Ep 1. Seven Days of Rage: The Craigslist Killer

On the first episode of the 23rd season of 48 Hours Mystery titled "Seven Days of Rage: The Craigslist Killer," the show delves into the unsettling and gruesome story of Philip Markoff - a man who was dubbed as the "Craigslist Killer" due to his usage of the popular classified ads website to commit his crimes.

The episode kicks off with shocking news that swept the nation in April 2009. A 26-year-old woman was found murdered in a Boston hotel room after advertising her massage services on Craigslist. The authorities soon discovered that the victim was not the only one; two other women had also been brutally attacked in similar scenarios, but survived their encounters with the suspected killer.

As the investigation progresses, more clues are uncovered, leading to the arrest of medical student Philip Markoff for the murder of Julissa Brisman. However, Markoff profusely denied his involvement in any of the crimes he was being accused of, leaving the question of his innocence or guilt up in the air.

The episode takes viewers through the seven days that Markoff allegedly went on a killing spree. Interviews with law enforcement officials, witnesses, and journalists provide a firsthand account of the investigation, and chilling details about the extent of Markoff's crimes begin to emerge.

The detectives on the case search for the suspect's whereabouts and follow up leads that eventually lead to his location in a quiet town in Maine. After a prolonged period of waiting, Markoff is apprehended by the police, and evidence is found linking him to the crimes that he had denied vehemently. His wife, Megan McAllister, is left to face the prying eyes of the media as she grapples with the fact that her husband has been accused of such heinous crimes.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with various theories on what led Markoff to commit these crimes, including issues within his personal life and gambling debts. As the investigation continues, new details come to light that help to paint a clearer picture of the events that unfolded during those seven days of rage.

With gripping interviews, detailed reconstructions, and exclusive insights from those close to the case, "Seven Days of Rage: The Craigslist Killer" offers a chilling look into one of the most shocking and sensational cases the United States has seen in recent times. It serves as a stark reminder of how easily predators can lure in their victims online, and how important it is to exercise caution when engaging with strangers.