Why Do People Commit Crimes?

What causes a person to commit crime?

These included biological, psychological, social, and economic factors. Usually a combination of these factors is behind a person who commits a crime. Reasons for committing a crime include greed, anger, jealously, revenge, or pride.

Are killers born or made?

One of the oldest questions in criminology – and, for that matter, philosophy, law, theology – is whether criminals are born or made. Are serial killers a product of nature (genetics) or nurture (environmental factors)? Peter Vronsky is t he author of Sons of Cain: A History of Serial Killers from Stone Age to the Present, a book that explores why some people become killers, and others don’t.

The book explores how our understandings of serial killers – called “monsters” before the advent of modern psychology – have changed over time, and considers answers to a difficult question: what, exactly, “makes” a serial killer? Many serial killers are survivors of early childhood trauma of some kind – physical or sexual abuse, family dysfunction, emotionally distant or absent parents.

Trauma is the single recurring theme in the biographies of most killers As a consequence of this trauma, they suppress their emotional response. They never learn the appropriate responses to trauma, and never develop other emotions, which is why they find it difficult to empathize with others.

The Guardian Research shows that certain genes can predispose people to violence. Many serial killers experience childhood trauma or early separation from their mothers. As a consequence of that trauma or separation, scientists believe, they learned to suppress empathy or suffered damage to the areas of the brain that control emotional impulses.

Serial killers often are loners who fear all relationships and seek to control, to destroy other people to eliminate the possibility of another humiliating rejection. Those who’ve studied serial killers believe that many are at least partly motivated by the attention and fame that mass media can provide mass murderers.

• The Week Roughly one in every five to six serial killers are female.
• There are significant differences in their psychopathology from male killers.
• Research on female serial killers is difficult because they are fewer and harder to catch.
• Female serial killers have less tendency to leave bodies behind.
• They are quiet killers; they have longer killing careers.

They are much better at it. There is a less sadistic tendency. They tend not to torture their victim and they are less interested in mutilation. But the motivation is similar – the need for control over their victim. It’s not sex, it’s control, though they may assert it through sexual acts.

• The types of predation in which female serial killers engage are often an extension or perversion of gender roles.
• For example, the expectation that women are in nurturing roles, caring roles.
• You have a category of female serial killers with Munchausen Syndrome by Proxey – mothers killing children, nurses killing patients.

The Guardian The four main types of serial killers based by the type of crime they commit are as follows: thrill seekers, mission-oriented, visionary killers, and power/control seekers. Thrill seekers are serial killers that see outsmarting the law as some sort of amusement.

Since 1900, there have been 3,000 identified American serial killers who’ve collectively killed nearly 10,000; About 32 percent of these killers did so for enjoyment (thrills, lust, and power); 30 percent for financial reward; 18 percent in anger; 6.3 percent to advance a criminal enterprise; and fewer than 1 percent because a cult put them up to it; Their favorite murder weapon was a gun (42 percent), although 6 percent preferred poison and 2 percent axes About 52 percent were white, 40 percent black, and 6.7 percent Hispanic; Men outnumber women by a factor of 10; Samuel Little, a transient former boxer and career criminal serving time for two murders, was recently identified by the FBI as the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history, after he confessed to 93 killings between 1970 and 2005.

The Week

What are the 3 causes of crime?

The Crime Triangle identifies three factors that create a criminal offense. Desire of a criminal to commit a crime; Target of the criminal’s desire; and the Opportunity for the crime to be committed.

Do serial killers feel guilt?

Photo by K. Ramsland At the end of May, 62-year-old Raul Meza, Jr. called police in Austin, Texas, gave his name, and said, “You are looking for me.” He admitted killing his roommate, Jesse Fraga (whose body police had discovered three days earlier), as well as another person in 2019, Gloria Lofton.

Police are now investigating whether Meza might be connected to 8 to 10 other cold cases. He’d been convicted in the 1982 murder of an 8-year-old and served just 11 years in prison. Upon his recent arrest, Meza said he was looking forward to killing again. Yet, he’d made the call that terminated his ability to do so.

It’s too soon to say why he called, but he did realize he’d be the chief person of interest in Fraga’s death. Maybe turning himself in was just a way to accelerate the inevitable. Other serial killers, feeling cornered, have made similar moves. When nurse Charles Cullen was questioned in 2003 over his involvement in the deaths of two patients in New Jersey, he quickly admitted he’d intentionally killed up to 40.

Elmer Wayne Henley, Jr., fatally shot sexual predator Dean Corll in Texas in 1973 before calling police to turn himself in. He then showed them three mass graves that held 27 bodies. Henley, an accomplice, admitted to his part. He could have told police only about shooting Corll, which was self-defense.

Instead, his behavior showed a desire to mitigate what he’d done with Corll. It’s commonly believed that serial killers cannot stop because their compulsion is so strong they become “addicted” to murder. Since they feel no remorse, they have no reason to refrain from indulging.

1. In my study of 300 serial killers, 2.3 percent had turned themselves in.
2. Among them were some who wanted to stop.
3. Robert Spahalski seemed to have remorse inspired by the specter of his own death.
4. In 2005, in Rochester, New York, Spahalski told police he’d committed four murders.
5. Three had happened in 1990 and 1991, while the fourth had occurred recently.

He’d known his victims, and one was a friend whom he’d killed unintentionally while on cocaine. He said he’d prayed daily for a past victim and was confessing to clear his conscience, He believed he had a fatal illness and wanted to set his affairs in order.

1. Also in recent news was the DNA -based identification of a dismembered victim of Wayne Adam Ford, who’d brought a severed breast when he surrendered himself to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office in November 1998.
2. Ford’s brother, Rodney, had convinced him to turn himself in.
3. It was Ford’s idea to come clean about killing four women.

The Los Angeles Times asked, “Is Trucker that Rare Serial Killer with a Conscience?” His brother testified during his trial about Ford’s suffering: “He turned himself in. He expressed to me a number of times he didn’t want to hurt people anymore.” It’s unclear why Ryan Sharpe called the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana in 2017 to claim he’d fatally shot three men and wounded a fourth.

Mental illness seems to have played a role. When police arrived, Sharpe led them on a high-speed car chase before he surrendered. His victims were older white males shot on their own property. When questioned, Sharpe said he’d received five “tags” from the state police and federal government. He’d used two on deer and believed the other three had to be used on humans, so he’d found people to shoot.

Sharpe was convicted in one murder, but the conviction was voided. His retrial has been delayed in order to assess his mental competence. One of the most infamous self-surrenders involved Edmund Kemper, but it wasn’t about remorse. On April 24, 1973, the Santa Cruz police received a call from a young man they knew as “Big Ed.” He claimed to be the “Co-ed Killer” they were looking for.

1. He said he’d just murdered his mother and her best friend.
2. He’d fled to Colorado and wanted someone to pick him up.
3. The officers went to his home and found the dismembered remains.
4. Colorado police arrested Kemper.
5. Once in custody in California, Kemper showed detectives where he’d buried remains and described in detail what he’d done to each of his eight victims.

He blamed his mother. Kemper seems to have surrendered simply because he had no means for maintaining a life as a fugitive. Perhaps the most striking case of remorse is that of the killer who stopped himself with suicide, On March 5, 1970, three girls were abducted from a home in Sylmar, California.

1. Two returned home to report that two men had kidnapped them.
2. Shortly thereafter, Mack Ray Edwards entered the Los Angeles Police Department, handed over a loaded revolver, and said, “I have a guilt complex.” He admitted to the kidnapping, turned in his accomplice, and told police where the third girl, still alive, could be found.

Edwards then said he’d been killing children since 1953. He showed officers those graves he could locate. During his trial, he attempted to kill himself twice. He asked for a death sentence, which he got. The appeals process was slow, so on October 30, 1970, Edwards hanged himself.

Self-surrender does not necessarily confirm a sense of remorse, but a small percentage of serial killers seem to have genuinely felt it. That’s enough to dismiss the broad generalization that precludes the possibility. References Jones, A., Stark, S, & Remadna, N. (2023, May 31). Suspect in Pflugerville man’s death arrested.

www.KXAN.com, Ramsland, K. (2020). How to catch a killer: Hunting and capturing the world’s most notorious serial killers, Sterling. Ramsland, K. (2005). The human predator: A historical chronicle of serial murder and forensic investigation. Berkley.

Do most serial killers have a high IQ?

Who is the most intelligent serial killer? – Let’s consider human intelligence for a moment. Perhaps the best way to assess it comes in the form of the IQ test. While not quite a perfect barometer of intelligence, the test offers a pretty reliable and standardised way of testing and summarising how clever someone is.

The average person has an IQ of around 95-105. The average serial killer, according to The Serial Killer Information Center, has an IQ of 94.5. Slightly below the lower side of average. The stats prove that repeat murderers are generally slightly less intelligent than the average member of society. How about that? That said, there are plenty of exceptions to the rule.

In truth, serial killers appear across the scale of human intelligence. But what can we learn from that? Is there a connection between a killer’s IQ and their crimes? Let’s see if we can find out, shall we? When rich kids Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb kidnapped a local boy – 14 year-old Bobby Franks – in Chicago in 1924, they didn’t have much of a motive. At least not a traditional one, anyway. When they bludgeoned him to death and dumped his corpse it wasn’t for financial gain or revenge.

It was merely to see if they could get away with it. Leopold and Loeb were arrogant thrillseekers who later became the basis for the Patrick Hamilton play and Alfred Hitchcock film Rope, Both were smart, but it was Leopold who devised the fiendish plan. He was, unequivocally, a genius. However, their plan was ultimately terribly conceived and executed, and the pair were rather quickly apprehended by police.

Technically classified more as a ‘domestic terrorist’ than a serial killer, The Unabomber is still worthy of note here. After all, he did kill people. And he does have a fierce intelligence. The former professor of mathematics-turned-murderous-anarchist had a prodigious intellect and an IQ higher than that of Albert Einstein’s.

1. The married couple behind ‘The Sex Slave Murders’, Gerald and Charlene Gallego, were not – as you can imagine – very nice people.
2. After kidnapping, raping, torturing and murdering 10 young women during their reign of terror, Charlene received a lesser sentence in exchange for testifying against her husband.

It was a smart move. But then Mrs. Gallego is a smart woman, with an IQ of 160. Andrew Cunahan was an oddly unknown character before the TV anthology series American Crime Story made him their focus for their second series, The Assassination of Giovanni Versace,

Anyone who’s seen the show will know what a sly, manipulative and devious sociopath Cunahan was. And a smart one too. He was big, he was strong, he was savage. He was also polite, friendly and a model prisoner. Edmund Kemper was many things, not least of all an enigma. He was also an extremely bright man, with brains and brawn.

Few of us would use the word ‘genius’ when describing Jeffrey Dahmer, but maybe we should. The Milwaukee Cannibal is one of history’s most disturbed and infamous serial killers. But he was also, according to his IQ tests, damned clever too. You don’t become a doctor without being smart (the average doctor scores around 120 on IQ tests – much higher than the average person).

Nor do you very nearly get away with killing almost 250 people. Yet while his IQ suggests that Harold Shipman was a genius, his actions suggest he was a cold and heartless psychopath. Ted Bundy was charming, handsome and clever. That was his whole schtick. Let’s not forget that he was also a vicious rapist and murderer of women too, though.

A violent burglar and murderer, ‘The Coast to Coast Killer’ Tommy Lyn Sells hit the exact US average for IQ when tested after his arrest. While he scored low on IQ tests, was dyslexic and had ADHD, Henry Lee Lucas was – at least in the context of the murdering duo he was a part of – ‘The Smart One’,

• He scored a full 11 points higher than his criminal associate Otis Toole.
• A school dropout who worked most of his life as a labourer, Fred West ‘s mental capacity was such that Gloucestershire Police allocated him an ‘appropriate adult’ during interviews.
• His low intelligence could account for how easily manipulated he was by his wife Rose who, it’s widely believed, was the ‘brains’ behind the married couples evil deeds.

The Green River Killer killed 50-70 women between 1982 and 2001 in the state of Washington. That’s a full 20 years that Gary Ridgway murdered with impunity, evading police capture. Yet he wasn’t a mastermind criminal. He was a factory worker with an IQ well below that of the average Joe.

