# I SURVIVED A SERIAL KILLER: Craigslist Killer

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cold-case-files-889639/i-survived-a-serial-killer-craigslist-killer
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cold-case-files-889639/i-survived-a-serial-killer-craigslist-killer.md
Podcast: [Cold Case Files](https://stenobird.com/podcast/cold-case-files-889639)
Published: 2026-03-21T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/prfx.byspotify.com/e/claritaspod.com/measure/arttrk.com/p/PDPN1/pscrb.fm/rss/p/rss.art19.com/episodes/ebe96e08-f5b2-4b7e-a689-52d8c618d7f6.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
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Duration seconds: 1430

## Resource

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.

## 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

## Topics

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

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

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## Transcript

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