Backpage Founder Commits Suicide Ahead of Federal Trial
Backpage founder Jim Larkin committed suicide this week ahead of his federal trial.
Larkin, 74, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Larkin took his life on Monday ahead of his criminal trial for facilitating prostitution and money laundering with his online ‘classified ads’ website Backpage.com.
In 2018, the Justice Department seized Backpage.com and charged 7 individuals, including Larkin, with a 93-count federal indictment.
“The seven defendants charged in the indictment are Michael Lacey, 69, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; James Larkin, 68, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; Scott Spear, 67, of Scottsdale, Arizona; John E. “Jed” Brunst, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona; Daniel Hyer, 49, of Dallas, Texas; Andrew Padilla, 45, of Plano,
