Friends describe victim as a sweet, energetic young woman

She advertised massages on Craigslist but wasn't a prostitute? Someone is being fooled here

Another trashy piece by the pair who brought us that nauseating description of the suspect. It is so unfair that they are 'reporting' opinions of people who just met her a couple of times and leave with the ending:
"Her stories never really made sense," he said. "I guess it was clear she was an escort."
How is it clear? you are reporting one person's opnion as a fact?
Really, this is beyond horrible and unfair to this girl to print unsubstantiated crap like this.

She "had turned her life around and had an amazing future" yet agrees to travel from NYC to Boston to provide a "massage"? C'mon, people. We can all read between the lines.

"She had turned her life around, and had an amazing future. She had left her old life behind."

She was a craigslist prostitute. Oh, I'm sorry...a "masseuse". It's a shame she got killed, and I feel for her friends and family....but lets not talk her up like she was an angel. No one does legit massage in a hotel for god sakes.

I'm saddened to hear that she had begun turning her life around and had it so brutally taken away from her, but the comment by Pines about how she couldn't be a prostitute is nearly as depressing. The first step in letting someone go is to acknowledge what they were to you, and if you falsify that you will never do so. May she rest in peace, whatever she was.

are you serious $1000 for walking in a bikini...I have been to plenty of bachelor parties where the women look 100% better than her and they get paid peanuts...come on she was up to something. It is a sad thing that happened yes, but tell it like it is. Also, did she acutally come here from NY to give a massage? This isn't right at all levels and at all ends.

I guess crying for 15 minutes is really a long time. Especially considering death is a life time....

This is a nice and sweet article, but lacking some facts. Come on, who legitimately posts ads on craigslist for massages? Something smells a bit fishy here. It is sad that she was murdered, but let's not paint a pictuire of her being a saint...

It's sad, but when you're a girl doing this kind of thing, you assume the risk of meeting some nutjob.

Keep painting lowlives as heroes cause that's helping. So stupid. PRAISE COLLEGE GRADS not craiglist prostitutes.

Does Pines not understand the meaning of ANONYMOUS? The woman's recovery in AA is NONE of anyone's business, and the paper should not have printed that information.

I know all about the adult entertainment business and being a "masseuse" is b/s. Customers who want a massage only go to professional masseuses that have a license establishment without "happy endings."

If she was a masseuse that did not provide sexual pleasure for a fee, she would have advertised in the section of CL called therapeutic. She was turning her life around, not quite!

I dont care what she was getting payed for she didn't deserve this!!!

"She was just turning her life around" used to be a running joke when I worked in a newspaper library years ago. Anyone looking to give a "massage" in a swanky Boston hotel is no angel. I'm sorry she was killed but as for that other "escort" who came here from California via Craigslist and got robbed got what she deserved. Remember guys, if you wanna play, you gotta pay!

What does an occupation whether prostitute or not have to do with a person's right to live? What right does anyone have to take a life? This is the world we live in now where we are being blinded to the real issues and we are developing mob mentality as our rights are being taken away slowly.

NOT ALL PEOPLE WHO ADVERTISE ON cl FOR MASSAGE ARE PROSTITUES, i MY SELF AM A MALE MASSAGE THERAPIST, I USE CL ALL THE TIME, YOU DOLT. ITS FREE ADVERTISING, AND THESE DAYS FREE IS GOOD.

Sad... And so much respect from her "friend" who broke her (and probably his own) anonymity in AA... Maybe he'd tell us who else was at the meetings??? Not good.

"What does an occupation whether prostitute or not have to do with a person's right to live?" No one deserves to die the way she died, but some occupations have much higher risks than others. Female prostitutes have a homocide rate 200 times that of women of similar age and race, who do not engage in prostitution. (from a longitudinal study)

"Brisman gave massages that did not involve sex, Pines said, stressing that she was not a prostitute."

Uh-huh. Sure. We believe that, right, gang?

How do you get a massage table into a hotel without them noticing?

May Jesus wrap his loving arms around this woman. Number 8 you are so right. Jesus forgave.

Jesus forgave, why is everyone judging this young woman, she needs forgiveness

Hey Tam,
If she wasn't advertising on CL for a "massage" she would still be alive.
They both broke the law, one person is punished, now we need to punish the other person involved.