1. History’s most notorious female serial killer, Aileen Wuornos ‘ score suggests low intelligence, but the reality may well differ.
2. It’s thought that Wuornos dismissed and resented the idea of being tested and deliberately didn’t complete it to the best of her ability.
3. Henry Lee Lucas’s killing partner was of such low intellect that he was generally considered at the time to be ‘mentally handicapped’,

Famed American criminologist Roy Hazelwood separated repeat murderers into two main groups – organised and disorganised. ‘Organised’ serial killers generally have above average IQs, committing crimes that are planned in advance, thought through meticulously and carried out with a steady hand.

Is Serial Killing genetic?

There is evidence for a genetic predisposition for serial killer development. The significance of genetic testing has a promising future for studies about criminals, but there is compelling evidence of a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that contribute to serial killing.

Why do people commit crime psychology?

Law and Crime The question of why people choose to commit crimes—often in the face of severe consequences—is at the root of criminal psychology, a branch of study that focuses on the intentions and behaviors of those who plan and carry out criminal acts. Criminal psychology does more than provide a glimpse into a criminal’s psyche. It also plays a role in how the law is applied. In the courtroom, legal practitioners require a grasp of defendants’ motivations and actions in order to render fair judgment.

Forensic psychologists, as well as other mental health professionals, are often called upon to help clinically evaluate the mental states of people who break the law. Psychology plays a role in police work as well. Criminal profilers—who aim to determine likely suspects through a mix of crime-scene analysis, investigative psychology, and other behavioral sciences—are often forensic psychologists or criminal anthropologists.

Law enforcement agencies often rely on these experts to get inside the head of a potential culprit by identifying the perpetrator’s likely, lifestyle habits, and quirks. What does a criminal psychologist do? Criminal psychologists study the behaviors and motivations of criminals.

As such, they may conduct research to determine why crimes occur, consult with police departments to identify suspects, or provide expert testimony in court cases. Criminal psychologists may also engage in criminal profiling. Why is criminal psychology important? Criminal psychology findings may help identify suspects, potentially allowing authorities to prevent future crime or On a larger scale, understanding what motivates criminals to break the law—whether poverty, personality, or otherwise—is necessary for creating the societal conditions that may allow them to stop.

How do the police use psychology to identify suspects? For many routine crimes, police primarily rely on physical evidence and witness interviews to identify suspects. For more severe crimes or when evidence is lacking, they may use, a tool that incorporates research on personality,, antisocial behavior, and other factors to create a “profile” of the offender to aid in the search. Exactly why people commit crimes, and what could deter them from doing so in the future, is of great interest to psychologists and law enforcement officers alike. So far, extensive research points to a complex mix of, personality, life circumstances, and environmental factors.

Psychologists also undertake research—often working with individuals who have committed crimes or are the victims of crimes—to understand how criminals choose victims, whether it’s possible to protect oneself from certain types of crime, and what legal professionals and policymakers can do to stop crimes before they occur.

Why do people commit crimes?

But though great progress has been made in understanding the criminal psyche, there’s much that remains unknown about certain criminals’ motivations, as well as an element of randomness in who is victimized and who isn’t. What causes a person to commit crimes? Some individuals commit crimes out of necessity; others are driven by, rejection of authority, a manipulative personality, or,

While stereotypes that all mentally ill people are prone to crime is not accurate, there are instances where mental illness—such as,, or severe —could influence someone to break the law. How do criminals choose victims? There is some evidence suggesting that, at least in part, based on how they look or move.

One study, for instance, found that criminals were more likely to label someone a potential victim if they appeared noticeably different from those around them or was moving in distracted, unusual ways. How can you prevent being the victim of a violent crime? Basic safety tips—like paying to one’s surroundings and staying in well-lit areas whenever possible—can help someone, Psychological and findings have had a significant influence on the legal system, particularly since the beginning of the 20th century. Among significant changes include the push towards deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, which coincided with the development of more advanced psychiatric medications and a greater understanding of the causes and potential treatments for mental disorders.

In addition, the decriminalization of in the U.S. was likely significantly influenced by the growing psychological acceptance that homosexuality—and more recently, being —are not mental disorders. In addition, legal professionals—including lawyers, police officers, and judges—now regularly consult with psychologists to assess defendants’ state of mind and provide treatment if necessary.

This branch of psychology, known as, has grown exponentially in recent years. How are psychology and the law related? both examine human behavior—the first seeks to understand it, and the second seeks to regulate it where necessary. Psychologists study people’s needs and desires, why they follow laws, and how they understand fairness and justice—and these findings, in turn, can help policymakers write laws that are in the public interest.

Why do most people obey the law? They may be deterred by possible consequences, see the law as a legitimate authority, so as to better coordinate with others around them and society at large, or they may do it to signal their beliefs or, For most law-abiding people, their reasoning is likely a combination of the above factors.

Can psychological research cause laws to be changed? Yes, though such changes rarely happen quickly. One recent example is, This law was directly tied to psychological and neurological research on the developing brain that highlighted the need for children—and in particular—to get more sleep.

• How do lawyers make use of psychology? Lawyers may use psychological findings to aid in jury selection, selecting jurors whose personalities or backgrounds make them well suited to assess the case in favor of the lawyer’s client.
• Lawyers may also seek psychological assessments to argue that a client is legally insane.

To learn more, visit the page. Can eyewitness recollection always be trusted? Though is often a key element of criminal trials, psychology has consistently demonstrated that it cannot always be relied on. Eyewitnesses may misremember key details—or even,

1. Despite this, a seemingly credible witness can be highly persuasive; thus, legal professionals continue to use them, particularly when other evidence is lacking.
2. Why might a witness remember something that didn’t happen? is imperfect even in the best of circumstances.
3. Like other memories, tend to become shorter, less detailed, and biased toward what the witness thought they saw, rather than what they actually saw.

While some eyewitness memories are merely inaccurate, others may be altogether false, as psychological researchers like Elizabeth Loftus have Once-forgotten memories that are “recovered” play a complicated role in the legal system. in certain locations.

• However, because can be implanted and it’s often difficult to distinguish true memories from false ones without corroborating evidence, it’s rare for charges to be filed based on them alone.
• How is mental illness treated in the legal system? the right to object to treatment (with some exceptions, such as when the individual has committed a violent act).

It also limits involuntary hospitalization only to cases where the patient is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. But though great strides have been made since the days of institutions and demonization of the mentally ill, the legal system still has a ways to go.

How can the families of the mentally ill seek help from the legal system? Families of the mentally ill can seek involuntary hospitalizations if they can show that there is immediate danger to the individual or others. Barring that, however, there may be little they can do to legally intervene in their care.

Family members may wish to connect with a for guidance and assistance. What are some concerns about the ways mentally ill individuals may be treated by law enforcement? Does anti- training for police officers work? Anti-bias training has received significant attention in recent years, especially as concerns about racial biases in policing have grown.

• However, there is ; indeed, some researchers have found that certain kinds of bias training may actually increase bias in daily life.
• A new book by Harold Schechter shows a history of crime through murder-related items that have long fascinated us.
• Some people are particularly bad, while a select few are unusually good at recognizing faces, even when they have not seen someone in many years Some people are particularly bad, while a select few are unusually good at recognizing faces, even when they have not seen someone in many years Technology is neither inherently good nor inherently bad.

Yet, social media has disrupted modern societies in many ways, some of them harmful. Technology is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. Yet, social media has disrupted modern societies in many ways, some of them harmful. Confusion of the sources of evidence can plague the criminal justice system.

Historical examples outside the forensic realm can shed light on the psychology of this problem. Hurricanes are understood through their damage paths; similarly, crimes linked to serial killers reveal much about the offenders. By conflating pessimism for optimism, law students were found to possess strong coping skills, while research has long reflected the opposite.

Women represent approximately 7% of the U.S. correctional population. Are we doing enough to prepare them for community reentry? Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. : Law and Crime

What is the psychology of crime?

PSYCHOLOGY OF CRIMINAL CONDUCT The authors advocate a criminological approach called the psychology of criminal conduct. The term “criminal conduct,” more strongly implies the violation of human values than does the more conventional “criminal behavior.” The authors refute much of mainstream sociological criminology, particularly as it involves a denial of individual differences in criminality.

They discuss four sources of “antipsychological” sociocriminological thinking: historical/professional roots, moral roots, the political crisis of the 1960’s and 1970’s, and the death of positivism and the rise of theoreticism. A major characteristic of theoreticism is the disregard of empirical evidence.

“Moral roots” in mainstream sociological criminology refers to an overemphasis on social locators such as geography and race as an excuse for deviant behavior. The psychology of criminal conduct, then, is an approach to understanding the criminal behavior of individuals through the ethical and humane application of systematic empirical methods of investigation, and the construction of rational explanatory systems.

What is the root cause of violence?

Understanding Violence: What Causes It & How Should You Respond? What is Violence? Recently, it seems as if some members in our communities have lost their sense of reason. As the riots, which started in London, spread to other cities in the UK, the general public seemed to get the impression that the random and uncontrolled violence was due to something in the air, when the causes of violence may have been due to other factors such as boredom and poverty.

The Encyclopaedia of Psychology defines violence as ” an extreme form of aggression, such as assault, rape or murder. ” There are many causes of violence including ” frustration, exposure to violent media, violence in the home or neighbourhood and a tendency to see other people’s actions as hostile even when they’re not.

Certain situations also increase the risk of aggression, such as drinking, insults and other provocations and environmental factors like heat and overcrowding ” (American Psychological Association’s website). Intentionally causing harm to other individuals or property is a serious problem today.

For example, the recent video of the Malaysian man whose jaw was broken and then robbed when someone was trying to help him comes to mind. These recent violent events give rise to the question, just what are the causes of violence and what should be done when you are faced with violence? A Psychological Insight into the Causes of Violence The most common motivations for violence can be viewed as inappropriate attempts to handle emotions.

Often, violence is the medium used by an individual to openly express their feelings such as anger, frustration, or sadness. Other times, violence can be considered as a form of manipulation for individuals to try and get what they want or need. Aggressive behaviour can also be used as a form of retaliation; a means by which one uses to even the score.

Finally, violent behaviour is sometimes caused because people grow up seeing violence openly displayed. Violence then becomes learned as an “appropriate” way to behave. Individuals who act violently overlook healthier behaviour and safer forms of expression to deal with their emotions or to meet their needs (* see article on for helpful suggestions),

Sometimes, individuals will choose violence as a means to manipulate others to gain control over a situation. Other factors which can be causes of violence include :

The influence of one’s peers Having a lack of attention or respect Having low self-worth Experiencing abuse or neglect Witnessing violence in the home, community, or medias Access to weapons

It is common for those who act violently to have difficulty controlling their emotions. For some, behaviour can be attributed to past abuse or neglect, false beliefs that intimidating others will gain them respect, or a belief that using violence will solve his or her problems.

Over time, violence and aggressive behaviour often escalates when not addressed; however, there are signs that can help identify potential or immediate violence. What are Some of the Indicators of Violence? Signs for potential immediate or increased violence include, but are not limited to:

Porting a weapon Pleasure in hurting animals Voicing threats or plans to hurt others Risk-taking behaviour Use of alcohol and drugs Destruction of property or vandalism Loss of control over emotions

Warning signs for the potential development of violent behaviour and acts include, but are not limited to:

Having a record of past violent behaviour Membership/affiliation with organized crime Having an interest in weapons Isolation Harbouring feelings of rejection Being a victim of bullying Poor academic performance

What to do if you Recognise Violence? So what can one do when if you recognize any of these signs? First, it should be clarified that hoping that someone else will act and take care of the problem for you is not an appropriate solution. This choice actually allows the violence to continue. Therefore, one should:

Be safe! Remember to be careful and do not put yourself in danger when trying to help a violent individual. Share! Tell someone else if you are concerned about someone’s violent behaviour. Protect yourself! If you are worried that you may be a victim of violence contact the local authorities and ask for protection. Seek professional help! A key to addressing violent behaviour is seeking the assistance of professionals who specialize in violent behaviour.

If you or someone you know is at risk or displaying violent behaviour, it is important to seek professional assistance. Contacting the proper authorities, such as your local police or an abuse hotline, can help provide guidance on how to properly handle the situation.

Do serial killers stop killing?

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime Critical Incident Response Group Federal Bureau of Investigation Editor Robert J. Morton Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation Co-Editor Mark A.

• Hilts Unit Chief Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation Contributors Leonard G.
• Johns Unit Chief Behavioral Analysis Unit-3 Federal Bureau of Investigation Timothy G.
• Eel Major Case Specialist Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation Steven F.
• Malkiewicz Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation James J.

