Craigslist Murder Suspects to be Tried in Summit County, Death Penalty Sought

Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh said the decision to try both suspects in the Noble County Craigslist murder investigation in Summit County was because it will be in the best interest of the victims and their families.

The 16-year-old former  student has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated murder and complicity to aggravated murder on Nov. 29.

If charges are filed against Richard Beasley, 52, of Akron, in the Craigslist investigation of murder and attempted murder, Walsh said her office will prosecute the case. The prosecutor's office said it plans to seek the death penalty against Beasley if charged.

The teen and Beasley are suspects for their alleged involvement with two deaths and injuring a man in southern Ohio and the death of a man in Summit County.

"In trying the case in Summit County, we will ensure the surviving victim and the families of the other victims do not suffer through multiple lengthy trials and will provide a more convenient location for at least some of the families and the surviving victim," said Walsh.

Beasley is currently being held on $1 million bond for unrelated charges: aggravated trafficking of drugs and prostitution. He has a court date set for Dec. 22.

Read previous coverage here.

Patch generally does not name juveniles accused of crimes.