Craigslist founder to add his voice at tribute to female murder victim

Craigslist founder to speak at tribute for slain woman.

Star Tribune

Last update: April 21, 2009 - 11:03 PM

The founder of Craigslist will be on hand to speak at a tribute in the Twin Cities for Katherine Ann Olson, the 24-year-old Minneapolis woman who was murdered in Savage after she answered a Craigslist job posting.

"A Tribute to Katherine: Letting Her Light Shine" is scheduled for May 3 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie.

The lineup includes a welcome from Olson's family and appearances by musical groups and a theatrical performance.

Craigslist founder Craig Newmark will attend and speak.

Newmark has been "really supportive of the Olson family," said Jennifer Bagdade, an Olson family friend who is helping organize the tribute.

Bagdade said Newmark is helping to sponsor the event, which is a fundraiser for a memorial scholarship in Olson's name at St. Olaf College, Olson's alma mater. For more information, including ticket prices, visit www.concertforkatherine.com.

Three weeks ago, jurors found Michael Anderson, 20, guilty of premeditated murder in Olson's killing in October 2007. Anderson was sentenced to life in prison. She was killed after answering an ad for a baby-sitter that Anderson had posted on Craigslist.

PAUL WALSH