Backpage Founder Dies By Suicide Days Before Trial
Jim Larkin, the co-founder of the Phoenix New Times and the infamous classified ads site Backpage.com, died by suicide this week, just days ahead of his federal trial.
Larkin, 74, was found dead of a gunshot Monday about an hour outside of his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, local police told the New Times. The authorities said foul play was not suspected.
“We are devastated at the loss of James Anthony Larkin,” the family said in a statement provided to the New Times, where Larkin also served as publisher. “Jim was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend.”