An online fundraiser for a Tennessee teen who is a suspect in the murder of a sex offender has been shut down by GoFundMe.
The company shut down an account for Kian Neal, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 56-year-old Robert George Locke, citing its policy against fundraisers involving alleged violent crimes, even in the case of pending investigations, according to News Channel 9.
“Unfortunately, we have discovered that GoFundMe does not allow for fundraisers involving alleged violent crimes, even if the case/trial is ongoing. All donations will be refunded. A heartfelt thank you to all who donated,” a statement on the fundraiser said.
Neal’s father is believed to be the organizer of the fundraiser, according to Local 3 News.
The fundraising page has been removed from GoFundMe. The original page listed a $30,000 goal for Neal’s legal defense.
“We want to ensure that Kian has the best possible chance to defend himself and that he receives fair treatment throughout this process,” a statement on the fundraiser page said.
Locke was convicted in 2003 of molesting a child under the age of 16. He served 10 years in prison and was released. Neal reportedly told investigators that he had never met Locke and had no connection with the man’s death.
Investigators were led to Neal via a tip from a minor. Police said that the juvenile reported that one of their friends claimed to have killed someone, and said the victim was a “rapist.” The minor also reportedly told police the friend said they had disposed of the body.
Collegedale police stated that despite the victim’s past crimes, it “cannot condone an act of murder regardless of who the victim may be or what they may have done in the past.
“Our duty is to uphold the law impartially and to ensure that justice is applied equally to all people,” the department said.
Collegedale police searched a landfill for Locke’s remains but called off the search after two days. It’s unclear if police found remains during their search.
Investigators targeted the landfill after speaking to Neal. Despite his not guilty plea, Neal reportedly gave a confession to police after he waived his Miranda rights.
According to police, the evidence currently suggests that Neal was targeted at random.
Neal appeared in court on June 17 to enter his plea. He has been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated burglary, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and death under suspicious, unusual, or unnatural circumstances.
His next hearing is scheduled for July 1.