Being a prostitute is more likely to get you killed than some other LEGITIMATE professions, Tam.

Tam, you're right. Someone's occupation has nothing to do with whether their lives are worth a penny or not. No one deserves to be murdered. No one.

Another junk piece by the not so dynamic duo. No wonder the Globe is in trouble. Are you guys Cub Reporters

Truly pitiful reporting. It reads like a tabloid

What is wrong with this society where people can't even have the decency to have a little respect and empathy for this girl and her family every one individual living deserves better than what happened to her.

Wow, tough crowd. Can I suggest a little empathy, a little sympathy? A little respect for another person and their devastated loved ones?
Life may not be a struggle for you (yet), but one day it may be. If it is, you'll wish for the same care from others.
I am certain that nobody grows up wanting to do the things that are being talked about here. I'm sure she was ashamed and broken. And, for those of you who are saying right now, "So what, no matter what, I'd never do that", I'm sure you're right, you wouldn't. Doesn't mean that she isn't deserving of sympathy, empathy and respect because she did.

What is wrong with this society where people can't even have the decency to have a little respect and empathy for this girl and her family every one individual living deserves better than what happened to her.

I don't think it's especially appropriate or kind to emphasize the less salubrious activities of a person who has recently died, especially when the death has been violent and untimely. However, it does seem to me that journalists have an obligation not to distort the truth. Providing quotes from people who insist that her "massage" work did not involve sex is like providing quotes from scientists who definitively state that the moon is made from green cheese.

The article stands perfectly well without the absurd quotes. Good journalism demands that nonsense be excluded from this story.

It is shameful to live in a society where people can't even have the decency to have a little respect and empathy for this girl and her family every one individual living deserves better than what happened to her.

As usual, the victim is put on trial and the readers are baited to form an "opinion".

The guy who shot and killed this young women is obviously a scum-bag and needs to be taken off the streets. But, let this be a lesson to all who do this type of "work" for a living! BE AWARE... coming to Boston from NY to "perform" a massage..give me a break the woman was a prostitute and although this does not make it right to take this woman's life. Women need to be AWARE if you insist on making "quick" money $1000k a night, think about it is your life really worth it to you to make a quick buck? If the prostitutes out there want to continue to do this for a living get a friend to share the room next door in case there are those looking to harm. But, let's not let this woman off the hook.. this is a disgusting way to make moneyfor anyone whether it is a man or a woman.

It really isn't necessary to canonize the woman to make it wrong that she was slain. In some ways it just makes it seem like we have to sugar coat a human life to make it sufficiently tragic that it was taken away.

she lived the life of a hooker, she died the death of a hooker......suprize!

It is sad to live in a society where people that don’t even have the common decency to have a little respect and empathy for this girl and her family. It doesn’t matter what she did or who she was or was not, every one individual LIVING deserves better than what happened to her! Why would you be compelled to blog about her, and comment on her character. Sadly, none of that matters anymore and all that is really left here is a tragedy and the need to catch a killer.

Where is the compassion here, people? What is that sick habit we have of blaming the victims? A woman’s baby gets killed by her boyfriend a few weeks ago, and most of those commenting about the event on this blog were concentrating on the fact that the woman was 20 something and already has so many kids, and that perhaps she was on welfare etc. It took the tenth posting to see the baby even mentioned. Now another woman got killed, and whom are we blaming again but the victim! What do we concentrate on, but her lifestyle! Would you react the same if these women had Irish or English or German names?

I can’t say that I don’t take pleasures in others’ misfortunes sometimes; heck I have more flaws than good qualities, but you know, we have to draw the line somewhere. We have to remember the humility lesson taught to us in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican from time to time. If you don’t care to be humble, perhaps you could apply what your mother told you when you were a kid: if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything! The woman is probably still at the morgue and we’re dancing and spitting! Have some respect for this woman’s family. Geez!
Suze

I guess the hotel and the cops new what was going on, but did nothing to stop it ($$$), or protect guests that may have been caught in crossfire. Not to mention that this was the second time with this mo. If I were in the process of turning my life around, I'd finish the job today since tomorrow may be to late, it seems to be for all "victims" these days.

