Clark Atlanta University Student James Jones Jr. Murdered While Trying to Buy an Apple iPhone 6 From a Georgia Craigslist Ad Posting
A 21-year-old Clark University student was found shot and killed on Monday after leaving his home to respond to a Craigslist ad for an iPhone 6.
According to WFTV.com, James Jones Jr. was robbed and fatally shot while trying to make the purchase from three men.
Georgia police have identified the suspects as Jordan Baker, 18, Jonathon Myles, 19, and Kaylnn Ruthenberg, 21. Each of them has been charged with murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault, and officers have stressed there was no phone to sell.
Police said they found the Daytona Beach, Fla. native slumped over the wheel of his vehicle. Officers had been called to the scene with reports of a possible car crash.
"This has to stop," Officer David Baldwin told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "There's nothing on the Internet for sale that's worth your life. It was set up for them to rob whoever showed up."
Authorities added Jones, a junior chemistry major, carried a 3.0 grade-point average and was well-liked on campus, where many students considered him a sharp dresser and ambitious student.
"Mr. Jones was a serious scholar and a kind, engaging spirit whose work and comportment spoke well of the University's core values and those long ago instilled in him by those contributing to his upbringing," the university posted on its website.
Jones played football in high school and served as a mentor at several elementary and middle schools around his hometown. University officials said they are now planning a memorial in his honor.
"This has really turned tragic just for somebody wanting to buy something on the Internet," added a police spokesperson.
The incident marks the second time in recent weeks that someone has been killed while answering an ad initially posted on Craigslist. Seniors Bud and June Runion of Georgia were both found shot to death after responding to an ad for a vintage 1966 Ford Mustang convertible. Police have since charged Ronnie "Jay" Towns, 28, with murder.
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