SUSPECT CHARGED WITH JULISSA BRISMAN’S MURDER Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis and Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley today announced the arrest of Philip Markoff, 23, of Quincy with the murder of Julissa Brisman at the Copley Marriott Hotel on April 14, 2009 and the armed robbery and kidnapping of an additional victim on April 10, 2009 at the Westin Hotel.
Markoff was taken into custody at approximately 4:00pm this afternoon and formerly charged this evening. The charges are based on forensic and electronic evidence developed during the around the clock investigation that continues tonight and will continue in the weeks and months to come. Markoff is expected to face arraignment in the Boston Municipal Court tomorrow morning.
Commissioner Davis and District Attorney Conley wish to thank the following agencies for their invaluable assistance during the course of this complex investigation: Warwick Police Department, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Massachusetts State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, MBTA Transit Police, Boston University Police Department, US Marshals, Quincy Police Department and the New York Police Department.
Previously Released Information:
On Tuesday April 14, 2009, at approximately 10:13pm, officers from District D-4 responded to a report of an unconscious female at the Copley Marriott Hotel at 110 Huntington Ave. Upon arrival, hotel security updated the police that the unconscious female may have been the victim of an assault, possibly a stabbing. Officers observed Ms. Brisman suffering from what was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.
Members of the Boston Fire Department administered CPR and EMS then rushed her to BMC where she was soon pronounced as a result of her injuries.
The preliminary investigation suggests Ms. Brisman was advertising masseuse services on Craigslist. Detectives believe that this incident was an attempted robbery. It appears that there was a struggle between the victim and the suspect in the threshold of the hotel room immediately prior to the shooting.
In addition, detectives believe that this incident is related to another recent incident which also occurred at a local hotel.
On April 10, 2009, at approximately 12:46am, officers responded to a robbery in progress at the Westin Hotel at 10 Huntington Ave. Officers received a report from a 29 year old female victim that she was robbed at gunpoint in her hotel room.
The Boston Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances of this incident and urges anyone with information regarding this incident to notify them by calling (617) 343-4470. Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police strictly protects the identity of all individuals wishing to provide information anonymously.
