James Vester - a victim of murder in Indianapolis

James Vester, age 32, of Lizton, Indiana, died on December 4, 2013, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Sgt. First Class Jim Vester

Jim had answered a Craigslist advertisement from someone selling an iPad. He wanted to purchase the iPad for a relative as a Christmas present. He arranged to meet the seller(s) and was shot in a parking lot in the West Side of the City. 

Tyron Kincade, age 19, and Tyshaune Kincade, age 18, (brothers), have each been charged with counts of murder and robbery.

Tyron and Tyshaune may be involved in several other robberies involving selling items on Craigslist. Luring people through Craigslist seems to be their method of operation. The brothers have previously been arrested for attacking a man in 2012 and threatening two 13 year old girls with a gun in 2011.

These boys aren't even out of their teens and yet they are developing a rap sheet like Judas.  What does it profit a man who gains the whole world and loses his own soul? 

Tyshaune (L), Tyron (R)

James Vester was a U.S. Military Veteran. He had served 12 years in the Indiana National Guard. He served a one year tour of duty in Iraq. 

He was a mechanic for the Guard and was a member of the Guard's ceremonial team, which appears at funerals and special events.

Military comrades describe Jim as a dedicated soldier and father.  Military officials stated that Jim had a huge heart and was a man you could depend on. 

Father, place Jim on the stairway to Heaven

This tragedy is very similar to one that took place in Canada earlier in 2013, when Tim Bosma when out to meet someone he met on the internet who was selling a vehicle. Tim was taken for a test drive and was murdered. 

Advice to anyone meeting someone from the Internet to buy something:

• Go with a friend or friends, not alone.
• Meet in a public place.  Do not enter someone's home or apartment if at all possible. Ask them to bring the merchandise outside or meet at a restaurant, or shopping mall. 
• Do not go for rides with someone who will take you "to see the object" or to test drive a vehicle.  Stay where you are - in public view. 

Jim's loved ones will forever mourn his passing. 

Jim is survived by many loving friends and family members including his wife, Jamie; and their one year old son, Gavin.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father.

God save us from the Lost Ones, who bring death to strangers.  

Pray that Jim is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.