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Taylor Clark: Craigslist Ad Poster Found Shot To Death In Missouri Near Car For Sale [Update]

By Bradley Ryder
Published on: 10:33 PST, May 6, 2015

Update: An arrest has been made in the death of Taylor Clark. According to investigators, the Missouri college student, who was trying to sell his car via Craigslist, communicated with Michael Gordon, an employee at the truck training center where Clark’s body was found. Apparently, the two traded emails over the Craigslist post before Taylor traveled to the location, according to a CNN report.

Capt. Tim Fagan of the Florissant Police Department said the two agreed to meet in order for the respondent to take the car for a spin. But somehow, things took a fatal turn during the man’s lunch break.

“A short time after they met on the parking lot, Taylor was shot one time by Mr. Gordon.”

After allegedly killing Clark, the shooter dragged the body to a wooded area, some distance from the vehicle, and then returned to work. The suspect is being held in jail on a $1 million bond. The case is still under investigation.

Original story begins here.

Reportedly, Investigators in Missouri believe they know how a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student died. Taylor Clark’s body was found Tuesday, one day after going missing, and while he was trying to sell a vehicle on Craigslist. Information in a post via Fox2Now suggests police are “tight-lipped” about the investigation — but are “concerned.”

Clark, 19, who hails from St. Jacob, Illinois, was found shot to death in Hazelwood. Apparently, police honed in on his body after targeting information and activity from his mobile phone. His remains were located in a shallow grave at the MTC Truck Driver Training School, a 40-minute drive from his home.

The Hazelwood Medical Examiner’s Office was charged with conducting the autopsy on Clark’s body. His death is being ruled a homicide, based on information gathered by the department’s Major Case Squad. Officials say Tim Clark disappeared in the midst of trying to sell a vehicle on Craigslist. The SIUE student posted an ad on April 23 about his red 2007 Nissan 350ZK sportscar.

“No joyrides, it is a fun car and will be great for anyone who is looking for a fun car to drive! The car has been dyno tuned and will take off like a rocket, has been the best driving car I’ve owned.”

Clark’s body was found Tuesday night about 400 feet away from the car posted on Craigslist. Capt. Tim Fagan of the Florissant Police Department said they have a spoken with at least one person of interest who allegedly communicated with Clark before he vanished. However, no arrests have been made, and no one is in custody at this point of the investigation.

Madison County Sheriff John Lankin said Tim had just completed his final exams and made full payment for next semester’s tuition. Information leads them to believe Clark communicated with a potential buyer before he died. It’s unknown if the source was from Craigslist.

“He met briefly with his girlfriend in the Glen Carbon area, mentioning nothing about any kind of problems he was having with anybody or any suspicious information that he could have provided to her.”

Shortly after news broke of Clark’s death, SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe offered her condolences on behalf of the school.

“Our hearts and minds are with Taylor Clark’s family and friends as they cope with this tragic loss. At a time of the year when the new spring season brings the promise of brighter days ahead, and commencement provides unending potential for so many of our students, it is truly sad that Taylor had his bright future taken away. He will be missed by all of those who he encountered on our campus.”

The classified advertisements website has grown a reputation for being a one-stop-location for finding just about anything a person can conceive. Another unrelated Craigslist high-profile story that made the news was reported on previously by Inquisitr. In March, an ad on the popular site offered a 2009 Super Bowl ring for sale at $45,000. It sparked speculation frenzy on social media as many wondered what member of the winning New Orleans Saints football team was the owner of the coveted bling.

Come back for more information on the death of Craigslist user, Tim Clark, as this case is still developing.

[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

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