Thfire.com Everyday news that matters Accused “Craigslist Killer” Philip Markoff committed suicide at Nashua Street Jail in Boston, where he was being held awaiting trial in the slaying of Julissa Brisman, 26, who was visiting from New York, according to Steven Tompkins, spokesman for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Philip Markoff
Officials do not know how he died, according to Tompkins. Markoff, 24, was pronounced dead at 10:17 this morning. Tompkins said authorities are investigating.
Authorities have said that Markoff shot Brisman, who was visiting Boston from New York, three times with a handgun on April 14, 2009 after they struggled in the doorway of her room on the 20th floor of the Marriott Copley in Boston. A bullet pierced her heart. Prosecutors said Markoff also battered her head.
He had been placed on suicide watch shortly after his arrest nearly a week after the slaying.
Police arrested Markoff, who was living in Quincy, on April 20, 2009 after stopping him on Interstate 93 in Walpole. Markoff told police he was headed to the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut and was with his fiancee, Megan McAllister, also was in the car.
Markoff and McAllister were driven to Boston in separate cars. He was held, while McAllister was released. In his arraignment the next day, Markoff pleaded not guilty to homicide and armed robbery charges.
Markoff, a former Boston University medical student, was also charged with armed robbery and kidnapping in two similar incidents in which the victims were not injured. Prosecutors contend that Markoff, who may have been motivated by gambling debts, preyed on prostitutes and erotic masseuses he met at hotels after seeing the women’s ads on the Craigslist website.
Source: Boston.com
