Craigslist Little Rock Ar has been the site of many transactions, but one in 2015 ended tragically with the murder of Frank Steinsiek. Jeramye Morgan Hobbs, initially charged with capital murder, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in a plea deal that brought closure to the case and a 60-year prison sentence.
From Craigslist Ad to Crime Scene
Frank Steinsiek, a 56-year-old appliance technician from Sherwood, listed his 2009 Yamaha motorcycle for sale on Craigslist Little Rock AR. Jeramye Morgan Hobbs, 26, responded to the ad, and the two agreed to meet at a south Little Rock warehouse to complete the sale. Tragically, the meeting turned deadly. Hobbs shot Steinsiek, stole the motorcycle, and fled the scene with Steinsiek’s white Ford F-150 pickup and a U-Haul trailer. The pickup and trailer were later recovered by authorities.
A Confession and a Plea Deal
Following news reports of the murder, Hobbs contacted the police, claiming he had purchased a motorcycle from a man named Frank. He even presented the motorcycle as proof. However, inconsistencies in his story aroused suspicion, leading to his arrest and eventual confession.
Initially facing capital murder, aggravated robbery, and theft of property charges, Hobbs’s legal team negotiated a plea deal. In December 2016, Hobbs pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of first-degree murder, as well as aggravated robbery and second-degree battery. The theft of property charge was dropped as part of the agreement. This plea deal was reached after extensive consultation with Steinsiek’s family to ensure they were comfortable with the terms.
Justice Served: A 60-Year Sentence
In a Pulaski County courtroom, with Steinsiek’s widow and family present, Hobbs admitted to luring Steinsiek to the warehouse, shooting him, and stealing his motorcycle. Judge Herbert Wright accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Hobbs to a total of 60 years in prison: 40 years for first-degree murder, 20 years for aggravated robbery, and 6 years for a separate second-degree battery charge stemming from an incident at the State Hospital where he was undergoing a mental evaluation. The murder and robbery sentences will run consecutively, while the battery sentence will run concurrently. Hobbs also received credit for time already served.
Remembering Frank Steinsiek
The Craigslist Little Rock AR murder served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of online transactions. While Craigslist can be a valuable tool for buying and selling, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when meeting with strangers. The case concluded with Jeramye Morgan Hobbs’s guilty plea and sentencing, bringing a measure of justice to Frank Steinsiek’s family and community.
