By Joe Fryer, KARE 11 News
The founder of Craigslist.org believes the death of a Twin Cities woman is the first murder ever linked to the website.
“I can’t recall a single case like it,” Craig Newmark tells KARE 11 News. “This is the worst that I can recall.”
Police believe Katherine Ann Olson, 24, was murdered after responding to a babysitting ad posted on craigslist.org, an online bulletin board.
A very trusting young woman, her family says, Olson would take babysitting jobs she found online. One of those ads took her to Savage Thursday morning.
“It seemed kind-of fishy, but she was just going to check it out and meet them,” says Sarah Richter, Katherine’s sister.
Police found Olson’s purse in a park in Savage early Friday, then discovered her body in the trunk of her car in Burnsville.
“I’d just like to express my condolences,” Newmark said by phone from California Sunday. “This is a real tragedy and we’re more eager than ever to help deal with the bad guy.”
Newmark says Craigslist works closely with authorities to investigate crimes tied to the website. Those crimes include identity theft cases, scams, robberies and sex crimes.
Craigslist has forensic computer experts that can collect evidence and help authorities locate suspects, Newmark says. He gives his phone number to investigators from all around the country and they are welcome to call him at any time.
Olson’s family does not blame Craigslist for what happened.
“My best friend married the guy she met on Craigslist,” Richter says. “It’s a good place. But you just got to be really, really careful.”
The Olsons hope their story encourages people to be cautious when responding to online ads.
“Taking another person with you never hurts,” says Karl Olson, Katherine’s brother.
Authorities also recommend meeting in a public place. It’s unclear at this time if Olson met her attacker in a public or private place.
The suspect, a 19-year-old Savage man, remains in custody in Scott County. He could be charged as early as Monday. The motive in this case is unclear.
