Based on the Craigslist Killer who targeted escorts in hotel rooms in 2009. Like his fictional counterpart, he also was engaged.
This episode also appears to borrow elements of the 2009 murder of Yale graduate student Annie Le. A suspect and coworker of hers, Ray Clark, was later convicted of the homicide. Clark was a lab technician who became heatedly angry when his colleagues left mouse and rat cages filthy. Furthermore, he also had a finance who was possessive and bossy. This episode has similar story lines to the Craigslist Killer, Philip Markoff.
Susan Greenhill (Sarah) previously played the role of Leslie Beecham in episode 13.20, Kid Pro Quo (2003).
Haynes Thigpen (Hal) previously played the role of a mail clerk in episode 12.6, Formerly Famous (2001).