Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Craiglist Killer's First Victim Describes Robbery


By

Jen Chung

Published Apr 27, 2009

Modified Apr 27, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Chung

Published Apr 27, 2009

Modified Apr 27, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

The Las Vegas hooker who was robbed by a client procured via Craiglist spoke to 48 Hours about her harrowing experience. It turns out Tricia Leffler was attacked in a Boston hotel days before Julissa Brisman was killed by her Craigslist massage client, apparently the same man.

Leffler said she met her client at the hotel elevator, "When I first laid eyes on him, I was comfortable. Because it was, you know, just regular. Just a regular looking guy." But once in the room, he pulled a gun and tied her up before taking her money and credit cards and erasing his number from her phone. Leffler said, "He ended up taping my mouth... But I was noticing as he was doing it that he was not wearing gloves. So, I just let him put the tape on me." After the attacker left, she managed to twist out of the ties and call for help; the police took the tape as part of the evidence.

Leffler also says, based on the surveillance pictures, that she's 100% sure the man suspected of Brisman's murder is her attacker, "He was even dressed the same, wearing the same clothes." She added, "I'm not gonna be advertising on Craigslist anymore. Don't want to go through this again." Suspect Philip Markoff is being held without bail.

Tagged

craigslist killer

Julissa Brisman

Philip Markoff

tricia leffler


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

Better days ahead for NYC commuters with Democrats in control of Congress, MTA chair says

Republicans’ “anti-city” agenda was rejected by voters, MTA Chair Janno Lieber said.

By

Stephen Nessen

and

Ramsey Khalifeh

Published Nov 5, 2026 at 5:59 p.m. ET


$20 rent-control cap coming to Elizabeth, New Jersey

Voters approved the annual limit in this week's election.

By

Michael Sol Warren

News

$20 rent-control cap coming to Elizabeth, New Jersey

Voters approved the annual limit in this week's election.

By

Michael Sol Warren


Feds accuse former FBI agent of Brooklyn hit and run, leaving victim on a bench

By

Charles Lane

Battery found at deadly Sunset Park fire days after similar blaze in Bronx

By

Ramsey Khalifeh

Inside New York's bitter Republican civil war after blue wave

By

Walter Wuthmann


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .