The film aired on Lifetime and is an adaptation of the true crime book A Date with Death: The Secret Life of the Accused "Craigslist Killer", written by Michele McPhee.

But hidden from those close to him was the violent wrath only he and his victims knew — beginning with his April 14, 2009 murder of Julissa Brisman, a masseuse who advertised her services on Craigslist.

When police discover that the brutal killing and a number of other attacks on women were all connected to advertisements placed on Craigslist, their investigation ultimately leads them to Markoff.

[9][10] Much of the criticism focused on the lack of information or insight for the murders, which outlets such as The New York Times felt was a result of Markoff's death before any explanations for the crimes could be obtained.

"[12] Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times criticized the filmmakers for the use of "cheesy sound effects" used to "signal his switch from perfect-man mode to psychopath.