'Craigslist Killer' Philip Markoff Wrote Ex-Fiancee's Name in Blood as He Killed Himself

BOSTON, Aug. 16, 2010— -- "Craigslist Killer" Philip Markoff wrote his ex-fiancee's name, "Megan," in blood on a wall as he killed himself in his jail cell on the anniversary of what was supposed to have been his wedding, ABC News has learned.

Markoff, a former medical student, also wrote a second word in blood -- what looked like "pocket" -- as part of his elaborate suicide, a source said.

The former medical student evidently used an object shaved into a razor to slash major arteries in his ankles, legs and neck, and wrote the words in blood, sources told ABC News. He wrapped his wounds in plastic, covered his head with a plastic bag and stuffed toilet paper down his throat so jail authorities could not resuscitate him, then covered himself head-to-toe with a blanket, sources added.

After several cell checks, a deputy sheriff noted that Markoff's body hadn't moved and made a "health and welfare check on him," said a source at the Nashua Street Jail.

"They pulled the cover back and it was a bloodbath,'' said another law enforcement source at the jail. "Her name was in a prominent place in the cell."

Amid Markoff's evidently elaborate suicide strategy, Boston City Councilor Steve Murphy has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suicide.

"He clearly knew what he was doing,'' said a law enforcement source at the jail. "There were multiple cuts and he suffocated himself with a plastic bag and swallowed a wad of toilet paper."

Officials initially thought the blood-splattered instrument on Markoff was a razor. Later, an official told ABC News that Markoff managed to fashion "a razor out of a jail-issued pen," while another official said he made it from a "silver receptacle plate" that covered an old electrical outlet.

Markoff reportedly had attempted to kill himself two prior times at the facility after his arrest in April 2009.

On April 21, 2009, as Markoff was transported from Boston police headquarters to the Nashua Street Jail, he stuffed wads of toilet paper down his pants telling detectives, "I might need this later," ABC News reported.

Hours later, Markoff made his first suicide attempt. He pulled leather strips out of his boat shoes, tied them together, and tried to hang himself from the bars on his cell. He was transferred to a secure medical unit and put under 24-hour suicide watch.

On April 30, 2009, a day after his fiancee, Megan McAllister, broke up with him in jail, he attempted to rake a serrated spoon over his wrist.

Family of Julissa Brisman Reacts to Phillip Markoff Suicide

Murphy, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, suggested that Markoff may have met with foul play. But that theory was dismissed by Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis and Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley.

"Markoff was alone in his cell, and all evidence collected thus far indicates that he took his own life," Conley and Davis said in a joint statement.

Officials at the 654-bed maximum security jail did not say how long he may have been dead.

ABC News reported he severed his femoral artery and wrapped his leg in a clear plastic garbage bag. He also pulled another bag over his head.

Markoff was awaiting trial for the murder of Julissa Brisman, a woman he found on Craigslist offering sensual massage. Markoff was charged with robbing two other women offering similar services on Craigslist.

Markoff's death denies Brisman's family a long-awaited opportunity to confront him and hear the details of their loved one's final moments, said Djuna Perkins, an attorney for Brisman's mother, Carmen Guzman.

"First, he took their daughter from them, then he denied that opportunity for them," Perkins said. "Many people who deal with homicide never get over it, but the criminal trial allows them to confront the suspect, hear the evidence and reach some resolution in the case."

Perkins said Markoff was determined to commit suicide.

"He was somebody who had an anatomical knowledge. He was a smart guy. I'm sure he could find plenty of time to think," Perkins said.

ABC News' Michael S. James and The Associated Press contributed to this report