An autopsy is scheduled for Today, after the suicide death of Philip Markoff, the former medical student who was facing murder and armed robbery charges tied to the Craigslist website.
Markoff was found alone and unresponsive in his Boston jail cell Sunday morning. Its being reported that he carved himself up pretty good with a razor blade used for shaving. The “Craiglist Killer” apparently slashed both wrist and severed the femoral artery in his leg then tied trashbags around his leg and head.
The cause of death is under investigation, Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said in a statement.
“Markoff was alone in his cell and all evidence collected thus far indicates that he took his own life,” the statement said. “Nonetheless, as with all such cases, a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding his death.”
However; controversy about the death of the “Craiglist Killer” is emerging. Particularly in question, is how typical is the use of a trash bag tied over the head in suicide attempts. Second What really was the act that caused death? Was it the plastic bag, the slashed wrist, or the severed artery? There are reports out there about Markoff receiving threats from other inmates for beating them at chess and taking their canteens. Did this ultimately drive him to kill himself or was his death at the hands of someone else. Police officials are confident Markoff killed himself but expect the autopsy to provide more conclusive answers to these questions.
Markoff, 24, was charged in the April 14, 2009, fatal shooting and attempted robbery of Julissa Brisman, 25, at Boston’s Copley Marriott Hotel. Brisman advertised her “sexual release” masseuse services on Craigslist and police believe that is how Markoff may have met her.
The family of Brisman released a statement describing their shock and dissappointment about Markoff’s death. They were looking forward to confronting him in court.