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Katherine Olson's 'Craigslist Killer' Sentenced | 04/02/2009 9:30 am

Katherine Olson's Murderer, the 'Craigslist Killer,' Sentenced to Life Without Parole

Michael Anderson — called the Craigslist killer – was sentenced Wednesday to life without parole.
By The Staff at wowOwow.com
Craigslist.org

Michael Anderson — who became known as the Craigslist killer after he lured a 24-year-old woman to her death by posting an ad for a babysitter — will spend the rest of his life behind bars. And, no, the 20-year-old will not be receiving parole.

Katherine Olson’s heartsick family was in tears when the judge sentenced the young man — who killed Olson and disposed of her body in the trunk of her own car. The tragedy happened 17 months ago in Minneapolis, but her death made a long-lasting impact globally by raising awareness of the often-anonymous Internet’s dangers.

According to reports, Olson arrived at Anderson’s home in response to an ad she found on the website Craigslist.org, which operates largely on classifieds. When she tried to leave, he pulled out his father’s gun and shot her.

The victim’s father, a Lutheran pastor, and mother, Nancy Olson, were in tears in the courtroom. Her father, Rev. Rolf Olson, told ABC News in 2007 that Katherine was "larger than life" and, "unfortunately, too trusting."

"She had found benefits on Craigslist," he said, "but in her trusting nature, she fell into this trap."

Click here to read the Minnesota Star Tribune for more on the trial.

5 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Sally K
Although this relates, somewhat, to a couple of other threads, I have to say this man is a perfect example of someone who, absolutely, needs to spend every remaining day he has on this earth behind bars.  Every morning when he awakens, and every evening when he lays down his head, he should see nothing but the patch of sky between his cell bars. I doubt that he could ever be rehabilitated, and even if it’s possible that he could be, the rest of us deserve to know that he is behind bars where he can’t snatch anyone else’s loved ones from their arms.   
By Sally K on 04/02/2009 9:54 am
Rebecca G

Amen! 

However, even a small patch of sky is too good for him.  He should never feel the sun on his face, the wind in his hair or the earth under his feet.  He should never see a blade of grass, a tree, a bird anything in nature ever again only concrete and steel until his body expires.  Even with just concrete and steel it is still a better life than what he’s done to Katherine Olson’s.

By Rebecca G on 04/03/2009 3:51 pm
Sally K
Point Taken.  Of course, you are right.
By Sally K on 04/03/2009 5:22 pm
Cheryl Mitchell
Although I believe in the death penalty, for this one, life in prison is so much better.  I hope he lives ‘till 100.
By Cheryl Mitchell on 04/04/2009 8:55 am
f p
Good he’ll die there and that’s best for everyone.
By f p on 04/02/2009 10:16 am