McNamara Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation Kirk R. Mellecker Major Case Specialist (Retired) Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation Mary Ellen O’Toole Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation David T.

1. Resch Unit Chief Behavioral Analysis Unit-1 Federal Bureau of Investigation Mark Safarik Supervisory Special Agent (Retired) Federal Bureau of Investigation Armin A.
2. Showalter Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Federal Bureau of Investigation Rhonda L.
3. Trahern Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Table of Contents Message from the Director Acknowledgments Foreword National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime I.

Introduction II. Definition of Serial Murder III. Causality and the Serial Murderer IV. Psychopathy and Serial Murder V. Motivations and Types of Serial Murder: The Symposium Model VI. Investigative Issues and Best Practices VII. Forensic Issues in Serial Murder Cases VIII.

• Prosecution of Serial Murder Cases IX.
• Media Issues in Serial Murder Investigations X.
• Issues Regarding Talking Heads in the Media Epilogue Appendix A: Symposium Agenda Appendix B: Serial Murder Symposium Working Group Appendix C: Symposium Attendees Message from Director Mueller Every day, law enforcement officers across America are called to respond to murders.

Each homicide case is tragic, but there are few cases more heartrending and more difficult to understand than serial murder. For years, law enforcement investigators, academics, mental health experts, and the media have studied serial murder, from Jack the Ripper in the late 1800s to the sniper killings in 2002, and from the “Zodiac Killer” in California to the “BTK Killer” in Kansas.

1. These diverse groups have long attempted to understand the complex issues related to serial murder investigations.
2. Until the Serial Murder Symposium, however, there had been few attempts to reach a consensus on some of these issues.
3. This monograph presents the findings and collective wisdom of a multidisciplinary group of experts, who brought their individual experience and insights to the same table.

Our hope is that it will give you new ideas and new resources as you continue your important work. The FBI is committed to contributing to the understanding of these horrific acts. The FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime stands ready to assist our state, local, and international partners.

1. We believe the best way to combat any threat — be it terrorism, gang violence, or serial murder — is to combine our knowledge and resources with those of our partners, and to work as a team.
2. I am grateful for the partnerships that helped spur this symposium, and for the partnerships that were formed as a result.

I deeply appreciate the work that went into this publication. I would like to thank all those who participated for their willingness to share their dedication, time and expertise. I believe it will be invaluable to our collective ability to understand, respond to, and hopefully prevent, serial murder.

Robert S. Mueller, III Acknowledgments The NCAVC would like to gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals, without whose efforts the Symposium and this monograph would not have been possible: • The members of the Serial Murder Symposium Working Group, for their assistance in planning the Symposium.

The names of these individuals are listed in Appendix B. • The Symposium attendees, for their generous sharing of time and expertise in the area of serial murder. The names of these individuals are listed in Appendix C. • Pamela Hairfield and Wilma Wulchak, Management and Program Analysts, FBI, NCAVC, for their skill, dedication, and perseverance in successfully handling the countless administrative tasks associated with the Symposium.

1. Cristie Dobson, Management and Program Assistant, FBI, NCAVC, for her talent and time spent copyediting this document and for her work on the cover art.
2. Assistant Director Michael J.
3. Wolf (retired) and Executive Assistant Director J.
4. Stephen Tidwell for their support of this project and for their willingness to dedicate the resources necessary for its successful completion.

Foreword The topic of serial murder occupies a unique niche within the criminal justice community. In addition to the significant investigative challenges they bring to law enforcement, serial murder cases attract an over-abundance of attention from the media, mental health experts, academia, and the general public.

While there has been significant, independent work conducted by a variety of experts to identify and analyze the many issues related to serial murder, there have been few efforts to reach a consensus between law enforcement and other experts, regarding these matters. In an effort to bridge the gap between the many views of issues related to serial murder, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) hosted a multi-disciplinary Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, on August 29, 2005 through September 2, 2005.

The goal of the Symposium was to bring together a group of respected experts on serial murder from a variety of fields and specialties, to identify the commonalities of knowledge regarding serial murder. A total of 135 subject matter experts attended the five-day event.

These individuals included law enforcement officials who have successfully investigated and apprehended serial killers; mental health, academic, and other experts who have studied serial killers and shared their expertise through education and publication; officers of the court, who have judged, prosecuted, and defended serial killers; and members of the media, who inform and educate the public when serial killers strike.

The attendees also reflected the international nature of the serial murder problem, as there were attendees from ten different countries on five continents. The agenda encompassed a variety of topics related to serial murder including common myths, definitions, typologies, pathology and causality, forensics, the role of the media, prosecution issues, investigative task force organization, and major case management issues.

Each day included panel discussions, case presentations, and discussion groups addressing a range of topics related to serial murder. This monograph is a culmination of the input and discussion of the attendees on the major issues related to serial murder. The contents are based upon the notes taken during the presentations, panel discussions, and break-out group sessions.

The goal in publishing this monograph is to outline the consensus views from a variety of disciplines on the causality, motivations, and characteristics of serial murderers, which will enable the criminal justice community to generate a more effective response in the identification, investigation, and adjudication of these cases.

• National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) is a component of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), located at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
• The primary mission of the NCAVC is to provide behaviorally-based, operational support to federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of unusual or repetitive violent crimes, communicated threats, terrorism, and other matters of interest to law enforcement.

The NCAVC is comprised of four units: Behavioral Analysis Unit-1 (Counterterrorism/Threat Assessment), Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 (Crimes Against Adults), Behavioral Analysis Unit-3 (Crimes Against Children), and the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP).

NCAVC staff members conduct detailed analyses of crimes from behavioral, forensic, and investigative perspectives. The goal of this analysis process is to provide law enforcement agencies with a better understanding of the motivations and behaviors of offenders. The analysis is a tool that provides investigators with descriptive and behavioral characteristics of the most probable offender and advice regarding investigative techniques to help identify the offender.

The NCAVC also conducts research into violent crime from a law enforcement perspective. NCAVC research is designed to gain insight into criminal thought processes, motivations, and behaviors. Research findings are refined into innovative, investigative techniques that improve law enforcement’s effectiveness against violent criminals and are shared with law enforcement and other disciplines through publications, presentations, and training.

1. The Serial Murder Symposium was conceived, planned, and coordinated by the staff of the Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 (BAU-2).
2. The resources of BAU-2 are focused on serial, mass, and other murders; sexual assaults; kidnappings; and other criminal acts targeting adult victims.
3. BAU-2 staff members have developed significant expertise on the subject of serial murder and regularly provide operational assistance, conduct research, and provide training on issues related to serial murder.I.

Introduction Serial murder is neither a new phenomenon, nor is it uniquely American. Dating back to ancient times, serial murderers have been chronicled around the world. In 19th century Europe, Dr. Richard von Krafft-Ebing conducted some of the first documented research on violent, sexual offenders and the crimes they committed.

• Best known for his 1886 textbook Psychopathia Sexualis, Dr.
• Raft-Ebing described numerous case studies of sexual homicide, serial murder, and other areas of sexual proclivity.
• Serial murder is a relatively rare event, estimated to comprise less than one percent of all murders committed in any given year.

However, there is a macabre interest in the topic that far exceeds its scope and has generated countless articles, books, and movies. This broad-based public fascination began in the late 1880s, after a series of unsolved prostitute murders occurred in the Whitechapel area of London.

1. These murders were committed by an unknown individual who named himself “Jack the Ripper” and sent letters to the police claiming to be the killer.
2. Dear Boss I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet.
3. I have laughed when they look so clever and talk about being on the right track.

That joke about Leather Apron gave me real fits. I am down on whores and I shant quit ripping them till I do get buckled. Grand work the last job was. I gave the lady no time to squeal. How can they catch me now. I love my work and want to start again. You will soon hear of me with my funny little games.

1. I saved some of the proper red stuff in a ginger beer bottle over the last job to write with but it went thick like glue and I cant use it.
2. Red ink is fit enough I hope ha. ha.
3. The next job I do I shall clip the ladys ears off and send to the police officers just for jolly wouldn’t you.
4. Eep this letter back till I do a bit more work, then give it out straight.

My knife’s so nice and sharp I want to get to work right away if I get a chance. Good luck. Yours truly Jack the Ripper These murders and the nom de guerre “Jack the Ripper” have become synonymous with serial murder. This case spawned many legends concerning serial murder and the killers who commit it.

In the 1970s and 1980s serial murder cases such as the Green River Killer, Ted Bundy, and BTK sparked a renewed public interest in serial murder, which blossomed in the 1990s after the release of films such as Silence of the Lambs, Much of the general public’s knowledge concerning serial murder is a product of Hollywood productions.

Story lines are created to heighten the interest of audiences, rather than to accurately portray serial murder. By focusing on the atrocities inflicted on victims by “deranged” offenders, the public is captivated by the criminals and their crimes. This only lends more confusion to the true dynamics of serial murder.

1. Law enforcement professionals are subject to the same misinformation from a different source: the use of anecdotal information.
2. Professionals involved in serial murder cases, such as investigators, prosecutors, and pathologists may have limited exposure to serial murder.
3. Their experience may be based upon a single murder series, and the factors in that case are extrapolated to other serial murders.

As a result, certain stereotypes and misconceptions take root regarding the nature of serial murder and the characteristics of serial killers. A growing trend that compounds the fallacies surrounding serial murder is the talking heads phenomenon. Given creditability by the media, these self-proclaimed authorities profess to have an expertise in serial murder.

They appear frequently on television and in the print media and speculate on the motive for the murders and the characteristics of the possible offender, without being privy to the facts of the investigation. Unfortunately, inappropriate comments may perpetuate misperceptions concerning serial murder and impair law enforcement’s investigative efforts.

It was decided by a majority of the attendees to issue a formal statement of position regarding the media’s use of these types of individuals. (The position statement is included in Section X of this monograph.) The relative rarity of serial murder combined with inaccurate, anecdotal information and fictional portrayals of serial killers has resulted in the following common myths and misconceptions regarding serial murder: Myth: Serial killers are all dysfunctional loners.

• The majority of serial killers are not reclusive, social misfits who live alone.
• They are not monsters and may not appear strange.
• Many serial killers hide in plain sight within their communities.
• Serial murderers often have families and homes, are gainfully employed, and appear to be normal members of the community.

Because many serial murderers can blend in so effortlessly, they are oftentimes overlooked by law enforcement and the public. • Robert Yates killed seventeen prostitutes in the Spokane, Washington area, during the 1990s. He was married with five children, lived in a middle class neighborhood, and was a decorated U.S.

Army National Guard helicopter pilot. During the time period of the murders, Yates routinely patronized prostitutes, and several of his victims knew each other. Yates buried one of his victims in his yard, beneath his bedroom window. Yates was eventually arrested and pled guilty to thirteen of the murders.

• The Green River Killer, Gary Ridgeway, confessed to killing 48 women over a twenty-year time period in the Seattle, Washington area. He had been married three times and was still married at the time of his arrest. He was employed as a truck painter for thirty-two years.

He attended church regularly, read the Bible at home and at work, and talked about religion with co-workers. Ridgeway also frequently picked up prostitutes and had sex with them throughout the time period in which he was killing. • The BTK killer, Dennis Rader, killed ten victims in and around Wichita, Kansas.

He sent sixteen written communications to the news media over a thirty-year period, taunting the police and the public. He was married with two children, was a Boy Scout leader, served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, was employed as a local government official, and was president of his church.

Myth: Serial killers are all white males. Contrary to popular belief, serial killers span all racial groups. There are white, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian serial killers. The racial diversification of serial killers generally mirrors that of the overall U.S. population. • Charles Ng, a native of Hong Kong, China, killed numerous victims in Northern California, in concert with Robert Lake.

• Derrick Todd Lee, an African-American, killed at least six women in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. • Coral Eugene Watts, an African-American, killed five victims in Michigan, fled the state to avoid detection, and murdered another 12 victims in Texas, before being apprehended.

• Rafael Resendez-Ramirez, a native of Mexico, murdered nine people in Kentucky, Texas, and Illinois, before turning himself in. • Rory Conde, a Colombian native, was responsible for six prostitute homicides in the Miami, Florida area. Myth: Serial killers are only motivated by sex. All serial murders are not sexually-based.

