MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has a warning about buying items from internet retail sites or social media sites.
This comes after an Atlanta couple was murdered while buying a car posted on Craigslist.
Investigators found the bodies of Bud and June Runion Monday in southeast Georgia, where they went to buy a vintage Mustang.
The man who advertised the car on Craigslist is now locked up, and authorities don’t believe he ever had the car.
Sgt. Matthew Keaton said when buying anything from someone you don’t know, make sure you meet in a public place, take someone with you, and let someone else know where you’re going so they can check in on you later.
“It’s very important to know where you are meeting these folks. You don’t know who they are or what they are capable of and it’s not worth risking your life to buy something at a bargain price,” Keaton said.
Nearly a year ago, a Memphis man trying to sell his car on Craigslist was shot and killed at the Sycamore View Apartments.
Three men were just indicted this month on first-degree murder charges in the case.
Investigators said the killers were after Larry Wilkins’ vehicle.
Sgt. Keaton said it’s okay to use online retail sites just do your homework ahead of time.
If you’re buying a large item like a vehicle, ask for pictures and the VIN number to check it out online.
He said if something doesn’t feel right or safe, simply walk away.
