The number one topic for debate on college campuses across the country is the Craigslist Killer story. Students are united in their belief that the fiance of the alleged killer is crazy for not running away and never looking back.
Megan McAllister, 25, is standing by her man. She simply refuses to believe that her soon-to-be husband Philip Markoff, 23, is the alleged "Craigslist Killer."
At Hofstra University, students are appalled at McAllister’s decision. Sophomore Danielle DeLuca, 19, said the evidence linking Markoff to the crimes seemed solid and McAllister needs to pay attention to that.
"I think it's pretty clear she's in deep denial," she said. "It's one thing if you really love someone and want to stand by and support them, but it's another to completely ignore facts, especially those that point to such heinous crimes."
DeLuca said that if she were in McAllister's shoes, she would remove herself from the situation immediately.
"I'd get as far away as possible," she said, saying that the simple fact that Markoff was contacting women for erotic services through Craigslist would be enough to send her running.
Student at Queensborough College in New York, and Auxillary Police Officer for Nassau County, Christopher McLaughlin, 20, feels that the case is clear.
"This case should be cut and dry, the murder weapon and underwear found in his apartment speaks for itself," he said, referring to the April 20 search of Markoff's Quincy apartment that found a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, duck tape, and plastic zip ties that match the ones that bound both victims, and the victim's underwear.
McAllister said multiple times that she believes he is innocent; going as far as accusing the Boston Police of framing Markoff. In interviews with both the Boston Herald and ABC news, she said he would never hurt a fly, and is the best fiance a woman could ever ask for.
For many, initial sympathy for McAllister's situation is being thrown out the window because of her accusations and denial.
"It's outrageous. She's absolutely crazy and needs to get help. I understand at first jumping to the defense of someone you love. Of course you want to believe it's a mistake, but at some point you have to come to your senses," McLaughlin said. He added that he can't help but feel bad for her, but his sympathy is quickly disappearing with her continuing claims of a police set-up.
The couple planned to be married this summer in an elaborate beachfront wedding. However, the matrimonial plans came to an abrupt halt when Markoff was arrested last Monday while on his way to Foxwoods Casino with McAllister.
Markoff was charged with the murder of Julissa Brisman, 25, and the robbery of another woman in Rhode Island. Both women advertised erotic services on Craigslist, and were contacted by Markoff through email. He pled not guilty at his arraignment on April 21 and is currently being held without bail at the Nashua Street Jail in Boston.
"The scariest part about this whole thing is that she was living under the same roof as a murderer and had no idea. It could happen to anyone I guess". McLaughlin said.
Public opinion seems to vary about the guilt or innocence of Markoff, however most share the horrifying thoughts that he could have been anyone; your acquaintance, classmate or neighbor.
Quincy resident Catherine Esca, 19, said, "It's scary to think about this situation. I live in the same town as Markoff, and have friends that attended SUNY Albany when he was there. It's crazy to think that they or I could have come into contact with him."
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