There are many other motivations for serial murders including anger, thrill, financial gain, and attention seeking. • In the Washington, D.C. area serial sniper case, John Allen Muhammad, a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, and Lee Boyd Malvo killed primarily for anger and thrill motivations.

• They were able to terrorize the greater Washington, D.C.
• Metro area for three weeks, shooting 13 victims, killing 10 of them.
• They communicated with the police by leaving notes, and they attempted to extort money to stop the shootings.
• They are suspected in a number of other shootings in seven other states.

• Dr. Michael Swango, a former U.S. Marine, ambulance worker, and physician, was a health care employee. He was convicted of only four murders in New York and Ohio, although he is suspected of having poisoned and killed 35 to 50 people throughout the United States and on the continent of Africa.

• Swango’s motivation for the killings was intrinsic and never fully identified.
• Interestingly, Swango kept a scrap book filled with newspaper and magazine clippings about natural disasters, in which many people were killed.
• Paul Reid killed at least seven people during fast food restaurant robberies in Tennessee.

After gaining control of the victims, he either stabbed or shot them. The motivation for the murders was primarily witness elimination. Reid’s purpose in committing the robberies was financial gain, and some of the ill-gotten gains were used to purchase a car.

1. Myth: All serial murderers travel and operate interstate.
2. Most serial killers have very defined geographic areas of operation.
3. They conduct their killings within comfort zones that are often defined by an anchor point (e.g.
4. Place of residence, employment, or residence of a relative).
5. Serial murderers will, at times, spiral their activities outside of their comfort zone, when their confidence has grown through experience or to avoid detection.

Very few serial murderers travel interstate to kill. The few serial killers who do travel interstate to kill fall into a few categories: • Itinerant individuals who move from place to place. • Homeless individuals who are transients. • Individuals whose employment lends itself to interstate or transnational travel, such as truck drivers or those in military service.

The difference between these types of offenders and other serial murderers is the nature of their traveling lifestyle, which provides them with many zones of comfort in which to operate. Myth: Serial killers cannot stop killing. It has been widely believed that once serial killers start killing, they cannot stop.

There are, however, some serial killers who stop murdering altogether before being caught. In these instances, there are events or circumstances in offenders’ lives that inhibit them from pursuing more victims. These can include increased participation in family activities, sexual substitution, and other diversions.

BTK killer, Dennis Rader, murdered ten victims from 1974 to 1991. He did not kill any other victims prior to being captured in 2005. During interviews conducted by law enforcement, Rader admitted to engaging in auto-erotic activities as a substitute for his killings. • Jeffrey Gorton killed his first victim in 1986 and his next victim in 1991.

He did not kill another victim and was captured in 2002. Gorton engaged in cross-dressing and masturbatory activities, as well as consensual sex with his wife in the interim. Myth: All Serial killers are insane or are evil geniuses. Another myth that exists is that serial killers have either a debilitating mental condition, or they are extremely clever and intelligent.

1. As a group, serial killers suffer from a variety of personality disorders, including psychopathy, anti-social personality, and others.
2. Most, however, are not adjudicated as insane under the law.
3. The media has created a number of fictional serial killer “geniuses”, who outsmart law enforcement at every turn.

Like other populations, however, serial killers range in intelligence from borderline to above average levels. Myth: Serial killers want to get caught. Offenders committing a crime for the first time are inexperienced. They gain experience and confidence with each new offense, eventually succeeding with few mistakes or problems.

• While most serial killers plan their offenses more thoroughly than other criminals, the learning curve is still very steep.
• They must select, target, approach, control, and dispose of their victims.
• The logistics involved in committing a murder and disposing of the body can become very complex, especially when there are multiple sites involved.

As serial killers continue to offend without being captured, they can become empowered, feeling they will never be identified. As the series continues, the killers may begin to take shortcuts when committing their crimes. This often causes the killers to take more chances, leading to identification by law enforcement.

1. It is not that serial killers want to get caught; they feel that they can’t get caught. II.
2. Definition of Serial Murder In the past thirty years, multiple definitions of serial murder have been used by law enforcement, clinicians, academia, and researchers.
3. While these definitions do share several common themes, they differ on specific requirements, such as the number of murders involved, the types of motivation, and the temporal aspects of the murders.

To address these discrepancies, attendees at the Serial Murder Symposium examined the variations in order to develop a single definition for serial murder. Previous definitions of serial murder specified a certain number of murders, varying from two to ten victims.

This quantitative requirement distinguished a serial murder from other categories of murder (i.e. single, double, or triple murder). Most of the definitions also required a period of time between the murders. This break-in-time was necessary to distinguish between a mass murder and a serial murder. Serial murder required a temporal separation between the different murders, which was described as: separate occasions, cooling-off period, and emotional cooling-off period.

Generally, mass murder was described as a number of murders (four or more) occurring during the same incident, with no distinctive time period between the murders. These events typically involved a single location, where the killer murdered a number of victims in an ongoing incident (e.g.

1. The 1984 San Ysidro McDonalds incident in San Diego, California; the 1991 Luby’s Restaurant massacre in Killeen, Texas; and the 2007 Virginia Tech murders in Blacksburg, Virginia).
2. There has been at least one attempt to formalize a definition of serial murder through legislation.
3. In 1998, a federal law was passed by the United States Congress, titled: Protection of Children from Sexual Predator Act of 1998 (Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 51, and Section 1111).

This law includes a definition of serial killings: The term ‘serial killings’ means a series of three or more killings, not less than one of which was committed within the United States, having common characteristics such as to suggest the reasonable possibility that the crimes were committed by the same actor or actors.

1. Although the federal law provides a definition of serial murder, it is limited in its application.
2. The purpose of this definition was to set forth criteria establishing when the FBI could assist local law enforcement agencies with their investigation of serial murder cases.
3. It was not intended to be a generic definition for serial murder.

The Symposium attendees reviewed the previous definitions and extensively discussed the pros and cons of the numerous variations. The consensus of the Symposium attendees was to create a simple but broad definition, designed for use primarily by law enforcement.

1. One discussion topic focused on the determination of the number of murders that constituted a serial murder.
2. Academicians and researchers were interested in establishing a specific number of murders, to allow clear inclusion criteria for their research on serial killers.
3. However, since the definition was to be utilized by law enforcement, a lower number of victims would allow law enforcement more flexibility in committing resources to a potential serial murder investigation.

Motivation was another central element discussed in various definitions; however, attendees felt motivation did not belong in a general definition, as it would make the definition overly complex. The validity of spree murder as a separate category was discussed at great length.

The general definition of spree murder is two or more murders committed by an offender or offenders, without a cooling-off period. According to the definition, the lack of a cooling-off period marks the difference between a spree murder and a serial murder. Central to the discussion was the definitional problems relating to the concept of a cooling-off period.

Because it creates arbitrary guidelines, the confusion surrounding this concept led the majority of attendees to advocate disregarding the use of spree murder as a separate category. The designation does not provide any real benefit for use by law enforcement.

The different discussion groups at the Symposium agreed on a number of similar factors to be included in a definition. These included: • one or more offenders • two or more murdered victims • incidents should be occurring in separate events, at different times • the time period between murders separates serial murder from mass murder In combining the various ideas put forth at the Symposium, the following definition was crafted: Serial Murder: The unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s), in separate events.

III. Causality and the Serial Murderer Following the arrest of a serial killer, the question is always asked: How did this person become a serial murderer? The answer lies in the development of the individual from birth to adulthood. Specifically, the behavior a person displays is influenced by life experiences, as well as certain biological factors.

• Serial murderers, like all human beings, are the product of their heredity, their upbringing, and the choices they make throughout development.
• Causality, as it relates to the development of serial murderers, was discussed at length by the Symposium attendees.
• Causality can be defined as a complex process based on biological, social, and environmental factors.

In addition to these factors, individuals have the ability to choose to engage in certain behaviors. The collective outcome of all of these influences separates individual behavior from generic human behavior. Since it is not possible to identify all of the factors that influence normal human behavior, it similarly is not possible to identify all of the factors that influence an individual to become a serial murderer.

1. Human beings are in a constant state of development from the moment of conception until death.
2. Behavior is affected by stimulation received and processed by the central nervous system.
3. Neurobiologists believe that our nervous systems are environmentally sensitive, thereby allowing individual nervous systems to be shaped throughout a lifetime.

The development of social coping mechanisms begins early in life and continues to progress as children learn to interact, negotiate, and compromise with their peers. In some individuals the failure to develop adequate coping mechanisms results in violent behavior.

• Neglect and abuse in childhood have been shown to contribute to an increased risk of future violence.
• Substance abuse can and does lead to increased aggression and violence.
• There are documented cases of people who suffered severe head injuries and ultimately become violent, even when there was no prior history of violence.

Symposium attendees agreed that there is no single identifiable cause or factor that leads to the development of a serial killer. Rather, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to their development. The most significant factor is the serial killer’s personal decision in choosing to pursue their crimes.

• There were several additional observations made by the attendees regarding causality: • Predisposition to serial killing, much like other violent offenses, is biological, social, and psychological in nature, and it is not limited to any specific characteristic or trait.
• The development of a serial killer involves a combination of these factors, which exist together in a rare confluence in certain individuals.

They have the appropriate biological predisposition, molded by their psychological makeup, which is present at a critical time in their social development. • There are no specific combinations of traits or characteristics shown to differentiate serial killers from other violent offenders.

• There is no generic template for a serial killer. • Serial killers are driven by their own unique motives or reasons. • Serial killers are not limited to any specific demographic group, such as their sex, age, race, or religion. • The majority of serial killers who are sexually motivated erotized violence during development.

For them, violence and sexual gratification are inexplicably intertwined in their psyche. • More research is needed to identify specific pathways of development that produce serial killers. IV. Psychopathy and Serial Murder Attendees at the Serial Murder Symposium agreed that there is no generic profile of a serial murderer.

Serial killers differ in many ways, including their motivations for killing and their behavior at the crime scene. However, attendees did identify certain traits common to some serial murderers, including sensation seeking, a lack of remorse or guilt, impulsivity, the need for control, and predatory behavior.

These traits and behaviors are consistent with the psychopathic personality disorder. Attendees felt it was very important for law enforcement and other professionals in the criminal justice system to understand psychopathy and its relationship to serial murder.

Psychopathy is a personality disorder manifested in people who use a mixture of charm, manipulation, intimidation, and occasionally violence to control others, in order to satisfy their own selfish needs. Although the concept of psychopathy has been known for centuries, Dr. Robert Hare led the modern research effort to develop a series of assessment tools, to evaluate the personality traits and behaviors attributable to psychopaths.

Dr. Hare and his associates developed the Psychopathy Check List Revised (PCL-R) and its derivatives, which provide a clinical assessment of the degree of psychopathy an individual possesses. These instruments measure the distinct cluster of personality traits and socially-deviant behaviors of an individual, which fall into four factors: interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and anti-social.

The interpersonal traits include glibness, superficial charm, a grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, and the manipulation of others. The affective traits include a lack of remorse and/or guilt, shallow affect, a lack of empathy, and failure to accept responsibility. The lifestyle behaviors include stimulation-seeking behavior, impulsivity, irresponsibility, parasitic orientation, and a lack of realistic life goals.

The anti-social behaviors include poor behavioral controls, early childhood behavior problems, juvenile delinquency, revocation of conditional release, and criminal versatility. The combination of these individual personality traits, interpersonal styles, and socially deviant lifestyles are the framework of psychopathy and can manifest themselves differently in individual psychopaths.

Research has demonstrated that in those offenders who are psychopathic, scores vary, ranging from a high degree of psychopathy to some measure of psychopathy. However, not all violent offenders are psychopaths and not all psychopaths are violent offenders. If violent offenders are psychopathic, they are able to assault, rape, and murder without concern for legal, moral, or social consequences.

This allows them to do what they want, whenever they want. The relationship between psychopathy and serial killers is particularly interesting. All psychopaths do not become serial murderers. Rather, serial murderers may possess some or many of the traits consistent with psychopathy.

Psychopaths who commit serial murder do not value human life and are extremely callous in their interactions with their victims. This is particularly evident in sexually motivated serial killers who repeatedly target, stalk, assault, and kill without a sense of remorse. However, psychopathy alone does not explain the motivations of a serial killer.

Understanding psychopathy becomes particularly critical to law enforcement during a serial murder investigation and upon the arrest of a psychopathic serial killer. The crime scene behavior of psychopaths is likely to be distinct from other offenders.

