Stenobird

Episode

I SURVIVED A SERIAL KILLER: Craigslist Killer

Podcast
Cold Case Files
Published
Mar 21, 2026
Duration seconds
1430
Processing state
processed
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Audio
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JSON
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Markdown
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Summary

Scott Davis survived a targeted shooting by Richard Beasley, a serial killer who used Craigslist job postings to lure victims. This episode follows the harrowing escape from the Ohio wilderness and the subsequent investigation that uncovered a string of murders.

Topics

  • Serial Killer
  • True Crime
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Survival Stories
  • Craigslist Scams
  • Ohio Crime
  • Criminal Justice
  • Ambush

Highlights

  • Main idea: Richard Beasley used fraudulent farm caretaker advertisements to lure victims into fatal ambushes
  • Practical takeaway: Verify the legitimacy of remote job offers, especially those involving isolated locations or unusual payment structures
  • Failure mode: Initial police skepticism regarding the victim's story delayed the realization that a serial killer was active
  • Tension: The investigation shifted from an isolated shooting to a multi-victim serial murder case once investigators linked the Craigslist ads
  • Lesson: The survivor's detailed cooperation with law enforcement was instrumental in securing a conviction and preventing further deaths

Chapters

  1. 1:00 The Survivor's Story: Scott Davis introduces his encounter with a serial killer while seeking work in Ohio.
  2. 2:40 The Craigslist Trap: Details on the fraudulent job posting for a farm caretaker that led Davis to the ambush site.
  3. 4:20 Uncovering the Pattern: Investigators begin linking the shooting to the deaths of previous victims in the region.
  4. 6:20 The Ambush: A visceral account of the shooting and the immediate struggle to escape the gunman.
  5. 8:10 Survival in the Wilderness: Davis describes navigating extreme terrain and the physical toll of his injuries while fleeing.
  6. 10:00 The Last Contact: The chilling realization of how the killer used deceptive communication to manipulate victims.
  7. 11:40 Skepticism and Investigation: The challenges of being believed by law enforcement during the initial aftermath of the attack.
  8. 13:30 Connecting the Victims: How investigators and family members connected the dots to reveal a serial killer's spree.