Gun Match Made in Craigslist Killer Case

(NEWSER) - Accused Craigslist killer Philip Markoff’s parents visited him for the first time today at the Boston jail where he is being held, the Boston Globe reports. Richard Markoff and Susan Haynes, who are divorced, did not speak to the press. Asked by reporters what the parents dreaded most about the visit, their son's attorney, John Salsberg, responded, “All of you.” More»

(NEWSER) - Accused “Craigslist killer” Philip Markoff has been placed on suicide watch after his Boston jailers found evidence he had tried to hang himself, ABC News reports. “Shoelace marks were found on his neck,” a corrections official said. Markoff has been moved from the general population to a closely watched segregated unit. “I am deeply concerned for Philip's well being,” his lawyer said. More»

(NEWSER) - A search of the suspected Craigslist killer’s home uncovered 2 pairs of underwear belonging to his victims, the Boston Globe reports. Police could not determine the garments' owners but did identify them as “mementos” of the crimes. Police are also testing the gun found in suspect Philip Markoff's apartment to determine if it was used to kill Julissa Brisman. They discovered the weapon in a hollowed-out copy of the medical textbook Gray’s Anatomy. More»

(NEWSER) - A search of the home of alleged Craigslist killer Philip Markoff turned up a handgun, ammunition, and plastic restraints, the New York Times reports. Boston police believe the ties are identical to ones used in two hotel robbery/assaults that left one woman dead by gunshot last week. Markoff pleaded not guilty today. Meanwhile, investigators tell the Globe they believe Markoff perpetrated the robberies to fuel a gambling addiction. More»

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»