• This distinct behavior can assist law enforcement in linking serial cases.
• Psychopaths are not sensitive to altruistic interview themes, such as sympathy for their victims or remorse/guilt over their crimes.
• They do possess certain personality traits that can be exploited, particularly their inherent narcissism, selfishness, and vanity.

Specific themes in past successful interviews of psychopathic serial killers focused on praising their intelligence, cleverness, and skill in evading capture. Attendees recognized that more research is needed concerning the links between serial murder and psychopathy, in order to understand the frequency and degree of psychopathy among serial murderers.

1. This may assist law enforcement in understanding and identifying serial murderers.V.
2. Motivations and Types of Serial Murder: The Symposium Model Over the past twenty years, law enforcement and experts from a number of varying disciplines have attempted to identify specific motivations for serial murderers and to apply those motivations to different typologies developed for classifying serial murderers.

These range from simple, definitive models to complex, multiple-category typologies that are laden with inclusion requirements. Most typologies are too cumbersome to be utilized by law enforcement during an active serial murder investigation, and they may not be helpful in identifying an offender.

1. The attendees at the Symposium discussed the issues surrounding motivation and the use of typologies to categorize varying types of serial murder.
2. Identifying motivations in the investigation of a crime is a standard procedure for law enforcement.
3. Typically, motivation provides police with the means to narrow the potential suspect pool.

The same logical steps are taken when investigating homicide cases. As most homicides are committed by someone known to the victim, police focus on the relationships closest to the victim. This is a successful strategy for most murder investigations. The majority of serial murderers, however, are not acquainted with or involved in a consensual relationship with their victims.

For the most part, serial murder involves strangers with no visible relationship between the offender and the victim. This distinguishes a serial murder investigation as a more nebulous undertaking than that of other crimes. Since the investigations generally lack an obvious connection between the offender and the victim, investigators instead attempt to discern the motivations behind the murders, as a way to narrow their investigative focus.

Serial murder crime scenes can have bizarre features that may cloud the identification of a motive. The behavior of a serial murderer at crime scenes may evolve throughout the series of crimes and manifest different interactions between an offender and a victim.

It is also extremely difficult to identify a single motivation when there is more than one offender involved in the series. The attendees at the Symposium made the following observations: • Motive generally may be difficult to determine in a serial murder investigation. • A serial murderer may have multiple motives for committing his crimes.

• A serial murderer’s motives may evolve both within a single murder as well throughout the murder series. • The classification of motivations should be limited to observable behavior at the crime scene. • Even if a motive can be identified, it may not be helpful in identifying a serial murderer.

• Utilizing investigative resources to discern the motive instead of identifying the offender may derail the investigation. • Investigators should not necessarily equate a serial murderer’s motivation with the level of injury. • Regardless of the motive, serial murderers commit their crimes because they want to.

The exception to this would be those few killers suffering from a severe mental illness. To assist law enforcement in narrowing the pool of suspects, attendees at the Symposium suggested that broad, non-inclusive categories of motivations be utilized as guidelines for investigation.

The following categories listed below represent general categories and are not intended to be a complete measure of serial offenders or their motivation: • Anger is a motivation in which an offender displays rage or hostility towards a certain subgroup of the population or with society as a whole. • Criminal Enterprise is a motivation in which the offender benefits in status or monetary compensation by committing murder that is drug, gang, or organized crime related.

• Financial gain is a motivation in which the offender benefits monetarily from killing. Examples of these types of crimes are “black widow” killings, robbery homicides, or multiple killings involving insurance or welfare fraud. • Ideology is a motivation to commit murders in order to further the goals and ideas of a specific individual or group.

1. Examples of these include terrorist groups or an individual(s) who attacks a specific racial, gender, or ethnic group.
2. Power/thrill is a motivation in which the offender feels empowered and/or excited when he kills his victims.
3. Psychosis is a situation in which the offender is suffering from a severe mental illness and is killing because of that illness.

This may include auditory and/or visual hallucinations and paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre delusions. • Sexually-based is a motivation driven by the sexual needs/desires of the offender. There may or may not be overt sexual contact reflected in the crime scene.

• An offender selects a victim, regardless of the category, based upon availability, vulnerability, and desirability.
• Availability is explained as the lifestyle of the victim or circumstances in which the victim is involved, that allow the offender access to the victim.
• Vulnerability is defined as the degree to which the victim is susceptible to attack by the offender.

Desirability is described as the appeal of the victim to the offender. Desirability involves numerous factors based upon the motivation of the offender and may include factors dealing with the race, gender, ethnic background, age of the victim, or other specific preferences the offender determines.

VI. Investigative Issues and Best Practices Attendees at the Symposium identified successful investigative practices for solving serial murder cases. These factors were central to the discussions: • Identification of a Serial Murder Series • Leadership • Task Force Organization • Resource Augmentation • Communication • Data Management • Analytical Tools • Medical Examiners/Coroners • Administrative Issues • Training • Officer Assistance Programs Identification Symposium participants listed the initial identification of a homicide series as the primary investigative challenge.

Historically, the first indication that a serial murderer was at work was when two or more cases were linked by forensic or behavioral evidence. Identifying a homicide series is easier in rapidly-developing, high profile cases involving low risk victims.

These cases are reported to law enforcement upon discovery of the crimes and draw immediate media attention. In contrast, identifying a series involving high risk victims in multiple jurisdictions is much more difficult. This is primarily due to the high risk lifestyle and transitory nature of the victims.

Additionally, the lack of communication between law enforcement agencies and differing records management systems impede the linkage of cases to a common offender. Attendees stressed the importance of law enforcement networking with other investigative agencies and cited the National Law Enforcement Teletype System (NLETS) messages, ViCAP Alerts, and the Law Enforcement Online (LEO) website as alternative mechanisms for sharing information to help determine other linked cases.

The use of the FBI’s NCAVC, both the Behavioral Analysis Units and the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program, in linking potential cases was also encouraged. Leadership High profile investigations present a multitude of leadership challenges for law enforcement, from investigators to police executives.

Law enforcement personnel may face external pressures from political entities, victims’ families, and the media. Collectively, strong management throughout the chain of command must continually reinforce the supreme goal of the investigation: To arrest and prosecute the offender.

1. Attendees at the Symposium agreed that in successful serial murder investigations, the roles of both investigators and supervisors were clearly delineated.
2. The investigative function is the primary mission, and all other activities are in support of that mission.
3. In serial murder cases, the actual investigation should be directed by competent, homicide investigators, who have the experience to direct and focus the investigative process.

Law enforcement administrators should not run the investigation but rather ensure that the investigators have the resources to do their job. Supervisors should also act as buffers between investigators and the other levels of command. There are several other strategies law enforcement executives may consider while preparing for these intense investigations: • Completing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between different law enforcement agencies, in order to obtain mutual support agreements and commitment of manpower, resources, and overtime.

1. Identifying all resources that may be needed during the investigation and maintaining detailed lists of available resources.
2. Establishing good working relationships with other departments prior to the crisis, through networking, scheduled meetings, and joint training.
3. Providing training opportunities in the latest techniques and methods of homicide investigation.

Additional observations regarding leadership in task force operations include: • Communication on administrative issues should be restricted to management personnel of the various agencies, so as not to distract investigators. • The intense pressure in high profile investigations may at times decrease logical decision making.

Tunnel vision and impulsivity should be avoided. • Law enforcement administration in each of the participating law enforcement agencies should present a unified front by agreeing to a written investigative strategy that outlines the investigative goals, the roles of the agencies, and establishes a clear and concise chain of command.

• Command staff should focus on providing and managing the resources investigators need to solve the case, rather than directing the investigation. A major problem identified by attendees at the Symposium was the issue of micro-management. When a supervisor attempts to personally direct every action in an investigation, rather than allowing investigators to perform their jobs independently, they exacerbate problems in these high profile investigations.

1. While law enforcement attracts positive individuals with strong personalities, management should encourage all involved personnel to leave their “egos” at the door.
2. This ensures that personality differences among investigators do not become a distraction to the investigation.
3. Investigators who lack the ability to collaborate with colleagues can hinder the investigation and should not be assigned to investigative teams.

Task Force Organization Once a serial murder series has been identified, it is important for the involved law enforcement agencies to work together. There are a number of operational and investigative issues critical to the successful establishment of an investigative task force.

1. Initially, a lead agency for the task force should be designated and will assume the primary investigative role.
2. The choice of a lead agency is based upon a number of factors including the number and viability of the cases, available resources, and investigative experience.
3. Once established, all law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation should have representation in the task force.

Any outlying agencies should also be included, even if they do not have an identified case in the investigation. An effective and reliable investigative model identifies a lead investigator and co-investigator, who, regardless of rank, are given complete control of the investigation.

These investigators review all incoming information, collate the information, and assign leads. If the flow of incoming information becomes unmanageable due to an excessive influx of investigative tips, the lead investigators can delegate this responsibility to an experienced investigator, who will act as a lead control officer.

Administrators must look beyond the traditional method of assigning the next available investigators regardless of skill or assigning investigators who have no desire to be involved in a major case. Consequently, law enforcement administrators must assign the most qualified investigator(s) to lead the current case.

The lead investigator(s) must have the experience, dedication, and tenacity to direct all aspects of the investigation. They should also, with management’s support, have the ability to select a cadre of investigators and support personnel and assign such personnel as the investigation dictates. In serial murder investigations, the lead investigators must handle all crime scene activities and related leads, as each incident may be interwoven.

It is the responsibility of the lead investigators or the lead control investigator to ensure relevant information is distributed to the entire task force. At the onset of the task force, the lead investigators should immediately implement a preplanned task force model.

Common to most models is the need to establish an information management system to track tips and leads in the case. This computer system should account for the idiosyncrasies of the investigation while being flexible enough to handle any contingency. All personnel should be familiar with its operation, and it should be pre-tested to insure viability in investigative conditions.

Primary to the investigation is sufficient manpower to successfully investigate and prosecute the case. The overwhelming consensus from the attendees is that the assignment of excessive numbers of personnel to the investigation may be counterproductive.

A small group of experienced homicide investigators, under the direction of the lead investigator(s), is far more effective than a large number of less experienced investigators or investigators who are experienced in different areas of criminal activity. Additional personnel may be brought in for specific tasks as necessary.

There should be a bifurcation of responsibility between the administration of the case and the investigation of the case. The task of running the investigation is the responsibility of the lead investigator. The administration provides all of the necessary support, including procurement of equipment, funding, and manpower.

As an example, task force administrators must obtain authority for priority requests for services, from the forensic laboratory and other service providers. The lead investigator(s) and the administrators of the task force must have a close, cooperative working relationship, while maintaining their own areas of responsibility.

Assignment of liaison personnel in serial homicide cases is highly recommended. The highest priority is the families of the victims, who will be supportive of the investigative efforts, when they believe the investigators are competent and all available resources are being used to identify and arrest the offender.

1. An investigator with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills should be assigned to maintain constant contact with the families, keeping them apprised of the progress of the investigation and any pending press releases.
2. Liaison must also be maintained with the numerous support entities both inside and outside the task force including the prosecutor’s office, the forensic laboratory, the medical examiner’s office, and surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, a list of available experts in specific forensic and related fields should be compiled and liaison established for use in the investigation. As long as the flow of information is manageable, one individual can be assigned to multiple liaison duties.

Resource Augmentation As the investigation continues, the manpower requirements of the task force will increase for various reasons, including increasing the number of investigators and support staff. Restraint must be practiced by task force administrators to avoid the use of excess personnel. As previously discussed, the use of fewer personnel may be more effective.

The lead investigator is in the best position to recognize when additional personnel are needed. The administrator’s responsibility is to provide the authority for the permanent or temporary reassignment of the requested number of personnel to the task force.

• If additional personnel are needed to expand the task force, the reassignment should be for the duration of the task force, to insure continuity of investigative information.
• However, for short term needs such as a specific neighborhood canvass or road block canvass, personnel can be reassigned temporarily to complete the specific task and then be returned to their normal duties.

In either event, the arrival of new personnel should be preplanned and a detailed case briefing provided. This briefing should include an explanation of their specific assignment, their work hours, details of the investigation as it applies to their assignment, expected standards for report completion, and a complete list of contact numbers.

1. Additionally, personnel should be cautioned about discussing case sensitive information with anyone outside of authorized law enforcement personnel.
2. Arbitrary rotation of personnel should be avoided, as it negatively affects the continuity of the investigation.
3. Rotation of personnel should only occur if requested by the investigator, or there are officer assistance issues.

