Craigslist Ad Led To Murder, Police Say

TAMPA, FL — An attempt to sell a dirt bike via Craigslist took a deadly turn Tuesday when Tampa Police say a 44-year-old Holiday man was robbed and killed while meeting with prospective buyers. A 16-year-old Tampa boy has been arrested in connection with the crime as officers say the search for a second suspect remains active.

According to police, James Beck and his son traveled to Tampa from Holiday around 7 p.m. Jan. 31 to meet with potential buyers for his son’s dirt bike. The Becks meet with the potential buyers in the area of North 18th Street and East 24th Avenue after James Beck’s son communicated with the interested buyer several times.

“They met with the two young men and it soon became clear that the suspects intended to rob the victims,” a Wednesday morning email from police said. “One of the suspects shot Beck and the suspects took the dirt bike.”

Beck died from his injuries.

Police say they identified a 16-year-old boy as a possible suspect in the case. The Tampa teen was arrested on first-degree murder and robbery charges Tuesday night after police found the dirt bike near his home, the email said.

Police have not released information about the second suspect in the case, but say they have strong leads. The name of James Beck's son also has not been released.

No further information is available at this time. Patch is not releasing the 16-year-old’s name due to his age.

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