"Craigslist Killer" - Philip Markoff - Smooth Talk Sports - Is Gambling a Valid Motive?

PRLog (Press Release) - May 05, 2009 -
Smooth Talk Sports (“STS”), located on the web at www.smoothtalksports.com, is a free sports information site that was developed to give the sports enthusiast the information they want and need.  

STS just released a webcast on its website that offers some very unique insight to the Philip Markoff case.   "My decision to produce this webcast was a close and personal one", says Patrick, owner of STS.  "I believe I am in a very unique position because I grew up in Syracuse, NY not far from the Markoff family and now live in New Jersey and am a neighbor and friend of Markoff's bride-to-be Megan McAllister."  When asked how he came to know McAllister Patrick responded, "I have known her for at least 10 years.  My initial introduction to Megan came from someone who is even closer to Megan and is a member of her wedding party."  However, when asked if he would identify that individual Patrick said "Absolutely not.  It is too close to home and out of love and respect for this person and also for Megan and her family I refuse to divulge this information."  Patrick began sharing some of the details of his webcast, a webcast that is approximately 30-40 minutes in length.  "I felt a responsibility to make this contribution not only because of my familiarity with the Markoff's and the McAllister's but because I am a professional handicapper and own a sports information site.  I felt it was important to address the topic of gambling, one of the alleged motives in the Philip Markoff case."  Does Patrick believe that gambling played a role in this case? "That is up to authorities and ultimately the jury to decide", says Patrick "What I do know is that Philip's trips to the casino became more frequent since January, he was betting as much as $500 to $1,000 per hand, he had an extraordinary amount of debt for a 23 year old, and was feeling very stressed", pointing to Markoff's wedding in August, "Again, gambling is just an alleged motive at this time but his behavioral patterns suggests a gambling problem may have existed."  But even if gambling is proven to be the motive can it lead someone to prey on and kill innocent people? "Do crack addicts kill for a fix?  Listen, gambling is a disease - a serious one", says Patrick.  "And desperate times can call for desperate measures. Compulsive gamblers are capable of a lot, even killing."  When asked if gambling is a major problem today Patrick responded, "Gambling is on the rise and especially amongst young people.  And it will probably get worse before it gets better."

During his webcast Patrick also talks about the media and the challenges in dealing with them.  "I felt it was important to address this issue", says Patrick.  "I watched first-hand how the media handled the victims in this case, specifically the McAllister's, their friends and neighbors.  I would describe their approach as relentless, vulture-like.  They staked out their house 24/7 just hoping to catch a glimpse of Megan and her family.  They pounded on doors of neighbors and friends and, yes, even my own.“ Patrick stopped and sighed.  "Tragedy is personal and private.  As if it's not bad enough that the families and friends have to deal with the shock of the misdoings they now become victims of harassment".  Patrick's webcast not only addresses some of the challenges of dealing with the media but how families and friends of the alleged killer, Philip Markoff, can deal with this tragedy and eventually move on with their lives.  "When you experience something like this the pain never really goes away", says Patrick. "You simply want it to become more manageable so that you can function again and continue your pursuit of happiness in life."  Patrick knows best because he personally experienced tragedy when a brother of his was murdered 15 years ago. "Has it really been 15 years?" asks Patrick.  "It seems like it was just yesterday.  I will never forget that day when the phone rang.  It changed my life forever."  Patrick hesitates and takes a deep breathe. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him.  But I am grateful for friends and family and their support.  Without them I don't know where I would be today."  

Patrick calls on experts and uses real life experiences in his webcast that allows us to understand why gambling could prove to be a valid motive in the Markoff case, how people can deal with tragedy when it hits home, specifically the media and how to deal with life after acceptance.

The webcast is now showing on its website at www.SmoothTalkSports.com.