If the task force is disbanded and later reinstated, the original investigators should be utilized. Communications Attendees stressed the importance of disseminating information to the investigators engaged in a serial murder investigation through the following: • Daily briefings are essential for investigators, especially when there are different work shifts.

Periodic summary briefings are also necessary for managers and patrol officers. These can be accomplished via e-mails or at roll call and should be conducted by investigative personnel. • Communication on the operational level is paramount, especially in task force investigations and when serial murder cases involve multiple states.

As all information must be shared seamlessly, teleconferences may not sufficiently allow for the flow of information. Face-to-face case briefings are suggested. • Submitting ViCAP reports on solved and unsolved murders, attempted murders, and sexual assaults for inclusion in the ViCAP database is strongly recommended and may facilitate the linkage of unknown related cases for law enforcement agencies.

• Data Management A common problem in serial investigations occurs when data is not entered into the electronic database in a timely manner.
• Useful leads are lost when investigators are overloaded with information.
• The following suggestions were provided regarding data management issues: • In order to avoid time lags, reports should be written as soon as the investigative lead is completed.

If reports are not finished before the end of the investigator’s shift, the lead investigator(s) may not have time to review those reports. This will lead to a back-log of reports, containing pertinent and timely investigative information. • Sufficient time should be allocated during work shifts to complete reports.

1. Information should be obtained, documented, and distributed in a standardized manner, to maintain consistency among different agencies.
2. Ideally, reports should be computer generated to ease the communication issues.
3. Systems similar to the FBI’s Rapid Start computerized case management system should be utilized, to effectively organize and collate lead information.

Computerized systems promote the analysis of a tremendous amount of data. There should be sufficient personnel committed to ensure that data is recorded into the system, in a timely manner. • A murder book or series of murder books should be created and maintained.

Murder books contain all of the pertinent investigative information and are traditionally in paper format but can also be developed electronically. • All rough notes should be maintained and entered into evidence. • Reports should be distributed to all participating law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office.

Analytical Tools The wide range of analytical resources available to law enforcement agencies is typically under-utilized at the onset of a serial murder investigation. Due to the voluminous amount of information characteristic of high profile investigations, critical lead information may be lost.

• The implementation of a tested and reliable case management system, as previously discussed, coupled with competent analytical staff, is imperative in serial murder investigations.
• Crime analysts offer critical support to the investigation by developing timelines on victims and suspects, compiling matrices to highlight similar case elements, and providing general analytical support.

Analysts should be assigned to the initial investigation group, so information can be sorted, compared, and charted to provide timely lead information. It is recommended that a review team of experienced investigators be formed to assist the lead investigator(s) in filtering through the information gathered by analysts.

1. The team should consist of two to four investigators from within the involved agencies, as well as the crime analysts.
2. The team must remain intact throughout the investigation, to maintain the case integrity.
3. Many agencies are not supported by an actual crime analysis unit or do not employ experienced analysts.

In such cases, the agency should contact their neighboring jurisdictions or the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime for assistance. Symposium attendees also discussed the importance of the behavioral aspects of the investigation and recommended the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit be utilized for the multitude of services it provides to include crime scene analysis, offender profiles, case linkage analysis, interview strategies, and prosecution strategy.

1. The case consultations can be conducted at the BAU office in Quantico, Virginia, or a team of BAU staff members can respond to the respective agency, to personally view the crime scenes and discuss the behavioral issues with the pertinent task force members.
2. Medical Examiners/Coroners A thorough autopsy and the subsequent collection of evidence are critical in serial murder investigations.

Medical examiners and coroners operate according to their different state mandates and vary as to the thoroughness of their investigations. Consistent procedures to collect, record, and retrieve case information are important in linking cases in other jurisdictions.

1. The following recommendations were made concerning medical examiners in serial murder investigations: • Medical examiners should share information on autopsies in potentially related cases.
2. Joint meetings with investigators can provide additional background information on these cases.
3. A single medical examiner should be utilized in serial cases occurring within the same jurisdiction.

• Once a series has been identified that involves several jurisdictions, the various medical examiner offices may consider performing joint autopsy procedures to ensure continuity in evidence collection. • Investigators should also ensure submissions of all unidentified victims to the FBI Laboratory’s National Missing Persons DNA database.

Investigators should also ensure the entry of unidentified remains recovered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and ViCAP. Administrative Issues Law enforcement agencies should review their current administrative policies relating to maintenance and storage of unsolved homicide case materials.

Top priority should be given to these cases by extending the storage time limit and may include the following: • Mirror the FBI’s NCAVC 50-year minimum mandate to keep copies of all unsolved cases. • Retain records of unsolved homicide cases and the accompanying evidence until the case is closed.

• Records should be electronically converted. • Evidence storage should be available for long term storage of forensic evidence in murder cases. • Submit cases to the FBI’s ViCAP database, which maintains case information indefinitely. Resources and Finances It is essential that an investigative agency have the resources available in order to establish the initial setup for a task force, both from financial and logistic perspectives.

There should be a contingency plan in place to handle the resource issues in a major investigation. Buildings, office space, computers, phones, vehicles, food, and other necessities should be considered in the plan. Utilizing non-law enforcement agencies, such as the fire department for use of their high-tech equipment, may also be included in the plan.

It was recommended that agencies develop emergency response plans and establish MOU’s at the local, state, and national level. Training Training continues to be an issue for all law enforcement departments. Complex homicide investigations, especially those involving serial murder cases, depend upon the experience and abilities of investigators to effectively conduct the investigation.

With the retirement of many experienced homicide investigators, newer investigators need training and exposure to a wide range of investigative techniques. Attendees also suggested the utilization of standardized training for homicide investigators, crime analysts, and medical examiners.

Officer Assistance Programs The brutality of the crime scenes; the senseless, repetitive acts inflicted on the victims; and a sense of helplessness in failing to catch the offender are all factors that may impact the emotional well-being of investigators involved in a serial murder case. Burnout, stress, and hopelessness are just some of the feelings that may affect members of the investigative team.

To combat these issues, attendees suggested the following: • Regular debriefings. • Access to critical incident counselors. • Mental health evaluations upon request. • Adequate time off for investigators. NOTE: The majority of attendees agreed there should be a published, general guide to serial murder investigations, building upon the Multi-Agency Investigative Team Manual (MAIT) and addressing specific issues such as cooperative investigative models; investigative methods; case linkage; crime scene techniques; MOUs; training for police, medical examiners, and crime analysts; the role of regional intelligence centers; the integration of BAU and ViCAP; and the role of federal law enforcement.

1. VII. Forensic Issues in Serial Murder Cases The forensic sciences have played a key role in criminal investigations for many years.
2. Recently, there has been increased attention on the forensic sciences by law enforcement, prosecutors, and the general public.
3. Particularly in high profile cases, intense media coverage concerning evidence issues and the work of crime laboratories has served to heighten this interest.

In the past two decades, there have been tremendous technological advances in the laboratory testing of forensic samples. There have also been a number of improvements in the identification and collection of evidence at the crime scene, through innovative processing and evidence collection methods.

Together, these advances allow for a greater probability of successful recovery and analysis of evidence than was previously possible. There is also growing recognition by criminal justice professionals of the wider scope of forensic techniques and available tests. The field of forensic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis and the legislation that allows DNA testing on a broader number of offenders has made some of the more remarkable advances.

DNA testing now allows much smaller samples of biological material to be analyzed and the results to be more discriminating. DNA testing of forensic crime scene samples can now be compared against a database of known offenders and other unsolved crimes.

1. Forensic laboratories have developed advanced analytical techniques through the use of computer technology.
2. Systems such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), various Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), and the National Integrated Ballistics Identification Network (NIBIN), were identified by the symposium as beneficial to serial murder investigations, by providing links between previously unrelated cases.

CODIS is a national automated DNA information processing and telecommunications system that was developed to link biological evidence (DNA) in criminal cases, between various jurisdictions around the United States. Samples in CODIS include DNA profiles obtained from persons convicted of designated crimes, DNA profiles obtained from crime scenes, DNA profiles from unidentified human remains, and DNA from voluntary samples taken from families of missing persons. What is important for law enforcement to understand is that the information contained at the LDIS and SDIS levels may not automatically be sent to, or searched against, the NDIS level. There are different legislation requirements for inclusion into NDIS, than to LDIS or SDIS, and not all LDIS and SDIS profiles are sent to NDIS.

Even when NDIS is queried, individual SDIS data banks may not be queried. Therefore, when dealing with a serial murder case, investigators need to contact their LDIS or SDIS level representatives to ensure that in addition to the NDIS databank, samples are compared in the individual SDIS data banks of each state that is of investigative interest.

In cases where there is only a partial DNA profile, a national “keyboard” search can be requested through the NDIS custodian, CODIS Unit, FBI Laboratory. AFIS is an electronic databank that compares unidentified latent and patent fingerprints to the known fingerprint file.

There have been a variety of local AFIS systems in use since the 1980s. In 1999, the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, or IAFIS, became operational. IAFIS is designated as the national repository of criminal histories, fingerprints, and photographs of criminal subjects in the United States.

It also contains fingerprints and information on military and civilian federal employees. IAFIS provides positive identification through comparisons of individuals based on the submission of fingerprint data, through both ten-print fingerprint cards and latent fingerprints.

• Some of the earlier AFIS systems were not compatible with the IAFIS system, and as a result, those earlier latent fingerprints may not be included in IAFIS.
• This becomes an issue in serial murder cases, when the offender committed offenses prior to the inception of IAFIS, as latent fingerprints from those earlier crimes will not be searchable.

If there is a possibility the offender committed early crimes, the early AFIS systems need to be queried independently. Consultation with laboratory fingerprint experts may be necessary in order to establish what AFIS systems exist, which are interoperable, and the protocols required to query each system.

NIBIN is a national databank of both projectile and cartridge information. NIBIN is the integration of two previous systems: the FBI’s Drugfire cartridge case imaging system and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). NIBIN is an imaging system that allows both bullets and cartridges recovered from a crime scene to be compared electronically against other bullets and cartridges recovered from previous crime scenes, in an effort to link previously unrelated cases.

The system can search by geographic area or nationwide, depending upon the course of the investigation. ATF is maintaining the new system in over 75 locations, across the United States. When conducting serial murder investigations, it is important for investigators to promptly seek guidance from appropriate forensic database experts.

Such experts can provide information regarding what limitations exist and what additional queries can be made of the systems, to obtain additional investigative information. Another area in which forensic science can play an important role is in the recovery and examination of trace evidence. Trace evidence is described as small, often microscopic material.

It commonly includes hair and fiber evidence but may encompass almost any substance or material. Trace evidence may provide important lead information pertaining to offender characteristics, vehicle and tire descriptors, and environmental clues that relate to killing scenes and modes of transportation used to move bodies.

A skilled trace evidence examiner can compare the trace evidence from all of the victims in a serial murder case, in an effort to identify evidence common to all of the victims. This trace evidence will reflect a “common environment” with which all of the victims were in contact. This common environment will repeat in objects in the serial offender’s world, such as his vehicles and/or residence.

This can demonstrate that all of the victims had contact with the offender at the same location(s). Attendees at the Serial Murder Symposium universally acknowledged that serial murder cases present unique circumstances and concerns, particularly when multiple investigative jurisdictions are involved.

1. In serial murder cases, crime scenes may occur in different law enforcement jurisdictions, each of whom may possess varying resources and abilities to process crime scenes.
2. In some cases, agencies submit evidence to different laboratories, even though those agencies are located adjacent to one another.

These issues degrade the ability of law enforcement to consistently collect evidence from a murder series. This may prevent identifying a serial killer or forensically linking previously unrelated cases to a common offender. Attendees identified a number of forensic issues facing the law enforcement community in serial murder investigations and made the following suggestions: • Once a series is identified, the same crime scene personnel should be utilized at related scenes to promote consistency in evidence identification and collection.

Search personnel should follow established sterilization procedures to ensure there is no cross-contamination between the various crime scenes. • Cross-contamination should be proactively prevented by using different personnel to process crime scenes than those used to collect known sample evidence from potential suspects.

• Documentation among the law enforcement agencies should be standardized to ensure continuity between separate cases. • Aerial photographs of every murder crime scene, as well as the accompanying ancillary scenes, should be taken. Aerial photographs clearly depict the geography of the area and demonstrate the physical relationships and the distances between the crime scenes.

