Phil Markoff

Phil Markoff is a former Boston University medical student who was accused of being the so-called Craigslist Killer. Markoff was charged with a string of crimes against women who had advertised private services on Craigslist in April of 2009. Markoff was charged with the shooting death and attempted robbery of 26-year-old Julia Brisman. After his arrest, Markoff was incarcerated at the Nashua Street Jail in Boston, Massachusetts.http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/massachusetts.craigslist.death/#fbid=vML9yX2pGJy&wom=false

On August 15, 2010, Markoff's body was discovered in his jail cell. According to reports, Markoff is suspected of committing suicide. An autopsy was planned on August 16, 2010, to determine the exact cause of Markoff's death. A statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney's office said "all evidence indicated that he took his own life."http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/massachusetts.craigslist.death/#fbid=vML9yX2pGJy&wom=false

An autopsy was planned for Monday, August 16, 2010, on the body of Phillip Markoff, accused of being the so-called "Craigslist Killer."

ABC News quotes sources as saying that during his incarceration at the Nashua Street Jail, Phil Markoff attempted suicide more than once. ABC News also quotes an unidentified law enforcement source as saying that in this latest attempt, Markoff "was able to take a razor blade from one of the disposable razors jail inmates are allowed to use, and he used it to slash not only his wrists but also the femoral artery in his leg." The source goes on to say that Markoff "clearly knew what he was doing" and that "he used his medical expertise."http://abcnews.go.com/US/craigslist-killer-phillip-markoff-commits-suicide/story?id=11405484&page=1

Markoff was arrested on April 20, 2009, after Boston police linked him to an attack on a Rhode Island woman and to the murder of Julissa Brisman at the Marriott Copley Place hotel in Boston. Markoff was also believed to have brutally attacked and robbed 29-year-old Trisha Leffler on April 10, 2009, in another Boston hotel.http://abcnews.go.com/US/craigslist-killer-phillip-markoff-commits-suicide/story?id=11405484&page=1

According to sources close to the case, police found panties belonging to the victims in Markoff's apartment.Boston Herald: Source: Accused Craigslist Killer Collected 'Mementos' From Victims

On April 23, 2010, it was announced that Markoff's fingerprints had been found at the murder scene of 26-year-old Julissa Brisman.WCVB Boston: Markoff's Fingerprints Found At Crime Scene (April 21, 2009) The prints were taken from the surface of plastic zip ties and duct tape that Markoff allegedly used to restrain the victim.WCVB Boston: Markoff's Fingerprints Found At Crime Scene (April 21, 2009) Earlier in the day, he had been placed on suicide watch after officers found shoelace marks on his neck.ABC News: 'Craigslist' Suspect Philip Markoff Put on Suicide Watch

Investigators believe that a gambling problem might have led Markoff to search Craigslist for potential theft victims. A search of his home found the same gun and ammunition used in the earlier armed robbery.FOXNews.com: Boston University Medical Student Charged in Craigslist Killing Held Without Bail (April 21, 2009)