Law enforcement agencies are staying tight-lipped about Miranda "Craigslist Killer" Barbour's claims she's killed at least 22 people, including many in Alaska.
The North Pole native, formerly Miranda Dean, said during a jailhouse interview with The Daily Item last week that she murdered numerous victims in states that included North Carolina, Texas and California. But the majority of her murders, she told reporter Francis Scarcella, took place in Alaska. She said she stopped counting when she hit 22.
She also claimed that she was a longtime Satanist.
The national media has latched onto the story since the Sunbury, Pa.-based newspaper published Barbour's claims.
Barbour is accused of murdering 42-year-old Troy LaFerrara after meeting him online via a Craigslist "companionship" ad and agreeing to have sex with him. Barbour allegedly picked LaFerrara up at a mall on Nov. 11 while her new husband, 22-year-old Elytte Barbour, hid in the backseat. After parking the vehicle, LaFerrara was stabbed to death, and both Elytte and Miranda reportedly admitted to the murder, in which Miranda allegedly stabbed LaFerrara while Elytte wrapped a cord around the victim's neck. They then reportedly went and celebrated Elytte's birthday at a strip club after dumping LaFerrara's body.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it had been in contact with Pennsylvania and Outside agencies and would offer assistance as needed.
Special Agent Kevin Donovan, the FBI's Anchorage spokesperson, said his office had been in contact with the Philadelphia FBI office but could not offer any other details.
Alaska State Troopers released a statement late afternoon Tuesday saying they had been in touch with Pennsylvania authorities regarding Barbour. Troopers said they would assist "however we can. We will follow up on any credible lead that is provided to us."
Troopers noted they are not aware of any information -- beyond the alleged killer's comments quoted in the press -- or evidence that would indicate Barbour committed a homicide in Alaska.
The Anchorage Police Department also confirmed it had been in contact with East Coast law enforcement.
"We will thoroughly investigate any claims that would require the assistance of our agency and as details become available from leading authorities. We have not been made aware of any activities occurring in our jurisdiction at this time," said APD spokesperson Jennifer Castro in a prepared statement.
Contact Jerzy Shedlock at jerzy(at)alaskadispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter @jerzyms.