They also identify potential routes of ingress and egress to the area. • The number of laboratories and experts involved in serial murder investigations should be limited to properly certified facilities and personnel. Ideally, all evidence should be examined by a single crime laboratory, and that lab should utilize only one expert per discipline.

If this is not possible, establish lines of communication between laboratories to ensure the sharing of pertinent information related to the investigation. • Priority status for laboratory examinations should be obtained to ensure a quick turn around on test results.

1. When consulting with forensic scientists, investigators should prioritize forensic examinations based upon their potential investigative value.
2. In addition, forensic scientists should be consulted frequently to identify alternative sampling and/or testing that may lead to successful case resolution.

• Forensic testimony should be limited to what is needed for successful prosecution. Utilization of charts, graphs, or other appropriate audiovisual aides showing forensic linkages will clearly and succinctly convey the facts of the cases. • When necessary, investigators should seek independent, secondary reviews of laboratory results.

This may be somewhat problematic, since there are crime laboratories that will not duplicate forensic examinations. However, exceptions are sometimes made to this policy on a case-by-case basis. Forensic evidence case vignette: The case of serial child murderer Richard Mark Evonitz highlights the variety of forensic testing that may be utilized to solve difficult cases.

In 1996 and 1997, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, three young girls were abducted from their residences, sexually assaulted, and killed. The first case occurred on September 9, 1996, when Sophia Silva disappeared from the front porch of her house. She was found in October of 1996, in a swamp, 16 miles from her residence.

• A suspect was arrested and charged for her murder, based on a faulty trace evidence examination conducted by a state laboratory.
• On May 1, 1997, two sisters, Kristin and Kati Lisk, disappeared from their residence after returning home from school.
• Their bodies were discovered five days later in a river, 40 miles from their residence.

After an examination by an FBI Laboratory Examiner yielded trace evidence that positively linked the Silva and Lisk homicides to a common environment, the suspect arrested in the Silva case was subsequently released. The investigation continued for an additional five years, until a girl was abducted in South Carolina.

The victim was able to escape, and she identified Richard Mark Evonitz as her attacker. Evonitz fled South Carolina and was sighted in Florida. After a high-speed chase with police, Evonitz committed suicide. The investigation revealed that Evonitz had lived in Spotsylvania, in 1996 and 1997. Forensic searches were conducted on Evonitz’s residence in South Carolina, his former residence in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and his car.

A detailed trace examination of the evidence from these searches and the evidence obtained from the three victims revealed a number of hair and fiber matches, providing sufficient evidence to tie Evonitz to the three murders. The following trace examinations linked Evonitz to all three homicide victims: • Fibers from a bath mat.

• Fibers from an afghan.
• Fibers from two separate carpets in Evonitz’s former home in Virginia.
• Carpet fibers from the trunk of Evonitz’s car.
• Head hair consistent with Evonitz.
• A trace examination also linked fibers from a pair of fur-lined handcuffs to the three homicide victims and the surviving victim,

The unique combination of different hair and fiber evidence yielded the “common environment” to which all of the victims and the offender were exposed. Latent fingerprints belonging to Kristin Lisk were located on the inside of the trunk lid of Evonitz’s car, five years after the fact. VIII. Prosecution of Serial Murder Cases The recognition and investigation of a serial murder series is often perceived as a separate and distinct process from the other primary goal in these complex cases: the prosecution and conviction of the offender(s) responsible for the homicides.

1. It was a consensus of Symposium attendees that law enforcement and prosecutors should work cooperatively as the investigative and prosecution processes are inextricably linked.
2. When police suspect that one or more homicides may be the result of a serial killer, involving the prosecutor early on in the investigation may alleviate significant problems during trial.

The experience of the Symposium attendees was that in successful prosecutions of serial murder cases, the prosecutor’s office was involved and remained accessible to law enforcement throughout the entire investigation and subsequent arrest. The partnership continued during the trial and resulted in the successful prosecution of the serial murderer.

1. The prosecutor can assist with critical decisions early in the investigation that could potentially impact on court admissibility.
2. Maintaining the integrity of the legal process is a paramount consideration when dealing with court orders, search warrants, Grand Jury testimony, subpoenas, evidence custody matters, capital murder issues, and concerns related to the possible offender’s competency and the voluntariness of confessions.

Prosecutors are also in the best position to evaluate the different murder cases within the serial investigation for presentation in court. They can provide important recommendations regarding the future use of evidence, forensic laboratory work, witness reports, and suspect interviews during trial.

1. Case management and investigative decision making are still controlled and managed by the law enforcement agencies.
2. The prosecutor acts in an advisory capacity.
3. The responsibilities and duties of the prosecutor should be clarified initially in the investigation to avoid potential confusion while the investigation progresses.

In multi-jurisdictional cases, variations in evidentiary standards, search warrant requirements, interview protocols, the quality of the evidence, and the ability to prosecute for capital murder may dictate the appropriate venue for prosecution. This consideration may take on greater significance when the crimes occur in different states.

Expert witnesses often play a significant role in high profile serial murder investigations, dealing with forensic and competency issues. In many investigations and prosecutions, the task of linking the defendant to the victim and the homicide scene(s) has been simplified because of physical, trace, and/or DNA evidence located at the scene.

Expert forensic witnesses are utilized to explain the analysis and value of such evidence. Identifying and securing the services of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists will be important when addressing issues of competency, diminished capacity, and the insanity defense.

1. Consideration should also be given for other collateral expert witnesses, who may be utilized to address issues outside of the customary topics, such as blood spatter.
2. Prosecution case vignette: The Washington, D.C.
3. Beltway sniper attacks serve as an excellent example of multi-jurisdictional prosecutorial considerations.

The Beltway serial sniper attacks took place during three weeks of October 2002, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitian area. Ten people were killed and three others critically injured, in various locations throughout the metropolitan area. The killings actually began the month prior to the D.C.

1. Rampage, with these offenders committing a number of murders and robberies in several other states. The D.C.
2. Area shootings began on October 2nd, with a series of five, fatal shootings over a fifteen-hour period in Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburban county north of Washington, D.C.
3. The investigation was initially spearheaded from Montgomery County, and as the number of shootings mutiplied, the task force involved numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

The two men responsible for the homicides, John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo, were eventually captured at an interstate rest area in Western Maryland. It was ultimately decided that Fairfax County, Virginia, would have the first opportunity to try one of the murders, despite the fact that Maryland had more cases.

• It was felt that the case in Fairfax was the strongest case.
• The Fairfax County homicide was the ninth in the Washington, D.C.
• Area series and the third homicide in Virginia.
• A conviction for murder was secured in this case against Malvo, resulting in a life sentence.
• Muhammad was tried next for Capital Murder in a case that occurred in Prince William County, Virginia, which resulted in a death sentence.

Malvo, pursuant to a plea agreement, then plead guilty to one count of murder and one attempted murder in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and was sentenced to life without parole. Prosecutors in Montgomery County, Maryland, subsequently tried and convicted Muhammad on six counts of murder, and he was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences, without the possibility of parole.

Malvo plead guilty and testified against Muhammad. During these trials, Malvo confessed to four other shootings in California, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. It is unknown whether these or several other jurisdictions, including Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, and Washington State plan to prosecute Muhammad and Malvo,

IX. Media Issues in Serial Murder Investigations Serial murder cases are inherently newsworthy. Some investigations last for years. Many attract attention because of the type of victims involved, and in others the serial killers themselves are media-attractive.

Media attention is exacerbated by the insatiable demands of the twenty-four-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week news reporting industry. The constant news attention on the investigation inevitably results in conflicts with law enforcement. Often the relationship between law enforcement and the media is not a close one.

In some law enforcement agencies, there is a long history of distrust and resentment underpinning this relationship. From the law enforcement perspective, the media publishes unauthorized information from investigations, hypothesizes on investigative progress, and uses talking heads to critique the investigative efforts.

From the media’s standpoint, law enforcement withholds too much information and does not communicate adequately with the media. It is counterproductive for law enforcement to sustain contentious relationships with the media, while attempting to develop an overall strategy for a successful serial murder investigation.

The only party who benefits from this negative relationship is the serial murderer, who may continue to avoid detection. A respectful, cooperative relationship between law enforcement and the media will serve the missions of both. It becomes essential for law enforcement personnel involved in a serial murder investigation to design and implement an effective media plan.

1. The plan should provide timely information on a regular basis, without compromising the investigative endeavors.
2. It is essential for media releases to be closely coordinated with investigative strategies.
3. This helps determine the best times to both educate and solicit information from the public concerning certain aspects of the investigation.

Once a media plan is established, law enforcement can be more proactive than reactive in its media strategy. Symposium attendees provided a number of suggestions regarding media issues: • Identify one spokesperson as the Public Information Officer (PIO), to speak on behalf of the investigation.

This person would, in conjunction with other members of the investigative effort, prepare releases, make statements, and update the media on behalf of all involved jurisdictions, including forensic laboratories and medical examiners’ offices. To eliminate confusion and controversy, MOUs should include an agreement regarding the designation of a single PIO in multi-jurisdictional, serial murder investigations.

• The role of the PIO is extremely demanding and time consuming, and they should not be assigned any additional investigative responsibilities. In addition, the PIO should have limited access to sensitive case facts. This will help minimize the possibility of critical information being inadvertently released to the media.

1. The PIO must be aware that any verbal comments they make to augment information in the written press release can negate the strategy of the written press release.
2. Any verbal comments made in conjunction with written press releases should be coordinated and rehearsed with the lead investigator(s), prior to the release.

• Press releases can be designed around several purposes: to announce a development in the case; to provide public safety information; to educate the public; to solicit information from the community; to provide behavioral information about the offender; to correct misinformation about the case; or to encourage someone who may know the offender to come forward.

Press releases should always have very specific objectives. New releases should be reviewed by lead investigators and management, prior to dissemination. Investigators should consult with proven behavioral experts experienced in serial murder cases, before releasing any behavioral-based offender information.

• Press releases regarding the investigative effort should always have a positive tone. The PIO should continually remind the community that every available resource is being utilized in the investigation. A release can also include statements that discuss the impact of the case on the community, including the nature and scope of the threat to potential victims and the steps being taken by law enforcement to educate the community.

• Inaccurate information distributed by the media regarding a serial murder investigation should be identified and addressed by law enforcement as soon as possible. Such information may include statements made by talking heads solicited by the media. This may require daily monitoring of news broadcasts and print media by investigators, to identify the incorrect statements or misinformation.

• Contact should be made as soon as possible with media outlets to have erroneous information corrected or retracted. If the media outlet will not address the issue, corrective press releases should be quickly disseminated, either verbally or in written form.

Regular meetings with owners and managers of media outlets during the course of a serial murder investigation may help alleviate these issues. • In high profile serial murder cases, the media may attempt to interact with members of the victims’ families. Victims’ families suffer emotionally from their loss and may interact with the media in ways that could negatively impact the case.

A victim’s family’s goals and objectives may not correspond with those of law enforcement. This can be exacerbated when the investigation continues for a long period of time without conclusion. Establishing liaison with each of the victims’ families is the simplest way to counteract this.

• As was discussed previously in the investigative section, a single law enforcement officer should act as a liaison for each of the victims’ families.
• Aside from the traditional liaison role, the officer also educates the family as to the tenacious demands for information by the media and the potential negative consequences that unauthorized releases of information bring to the investigation.

• Law enforcement should be creative in considering non-traditional methods of disseminating information to the public. This is particularly important if the media is editing information disseminated by law enforcement. One suggestion is to create an investigation web page that is updated regularly and provides the public with unedited versions of press releases, regular updates on the status of the investigation, and other information designed to appropriately inform the public.

1. Law enforcement should anticipate the inevitable public reaction resulting from an announcement that the investigation involves a serial killer.
2. Either the media will link the cases and proclaim a serial murderer is operating, or investigators will proactively release the information.
3. The investigative team should be prepared for either situation.

If the media makes the announcement, it is important for law enforcement to respond quickly, so they do not appear unprepared or defensive. If law enforcement plans on making the announcement, the release should be timed to gain an investigative advantage.

• There have been several serial killers who actively communicated with the police or the media.
• In these cases, investigators should consult with behavioral experts to assist with a proactive media strategy.
• Media Strategy Case vignette: The BTK case is an example of how a proactive media strategy contributed to the capture of a serial murderer.

