Parents Visit Craigslist Murder Suspect in Jail

Real-world cops with computers tracked real-world cybercrime

(NEWSER) - Accused Craigslist killer Philip Markoff’s alleged crimes and capture were so tied to the Internet that a “new kind of murder” has been born, writes Maureen Orth in Vanity Fair. Not only did Markoff allegedly find victim Julissa Brisman on Craigslist, but before the meeting that Boston police say led to her death, they communicated only by email. And investigators’ identification of a suspect worked the same way, with a little help from Microsoft. More»

(NEWSER) - Philip Markoff’s ex-fiancée visited the accused “Craigslist killer” in jail two weeks ago to say goodbye, the Boston Herald reports. Megan McAllister told Markoff “that in all likelihood she would not be coming back to Boston," her lawyer said today, adding that though McAllister had originally stood by Markoff, she was alarmed by the facts coming to light. More»

Arraigned on 7 counts including first-degree murder

(NEWSER) - Philip Markoff spoke a resounding “not guilty” at his arraignment today for the murder of a masseuse, the Boston Globe reports. Prosecutors described “brutal” attacks against three women as the so-called “Craigslist killer” was arraigned on seven charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, armed kidnapping, armed assault, and illegal possession of firearms. Victims, witnesses, and Markoff’s fiancée testified before a grand jury. More»

There's ample evidence: prosecutor

(NEWSER) - Accused Craigslist killer Philip Markoff has been formally charged with murdering 26-year-old Julissa Brisman, the Boston Globe reports. The former med student is being arraigned today on seven charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with Brisman’s death and another attack on a prostitute. Both women advertised their services on Craigslist, where Markoff, 23, found them. Prosecutors say fingerprints and video footage link Markoff to the crimes. More»

(NEWSER) - Craigslist has agreed to dump its “erotic services” ads, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced today. In their place will be a new employee-reviewed adult category. The site has been under pressure to act in response to the so-called "Craigslist killer" case, in which a Boston premed student is accused of killing a masseuse he found through an ad on the site. Madigan, along with AGs from Connecticut and Missouri, met with site officials last week, arguing that the erotic services ads often promoted illegal services. More»