A 19-year-old college student who was reported missing on Monday was found dead in a parking lot after making a deal with a potential buyer for a car he advertised in Craigslist.
Taylor Clark, an engineering student from Southern Illinois University, was killed by a gunshot wound. His body, which the murderer attempted to cover up, was found about 400 yards from his car, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The crime was tied to a Craigslist ad that Clark posted on April 23 where he advertised his 2007 Nissan 350ZX for sale.
"No joyrides, it is a fun car and will be great for anyone who is looking for a fun car to drive!" the post read. He was selling his car for $11,000.
Authorities said they were able to trace email exchanges between Clark and Michael Gordon regarding the sale of his car. Gordon works at a truck driver learning center in St. Louis, which was near the place where Clark's body was found, according to ABC News.
Authorities believe Gordon set up the meeting to fall on his lunch break, killed Clark, dumped his body and went back to work. The murder weapon has not been found, and the police have not been able to establish a clear motive for the crime.
Gordon was arrested on Tuesday and charged with the murder of the 19-year-old sophomore student. He is being held in custody at the St. Louis County Jail with a $1 million bond, Fox News reports.
On Wednesday, Southern Illinois University Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe gave a statement about Clark's murder. "Our hearts and minds are with Taylor Clark's family and friends as they cope with this tragic loss," he said. "At a time of the year when the new spring season brings the promise of brighter days ahead, and commencement provides unending potential for so many of our students, it is truly sad that Taylor had his bright future taken away."
Because of disturbingly increasing crimes related to Craigslist ads, police in Fairview Heights, Ill., have set up a "safe exchange zone" where people can seal online transactions safely. The area is found in the station's parking lot and is protected with security cameras.