Big money made by women who perform happy endings. These women often travel city to city to post as new meat on craigslist. The average massage with a happy ending starts roughly @ $150.00 and go as high as $500.00. If you do 4 of them in a day you can average close to 1000.00 a day. Copley marriott is an exspensive hotel $200.00 to $500.00 a night, she was charging big money. I know this info because I am an ex-Pimp(retired and Tired).

Those of you who trashed this young woman should remember that you were foolish young people in your lifetime, who went on drinking binges in college and had multiple sex partners, or who worked in the shady, legalized sex industry in MA or RI. She is no different than you, except sadly and tragically, she was killed.
RIP.

From the time I moved to Boston after college, ('76) untill finally leaving,('99) I always thought it was a cold, cold town...the tone of too many of these comments only confirms this. A young woman died, no, was murdered....blame the victim...You have an issue with the reporting/writing, fine, but this woman hardly asked for or deserved such a fate. Rhode Island suits me just fine, thanks.

I've skimmed the comments here about HER. The prostitute, the shady masseuse, the alcoholic.

Hello, people? Where is your disdain for the killer? The man who shot a young woman he needed not even fear. There is another evil here worse than solicited sex.

Anyone?

She was working the oldest profession in the world and you better believe it.. This journalism is why the Globe is going down the toilet. They must think the readers are stupid third graders and like the topic and the content. This newspaper is as sick as the "victim"..

when a priest is killed, we weep. when a fireman is killed, we weep. when a soldier is killed, we weep. when a law abiding citizen is killed, we weep.

when a drug dealer is killed, we say "that's what happens." when a gang member is killed, we say "that's what happens." when a prostitute is killed, we say "that's what happens."

it's not cold, it's reality. teach your kids to be part of the first group, and not be part of the second group, otherwise, this is what happens. duh!

I don't know why I even bother to read these comments. This woman was shot and killed and to see so many people imply that she deserves it or has it coming is beyond repulsive. The guy who did this will kill again and you can all rejoice so you have something to write about. This was someone's daughter...

I am ashamed to say it, the additudes here suck badly.
no matter what your personal opinion is on her profession of choice, she never deserved what happened to her.
She was a young lady, no you do not know her, none of you. She could have been a sweet nice girl. she had different views on issues than you but she may have been just a nice girl. Even if she did work in the sex trade industry she was first off a 26yr old girl, young, too young to meet such a horrible fate.
It is a shame she will no longer be here to bring joy to her loved ones. You are all very sadly missing the point. You do not know her so really you are clueless as to who she is but in the end she IS the victim here.

And what do you all say about soldiers that kill and get killed? It's their "profession?"

All of you people speaking on consensual prostitution as though you KNOW what its about are uninformed, sheltered, judgmental and ignorant.

What happened to this woman was tragic- no one should be killed in cold blood.

Let's focus on that.

...And if you insist on focusing on consensual adult prostitution, I suggest that you do your own research instead of accepting the garbage that's been handed to you in your Bibles or burned into your head by your television set.

Free your minds you repulsive hypocrites.

Copley Marriott has been laz on security for as long as I can remember.
Back in early 90's a friend and I were sitting just outside upstairs lounge, two deadbeats came by and told my friend she dropped something, then they took off w/her enormous Gucci bag. The wallet was found by police empty of money and she never got her back back, keys, etc. A hotel like this should have ARMED police at each entry 24/7. I'm soory for the loss of that young woman...and for all you judging her...shame on you. Live and let live.
Don't judge until you've walked a mile in their shoes.

She was not a prostitute or an escort! These jerks who said this about her in the article were NOT her friends! We are GRIEVING the loss of Julissa! She was sweet and kind... she helped her friends and those around her. She helped ME. The loss of her life is devastating enough!
It is NAUSEATING how people who didn't even know her are trashing her memory.
Julissa, Sweetie! You are in my heart and in my prayers. We love you... You will be missed by us all. I will always remember your kindness, your laugh and the way you lit up a room. Rest in peace Beautiful. We will meet again someday... xoxoxoxoxo

I couldn't care less if she was a prostitute or not. The people making comments judging her and acting as if they're clever for "reading between the lines" can head back to their corners of hatred and ignorance. You're obviously not the moral beings you think you are.

The point is that a person was murdered that didn't deserve it (by far), and the person who did it should be caught because they're the dangerous one. End of story. That's it.

RIP.

