Philip Markoff, Alleged Craigslist Killer, Found DEAD, Commits Suicide In Jail Cell

[proud2BlibKansan]

BOSTON — A former medical student accused of killing a masseuse he met through Craigslist apparently killed himself inside a Boston jail, where he was awaiting trial, authorities said Sunday.

Philip Markoff's body was found Sunday morning in the Nashua Street Jail after an apparent suicide, said Ed Geary, a spokesman for the Suffolk County sheriff's office. Geary said no additional information was immediately available, and an investigation had begun.

Saturday would have been Markoff's first wedding anniversary, but his nuptials were canceled after his arrest.

Markoff, 24, a former Boston University student, pleaded not guilty in fatal shooting of Julissa Brisman, of New York City, and the armed robbery of a Las Vegas woman. Both crimes happened at Boston hotels within the span of four days in April 2009. Rhode Island prosecutors also accused him of attacking a stripper during the same week.

more . . . http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/15/philip-markoff-dead-alleged-craigslist-killer_n_682583.html

[Heidi]

1. I take no joy in this situation because I don't know the facts.

I wonder what degree of genuine control he had over his own behavior. Despite popular "hang him high" sentiment, I have a lot of compassion for both those who cannot control their behavior. I wish his victims' families and his own family comfort.

[Warpy]

2. I just want them off the street.

Whether a prison or a mental ward would be the appropriate choice is for the judge to decide. Apparently he decided the DP would be appropriate.

[Heidi]

4. I agree that there was enough evidence to hold the guy until trial.

But I don't believe, in general, in executing people, and I especially don't believe in executing people who cannot control their own behavior, no matter what the cost of keeping those people incarcerated or hospitalized. As I said, I don't know the facts of this guy's mental condition.

[Rowdyboy]

5. Regardless of his mental state, I have compassion for his former fiance and his family....

From all accounts I have read, none of them are guilty of anything but trying to support someone they loved.

That I have enormous sympathy for his victims should go without saying but on DU its always best to be specific. People here nowadays seem to want to fight over any imagined slight to their sensibilities.

[TheMightyFavog]

3. Uh ohhhh... Somebody, somewhere's got themselves a Death Note...

Exactly as planned...