Gawker: philip markoff

Staring Into the Craigslist Cesspool

Ryan Tate — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:27:37 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser."Craigslist killer" Philip Markoff was arraigned on grand-jury charges that include first-degree murder, robbery and two counts of armed kidnapping. As if Craigslist users needed another reason to feel jumpy.

It seems every day brings more stories that help paint the listings website as a cesspool of scams, killers and sexual exploitation. Here's just a random smattering of the coverage from the past week or so:

Queens woman allegedly rents same apartment to seven people via Craigslist (NY Post)
Woman reports buying fake tickets to Chesney (Fargo Inforum)
Two busted in Craigslist hooker scam (NY Daily News)
Nebraska Mom Attempts to Sell Her 18-Month-Old on Craigslist (AP)
Hawaii Craigslist Sex Ring Busted; Woman Wanted (KGMB)

These sorts of stories may well be the natural result of Craigslist's ubiquity and desperate economic times. But don't be surprised if Craigslist starts bragging about good news — its charitable contributions, jobs it has found for people — much more loudly. The company needs all the good news it can get.

Craigslist Killer on a Very Stylish Suicide Watch

Max Silvestri — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Accused murderer and savvy webhead Philip Markoff tried to hang himself in his cell with shoelaces, so authorities now have him wearing an insane-looking anti-suicide smock called a Ferguson, according to the Daily News.

Pictured here is not Markoff, nor is it the pesky brother on Clarissa Explains It All. It's two "models" from the Ferguson's official website. It's weird these models don't get more work! They are really selling the look. "Show me 'I sure wish I could kill myself but this smock is impossible to rip into strangle-friendly strips'! Perfect." That's probably what noted fashion photographer Nigel Barker said on that shoot. (I am not 100% sure he took this photograph.)

Here's another photo from the Ferguson's website, which says that its products are "specifically designed to keep problem inmates from hurting themselves and creating more headaches for you and your colleagues." Hahaha when inmates kill themselves it's such a headache! Take two of these and call me in the morning if anybody for whose life you are responsible kills themselves.

Aw, he looks all tuckered out from creating headaches for you and your colleagues. Happy Sunday, guys! I am really starting things off on a positive note because it's so nice out and I'm indoors.

[The 'Craigslist Murder' of Julissa Brisman]
[Ferguson Safety Products]

'Craigslist Killer' Maybe Had Gambling Problem

Ryan Tate — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:01:15 EDT

Why would a WASPy medical student, engaged to be married, start robbing and killing hookers? The going theory is gambling debt. The suspect's media handle is now "The Craigslist Sex Gambling Death Killer." Officially.

Accused Craigslist Killer's Prosaic Facade

Ryan Tate — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:31:26 EDT

If the cliché about secret serial criminals is that they seemed so normal, and no one saw their attacks coming, then Philip Markoff could be the poster child for the stereotype.

Markoff was arrested tonight by Boston police in connection with the hotel murder of a 26-year-old masseuse (and reported possible escort) hired through Craigslist — a case linked to two other area prostitute robberies this month, both in hotels.

As is increasingly common, bloggers were able to quickly assemble a portrait of the alleged criminal online. The Boston University medical student has a Facebook page , online class schedule and a website for a wedding scheduled this August on the Jersey Shore, where Markoff was to marry his University of Albany college sweetheart.

Markoff comes across on his wedding site as a considerate if WASPy groom, pining for Tahiti but joking about the unglamorous honeymoons available to him in the meantime; choosing some pricey resort hotels for his wedding guests, but reserving a cheaper block for some at the Sheraton; and registering at Bloomingdale's before thinking better of it and switching to Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and Macy's. (See images below. Predictably, the guest book has already been defaced.)

One reader told us the case reminded her of the Patrick Bateman character in American Psycho, but Markoff was purportedly out for money rather than blood; his ostensible motives appear much more conventional than those of Bret Easton Ellis' engaged investment banker. Which isn't to say his very public prosecution will be anything short of sensational.