Craigslist Killers
68Craiglist Killer
A Craigslist Killer is someone who is accused of murdering their victims after meeting them through the popular classified advertising website Craigslist. So far there are two people who were called Craiglist Killers - Philip Markoff and Michael John Anderson.
While I am writing this, a TV movie based on the true story of Philip Markoff is being aired on Lifetime Network, less than 5 months after he committed suicide in Boston's Nashua Street Jail. According to news sites, Megan McAllister who was engaged to him at the time of the murder, had no idea that Markoff was the Craiglist Killer.
Be careful with whom you meet in real life where the first contact is made online from such sites, especially online dating sites. See Meet and Cheat - Online Dating and Cheating, because you don't know what you will be getting! Below are the stories of 2 killers who chose Craiglist to find their victims.
Craigslist Killer's First Victim
Philip Haynes Markoff
Philip Markoff was arrested for armed robbery and murder of Julissa Brisman on April 20th, 2009. Apparently, he met Brisman through the populr classified site, Craiglist. A lot of people were shocked about the conviction as he was preparing for a promising future as a doctor and a life of happiness with his fiancée, Megan McAllister. There was even a support group on Facebook called "Philip Markoff Is Innocent Until Proven Guilty" which was set up by his friends.
His trial was supposed to begin in March 2011, but Markoff committed suicide after several failed attempts, on August 15, 2010, exactly one year and one day after the date his wedding with Megan McAllister, was to have taken place. It is reported that Markoff wrote "Megan" in his blood on the
cell wall and placed her photographs around him. He died of self inflicted wounds and suffocation.
Michael John Anderson
Michael John Anderson, an American aged 19, met Katherine Ann Olson through a Craigslist classified ad. He was convicted for murder of Olson in October 2007. Anderson was the first killer who was given the title of Craiglist Killer by the media in news accounts. He posted a fake advertisement on Craigslist posing as a married woman named "Amy" who was looking for nanny services. When Olson arrived at his parents' house for an interview, he shot her dead and abandoned her body in a car at Burnsville Nature Preserve. Anderson caught and was found guilty of first degree murder and was sentenced to life without parole on April 1, 2009.
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It is sad that people do these things. I tell people I know to be careful at all times (internet encounters, garage sales, newspaper classified ads) due to potential predators using whatever way they can to meet.
I always thought these dating list shouldn't be. I know I am sending out a message being an old prune. Let's face it that is what these characters are there for, to get contacts.
it is very bad news that people use internet for wrong purpose , there is very useful use of the technology which is happening most
I watched that movie and I had chills. Can you imagine....
What a shame. Such a traggic story. Great hub and best wishes to you.
I grew up in Boston and have a friend from back home that works at the same hotel that the murders occured at. It is very scary to say the least.
I am glad you saw the movie on LMN....
Most of the people using the internet forget that Big Brother is watching and that it's not to long before the criminal element are caught. Naturally there are the IT experts that last a little longer. But it's only a matter of time before they also come into the arms of the law which is nice to know. Thanks for the hub. In Europe we don't here to much of happenings across the water or from the other side of the world unless it's big news. lol
Ghaelach
I have always warned my children that they should be cautious when talking to someone on the internet. That inclued facebook and myspace. There are too many unstable people out there to be laughing at something like this. Great hub! Thanks for sharing it...
I'm thinking there's more killers than that, on CG that is.
Great and informative hub. We all do need to remember to be cautious...this is a great reminder. Thankyou for sharing this with us!
wishingUwell
Mia
very informative, i thought that Craiglist was removed from the sites, because of past problems.
great hub.
Karen N Level 3 Commenter 16 months ago
Very scary stuff! You just can't be too careful when meeting someone on the internet.