Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime - "The Craigslist Killer" (Episode 528)
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by Dark West Productions

Introduction

In Episode 528 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the chilling case of Philip Markoff, infamously known as the "Craigslist Killer." This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Markoff’s crimes, his background, the investigation that led to his capture, and the profound impact his actions had on his victims and their families.

The Crimes of Philip Markoff

Trisha Leffler's Robbery and Assault
The episode begins by recounting the spring of 2009 in Boston and Rhode Island, where a series of attacks against women caused widespread fear along the Eastern Seaboard. The first known victim, Trisha Leffler, a former Mormon turned sex worker, encountered Markoff at the Westin Hotel in Boston on April 9, 2009.

Trisha Leffler (Transcript [07:43]): "I guess you could call him polite. He didn't call me names or swear at me."

Markoff posed as a graduate student, gaining Trisha's trust before violently robbing and tying her up. His calculated approach included stealing her valuables and leaving behind a fingerprint while attempting to erase his digital traces. Remarkably, Trisha managed to escape and alert authorities, providing a crucial eyewitness account.

Julissa Brisman's Murder
Three days later, on April 13, 2009, Julissa Brisman, a 25-year-old aspiring counselor struggling with alcohol addiction, became Markoff's second known victim. Meeting him under similar pretenses at the Marriott Hotel in Boston, Julissa was brutally murdered after resisting Markoff's attempts to bind her. The swift and violent nature of this attack highlighted Markoff's escalation from robbery to murder.

Cynthia Melton's Survived Assault
Just two days after Julissa's murder, Cynthia Melton, an erotic dancer and part-time sex worker, was targeted by Markoff at the Holiday Inn Express in Warwick, Rhode Island. Unlike his previous encounters, Cynthia survived the assault thanks to her husband’s timely intervention, which caused Markoff to flee the scene. This incident provided investigators with additional surveillance footage and led to a break in the case.

Investigation and Capture

The convergence of these attacks prompted a concentrated investigation. Police leveraged security camera footage, fingerprints left at the scenes, and Trisha's eyewitness testimony to identify Markoff. Despite lacking initial evidence, the cumulative patterns pointed unmistakably to him.

Heath Merryman (Transcript [22:17]): "This was all his doing."

Markoff was arrested in Quincy, Massachusetts, after an officer noticed suspicious activity related to stolen credit cards used to purchase items like a baseball hat—his attempted disguise during Cynthia's assault. The evidence against him was mounting, including stolen items, digital footprints, and DNA evidence.

Philip Markoff's Background

Early Life and Education
Philip Haynes Markoff was born on February 12, 1986, in Cheryl, New York. Described by peers as tall, awkward, and academically gifted, Markoff excelled in his studies, graduating summa cum laude and enrolling in a pre-med program at the State University of New York at Albany. However, beneath his promising exterior lay deep-seated issues with women and identity.

Relationship with Megan McAllister
Markoff's relationship with Megan McAllister, a fellow pre-med student, was initially strong and supportive. The couple planned a future together, including a lavish seaside wedding set for August 14, 2009. However, Markoff's secret activities on fetish dating websites and his inability to communicate his true impulses strained their relationship, ultimately leading Megan to sever ties as evidence against him mounted.

The Downward Spiral and Arrest

As the investigation closed in, Markoff attempted to flee to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. During a traffic stop, authorities recognized the signs pointing to him as the Craigslist Killer. Despite his composed demeanor, the accumulating evidence—ranging from stolen items to matching fingerprints—secured his arrest on charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder.

Daphne Woolsoncroft (Transcript [52:00]): "He really was such a wolf in sheep's clothing."

Markoff’s behavior following his arrest suggested a profound sense of shame and anticipation of the consequences he would face, leading to his eventual suicide in custody on August 15, 2010.

Aftermath and Impact

Markoff's Suicide
One year after his planned wedding, Markoff was found dead in his jail cell, having taken his own life. His final act included blood-written messages and personal items, leaving families without closure.

Daphne Woolsoncroft (Transcript [54:57]): "It's so awful because Tricia Loeffler, Cynthia Melton, and the friends and family left behind by Julissa Brisman were forced to move on without real answers or closure."

Changes to Craigslist Policies
In response to the outcry following Julissa Brisman's murder, Craigslist discontinued its erotic services section in May 2009, implementing stricter verification measures before ultimately removing the section entirely in 2010. This move aimed to enhance the safety of individuals seeking services through the platform.

Victims' Families and Public Reaction
The families of Markoff’s victims, particularly Julissa Brisman’s mother, Carmen, expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the lack of closure. The case underscored the vulnerabilities faced by individuals engaging in online transactions for personal services and prompted discussions on regulation and safety measures.

Conclusion

The "Craigslist Killer" case serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly ordinary individuals. Philip Markoff's ability to mask his violent tendencies under the guise of a promising medical student shocked both his acquaintances and the broader community. This episode of Going West: True Crime masterfully unpacks the layers of deception, the meticulous nature of the crimes, and the lasting scars left on the victims and their loved ones.

Notable Quotes:

• Daphne Woolsoncroft ([07:43]): "I guess you could call him polite. He didn't call me names or swear at me."
• Heath Merryman ([22:17]): "This was all his doing."
• Heath Merryman ([46:47]): "But like, they didn't do anything wrong. So they're like, well, we don't, we don't care."
• Daphne Woolsoncroft ([54:57]): "It's so awful because Tricia Loeffler, Cynthia Melton, and the friends and family left behind by Julissa Brisman were forced to move on without real answers or closure."

Listeners interested in exploring more about this case or other chilling true crime stories are encouraged to check out the bonus episodes available on Patreon and Apple Podcasts.