of Tim Kern, who had struggled financially, offered a glimpse into the mind of the killer or killers.

"This man had told him that he had to sign over his car to him because he's giving him a car," said Jack Kern. "His ex-wife Tina said, 'Well, this is kind of fishy, but he's giving him a car.' "

Tim Kern's family said the murders should be viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangerous people who lurk on computer websites.

"If they're looking for jobs, it's tough. But you know, if you go, take two people, meet outside a police station or some place," said Mr. Kern. "You know, it's a strange world."

So far, Brogan Rafferty is facing charges of attempted murder.

Charges are pending against Richard Beasley, who is being held in the Summit County Jail, on a bond of $1 million.

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