Craigslist Ad Nearly Leads To Murder
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Just weeks after a Craigslist ad led to a murder that shocked the nation; a Marine in South Florida is the latest victim of a violent crime that started with an ad on Craigslist.
Wednesday afternoon, Marine Karl Trenker was shot multiple times in his chest when two men met him after Trenker put an ad on Craigslist. Trenker was trying to sell a gold necklace when he met the two suspects.
Trenker told the Broward Sheriff's Office that when the two men arrived, one of the men took the necklace at gunpoint and the pair took off.
Trenker said he chased both of the men and that during the chase the suspect with the gun turned and shot at him, hitting him multiple times.
"He took off after them thru the path and I heard the first shot go off," explained a witness who did not want to be identified. "He got out the truck, started chasing the guy that was running, we heard one shot go off, we ran to the back, then we hear 9 other shots going off, like boom, boom, boom."
Trenker's four children were in his car when the shooting took place. Fortunately, none of them were hurt.
But, the BSO said it's already found the two men they believe are responsible for the robbery and shooting.
The BSO arrested Jeff Steele, 20, and James Flounory, 20, for their part in the shooting. Both men were charged with attempted murder and robbery with a firearm. Both men are being held without bail in Broward County.
Trenker remains hospitalized and is in serious but stable condition. Authorities believe his Marine training may have saved his life.
"He was hit 3 – 4 times in the chest and abdomen area," said BSO Spokeswoman Dani Moschella. "He told the detective later on he tried to stop the bleeding by putting his own fingers into his wounds. "