No matter what she did or what struggles she was going through, she wasn't trying to hurt anyone. She didn't deserve to be killed. Her life is just as valuable as any of ours. Just because some of us don't agree with what she did for a living, doesn't mean she is a lesser person. If you are against prostitution then take those weekends you go to play golf or shopping and do something about it instead of coming out of no where just to pass judgment.

A woman was murdered, and half of you sound like "she deserved it because of what you believe she was." Who is going to hell?

Last night Boston.com declared this murder victim a prostitute -- tonight, there was no backing off, or attribution. The reporters let the possibility hang out there -- was that to protect advertising revenue from Boston hotels?

#42- I completely agree with you. To all you low lifes out there- if this were your sister, daughter, or, dare I say it, your WIFE, how would you feel? Hardly a comment about the killer; thnk about that!

You people are really heartless. A life was lost and just because she did what she did doesnt mean she deserved it you dont know she could of been trying to get out of it. You dont know what she was going through or if she was having problems financially. Yes its a bad way to make money but you dont know aht problems she had in her personal life. Just because she did what she did doesnt mean your life means more than hers. That monster needs to be arrested what he did was horrible. If it were a respectful woman who had a college education or a great job it would be sooo tragic. Just because someone makes a good name for them selves doesn't mean they are good people. Some of the most recognizable people who are looked upon as god have hidden bad qualities or commit horrible things. I bet alot of the men here watch porn or praise porn stars or playboy models hello they are selling sex as well.

The Copley Plaza hotel was bought by Marriott. I have a relative who works there and the rooms are $400.00+ a night. This is a very expensive hotel.
She would have to charge mucho monies for the massage, hotel and travel.
And if someone was willing to pay that then she should have been skeptical.... too good to be true...

OK first it wasnt matter who it is...when a person is DEAD you should have a little respect for them.
second of all, the story should print out the truth. people aren't stupid, ok? i mean this poor girl put herself in danger, and it was obvious she was didn't do messages, I mean WHY go put to boston and talk so much with ONE person, just to do a "massage"
: /
there's so much prostitution on craiglist, and it doesn't make sense for her to post her post there along with all the other girls who do "massages" and we all know what they are talking abt. this story should be as a warning, to warn those people in craiglist.

To all the people being crudely judgmental/suspicious of her lifestyle:
1st, suppose, as her friends state, she was truly just a masseuse/dancer?
2nd, why isn't your judgmentalism/suspiciousness focused on the killer?

You people completely upset me. I was reading these comments, and was honestly about to cry. I don't care I didn't know her, but it's upsetting. Why must you ALWAYS, blame the victim? She didn't deserve to be killed. She did nothing wrong. Just because you think what she did to earn money was wrong, doesn't mean she DESERVED to be killed. What if it were one of your loved ones who were like her, and was murdered? And no one had any sympathy that they died? How would you feel? No one deserves to be killed. The man who murdered this young girl is a very, very sick man. She did nothing to him. He had NO right to kill her, at all.

no one said she deserved to be killed. people are pointing out that had she not been but offering massage services, meeting strangers at hotels, she would not be dead now. some questions remain as to her travel parties and such. but that really doesnt matter now, does it? sad her life turned out as it did. rip, miss brisman. people get on with your own lives, stop gawking at the accident and move on.

the scum that killed her should be executed slow and painfully. but i bet since he is a spoiled rich kid he wont get the sentence he deserves. i hope he will never be free again, that type is beyond rehabilitation,

I'm very saddened by the fact that society is becoming like this. Since when was a girl so free and protected to post ads online - especially about sex. You see people mainly girls get raped, or murdered by online predators. The internet has become a strong force for evil. Evidence on that is posting obscene and innapropriate images in a form to redicule or even taunt the victim. You see images of decapitated and mutilated bodies, as if a person isn't human or nonexistant. The internet should have much more security, especially if there is something to do with sex. This is coming from a girl who knows about the sex industry and know how shady and bad it truly is. RIP Julissa Briman....

A comment for "Be Real People"- The man who killed this woman was part of the first group of professions, will anyone weep for him when he dies?
Policemen kill their wives, firefighters set fires for attention, soldiers kill people in other countries who are caught in the crossfire or who are just there to be raped like a 14yr old girl. Who will weep for them? Not me.
This man would have found a victim elsewhere if there were no prostitutes and you can bet on it. His fiance' is lucky he didn't marry her and get mad about something one day.