On April 30, 2013 Joanne Randa and Christina Hingle attended Sensei Enterprises Seminar, “On the trail of the Craigslist Killer.” Sharon Nelson and John Simek of Sensei, discussed just how important a role technology played in identifying the craigslist killer. Julissa Brisman, a 25 year old masseuse who posted a Craigslsit ad, died a violent death after an appointment with a client, Philip Markoff. Through video surveillance, cell phone records, and e-mail authorities were able to identify Markoff and charge him with the murder of Brisman in 2009. Markoff committed suicide in jail before he could stand trial for his crimes.
Electronic evidence is increasingly critical to assisting authorities with obtaining evidence, tracking suspects, and bringing them to justice. The presentation also discussed the astounding number of video surveillance cameras now used worldwide. This alone is an extremely helpful tool in locating suspects in proximity to any crime that has been committed, and the number of cameras is only growing.
Computer forensics is not only used in criminal matters but also in family law cases. Family law attorneys, now more than ever, are relying on electronic evidence to establish adultery and track the waste and dissipation of marital assets. Seminars like “On the trail of the Craigslist Killer” are a reminder that we live a significant portion of our lives in the public eye.