The BTK killer first emerged in 1974 and, over time, killed a total of ten victims. From 1974 until 1988, BTK sent a series of five communications to the media, citizens, and the police in which he not only named himself BTK (Bind them, Torture them, and Kill them) but also claimed credit for killing a number of the victims.

He abruptly stopped communicating in 1988. He re-emerged in 2004 by sending a new communication to the media. The Wichita Police Department formed a task force with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and other agencies. The FBI’s BAU-2 was contacted and provided a proactive media strategy that was utilized throughout the case.

This strategy involved using the lieutenant in charge of the investigation to provide written press releases at critical times, which resulted in 15 press releases during the course of the investigation. BTK provided eleven communications to police and the media during the eleven-month investigation.

• The last communication BTK sent included a computer disk, containing information that eventually identified Dennis Rader as BTK.
• During Rader’s interrogation, he commented positively on the press releases and his perceived relationship with the investigative lieutenant who issued the press statements.X.

Issues Regarding Talking Heads in the Media The public’s interest in serial murder cases makes serial murder an attractive storyline for the media. To further the public’s interest in these cases, the media uses people who are willing to speak as experts on the topic of serial murder and more specifically, individuals willing to comment on the current, featured case.

These commentators are commonly referred to as talking heads, and it appears that there is no shortage of people willing to do this. Individuals utilized by the media to comment on serial murder cases include both experts and pseudoexperts. Experts are identified as academicians, researchers, retired law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, and retired law enforcement profilers who have developed specific knowledge and experience in serial murder investigations.

Pseudoexperts are self-proclaimed profilers and others who profess to have an expertise in serial murder, when, in fact, their experience is limited or non-existent. The media will recruit talking heads, whether true experts or pseudoexperts, to offer their opinions on current cases, when they have no official role in the investigation and no access to any of the intimate facts of the case.

When individuals appear in the media and discuss ongoing cases, they have an enormous potential to negatively influence investigations and may even cause irreversible damage. They often speculate on the motive for the murders and the possible characteristics of the offender. Such statements can misinform the public and may heighten fears in a community.

They may contribute to mistrust and a lack of confidence in law enforcement and, more importantly, may taint potential jury pools. These statements may also impact the behavior of the serial murderer, because it is unlikely that an offender discriminates between a talking head and a law enforcement official actively involved in the case.

• When offenders are challenged by statements or derogatory comments made in the media, they may destroy evidence, or more tragically, react violently.
• Attendees of the Symposium were asked to discuss this issue and offer written comments.
• The following observations were made: • Law enforcement is strongly encouraged to continue its release of information to the public during an investigation, in order to alert the community to a public safety issue or to solicit assistance in the identification and/or capture of an offender.

• There is a difference between law enforcement agencies proactively releasing information about an ongoing case and talking heads who comment on a case in which they have no investigative information. • Members of the media are encouraged to closely examine the credentials of any experts whom they are considering utilizing, to ascertain if the qualifications and experience level they claim is accurate.

When an expert is retained by the media, having the expert’s qualifications listed on a public website would offer the community the opportunity to assess the expert’s authenticity and credibility. • Responsible, retired law enforcement officers, clinicians, academicians, and researchers who are asked to provide statements concerning ongoing cases should refrain from doing so, unless requested by, or with the permission of, the agency who has jurisdictional responsibility over the case.

• Individuals who have developed an expertise in a given field recognize that before an opinion can be rendered, complete and accurate information must be obtained and analyzed. Therefore, it is inappropriate, even for acknowledged experts in serial murder, to offer opinions regarding a specific case based solely upon incomplete and potentially inaccurate information available through the media.

• If responsible professionals are requested to provide statements about ongoing cases, the following guidelines are suggested: • Speak in general terms only.
• Do not comment on the particulars of the current case.
• Do not criticize the investigative efforts.
• Do not misrepresent one’s credentials or experience.

• Provide information to educate the public on the issues involved in serial murder. It was the opinion of the experts at the Symposium that it is not possible to regulate or officially censor comments made by talking heads during serial murder investigations.

However, a policy statement issued by law enforcement to the media would be appropriate, and below is an example of such a statement: The media’s role in reporting the facts of a case is a major public service. However, providing a forum for speculative commentary can be counter-productive and potentially dangerous.

Public comments on an active investigation with incomplete or incorrect information are merely speculation and can seriously jeopardize an ongoing case and place citizens at great risk. Accordingly, we respectfully request that restraint be exercised and comments withheld until after an arrest has been made.

Epilogue We would once again like to recognize the individuals who attended and participated in the Serial Murder Symposium and thank them for their contributions. These individuals are among the world’s most knowledgeable experts on serial murder. Many have been involved for years in the study of serial murder, and they have collectively published dozens of books and articles on a number of diverse topics related to serial murder.

Their publications are recommended for anyone involved in investigating, prosecuting, or studying serial murder. Due in a large part to the efforts of the professionals who attended the Symposium, there has been significant progress over the past few years in understanding serial killers and the crimes they commit.

However, there is still much work to be done. Continued research in the topic areas addressed in this monograph is vital to advancing the knowledge on this important subject. The men and women of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit 2 look forward to continued partnerships in the collaborative efforts to better understand, and subsequently generate a more effective investigative response, to the serial killers that prey upon our citizens.

Appendix A Symposium Agenda San Antonio, Texas August 29 – September 2, 2005 Sponsored by the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, Behavioral Analysis Unit – 2, Crimes Against Adults Monday, August 29, 2005 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m.

• 8:30 a.m.
• Welcome and Introductions SSA Mark A.
• Hilts, Unit Chief, NCAVC, BAU-2 SSA Stephen E.
• Etter, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge NCAVC SA Robert J.
• Morton, NCAVC, BAU-2 8:30 a.m.
• 9:15 a.m.
• Panel: Serial Murder Myths, Scope, Definitions, and Typologies Speakers: SSA Robert J.
• Morton – Myths and urban legends Dr.

Eric Hickey – Terms, definitions, typologies Dr. Tom Petee – Previous studies 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Panel: Pathology/Causality Moderator: Dr. Gregory Saathoff Speakers: Dr. Debra Niehoff – Biological/Neurological perspective Dr. Robert Hare – Psychopathy Dr.

• Jay Corzine – Criminological perspective Dr.
• Wade Myers – Developmental perspective 10:15 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.
• Morning Break 10:30 a.m.
• 11:45 a.m.
• Panel: Evaluation of Known Offenders Moderator: SSA James J.
• McNamara Speakers: Judge Ann Keary Dr.
• Park Dietz Dr.
• Fred Berlin 11:45 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m.
• Lunch on your own 1:00 p.m.

– 3:00 p.m. Case Presentation: Green River Killings Moderator: SSA Mary Ellen O’Toole Det. Jon Mattsen Det. Tom Jensen Mr. Brian McDonald, Esq.3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Break 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Breakout Session #1 5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Breakout Team Leader Meeting Tuesday, August 30, 2005 7:30 a.m.

• 8:00 a.m.
• Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m.
• Panel: Media’s Influence in Serial Murder Investigation Moderator: SSA Mary Ellen O’Toole Speakers: Dr.
• Stephen Gorelick Ms.
• Mary Walsh Chief Pat Englade (retired) Dr.
• Eric Hickey 10:00 a.m.
• 10:30 a.m.
• Morning Break 10:30 a.m.
• 11:45 a.m.
• Panel: Forensics in Serial Murder Cases Moderator: SSA Armin A.

Showalter Speakers: Dr. Tracey Corey Dr. John “Jack” Kenney Dr. Lee Goff Dr. William Rodriguez Dr. William Haglund SSA Douglas Deedrick (retired) UC Thomas F. Callaghan 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on your own 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Case Presentation: Health Care Serial Murder Moderator: MCS Timothy G.

Eel Speakers: Dr. Brian Donnelly SAC Bruce Sackman VA OIG (retired) 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Break 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Breakout Session #2 5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Breakout Team Leader Meeting Wednesday, August 31, 2005 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker – J.

Stephen Tidwell Special Agent in Charge, Critical Incident Response Group 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Panel: Prosecution of Serial Murder Cases Moderator: SSA Mark Safarik Ms. Barbara Corey Mr. Anthony Savage, Esq. Mr. Stephen Kay, Esq.10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break 10:30 a.m.

• 11:45 a.m.
• Case Presentation: Ghana Serial Murder Case Moderator: SSA Gerard F.
• Downes Speakers: Deputy Commissioner David Assante-Apeatu SSA Charles K.
• Dorsey 11:45 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m.
• Lunch on your own 1:00 p.m.
• 3:00 p.m.
• Breakout Session #3 3:00 p.m.
• Early Dismissal (Breakout team leaders briefly meet) 5:00 p.m.

– 8:30 p.m. Research Poster Session with Refreshments & Snacks Thursday, September 1, 2005 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Panel: Task Force and Major Case Management Issues Moderator: MCS Kirk R. Mellecker Speakers: Chief Cal Walker – Long term investigations Major Gary Terry – Problem recognition Mr.

Lloyd Sigler – Major case management Mr. Ken Farnsworth – Multi-jurisdictional issues Mr. Jim Bell – Lead control issues 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break 10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Case Presentation: Resendez Serial Murder Moderator: SSA David T. Resch Speakers: SSA Alan Brantley (retired) Mr. Charles Rosenthal, Esq.

SA Mark Young (retired) 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch on your own 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Case Presentation: Lewis Lent Serial Murder Moderator: SSA Robert J. Morton Speakers: SSA Gerard F. Downes Captain Frank Pace Sr. Investigator John Shultis 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Breakout Session #4 5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Breakout Team Leader Meeting Friday, September 2, 2005 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Summary of Findings/Closing Remarks 9:00 a.m. Checkout and Travel Home Appendix B Serial Murder Symposium Working Group Dr. Kristen R. Beyer Research Coordinator, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Alice E.

Casey Crime Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Maureen Christian Professor of Psychology Marymount University Dr. Dewey Cornell Professor University of Virginia Dr. Jay Corzine Professor and Chair of Sociology and Anthropology University of Central Florida Dr.

Douglas Deedrick Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI Forensic Science Division Metropolitan Police Dept. Washington, DC Gerard F. Downes Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Pamela J. Hairfield Management & Program Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Robert Hare Professor of Psychology Darkstone Research Group University of British Columbia, Canada Dr.

Eric Hickey Professor, Dept. of Criminology California State University, Fresno Mark A. Hilts Unit Chief of BAU-2, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Earl James Captain (Retired) Michigan State Police International Forensic Services, Inc. Lansing, MI Dr. John Jarvis Criminologist, FBI Training & Development Division Tom Jensen Detective King County Sheriff’s Office Kent, WA Chris Johnson Detective Baton Rouge Police Department Timothy G.

Keel Major Case Specialist, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Ken Landwehr Lieutenant Wichita Police Department Dr. Wayne D. Lord Unit Chief of BAU-3, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Steven F. Malkiewicz Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC James J. McNamara Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Kirk R. Mellecker Major Case Specialist, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Robert J.

Morton Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Wade Myers Chief of Division & Adolescent Psychiatry University of South Florida Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC David T. Resch Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.

• Gregory B.
• Saathoff Associate Professor of Research University of Virginia School of Medicine Mark Safarik Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.
• Louis Schlesinger Professor of Forensic Psychology John Jay College of Criminal Justice Armin A.
• Showalter Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Melissa Smrz Section Chief, FBI Laboratory Division Vito Spano Chief Investigator New York State Attorney General’s Office Rhonda L.

Trahern Supervisory Special Agent, ATF CIRG, NCAVC Calvin Walker Chief Spokane Valley Police Department Spokane Valley, WA Dr. Michael Welner Chairman The Forensic Panel New York, NY Wilma B. Wulchak Management & Program Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Appendix C Symposium Attendees Ewa-Marie Aghede Detective Inspector National Criminal Intelligence Service Stockholm, Sweden Larry G.

Ankrom Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI David Asante-Apeatu Deputy Commissioner Ghana Police Service Accra, Ghana James O. Beasley, II Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Jim Bell Former Detective Salt Lake City Police Department Salt Lake City, Utah Dr. Fred S. Berlin Associate Professor Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Johns Hopkins University Daniel G.

Bermingham Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Camille D. Bibles Assistant United States Attorney District of Arizona Steven A. Bongardt Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Alan C. Brantley Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI John A. Brunell Special Agent, FBI Little Rock Field Office Lesley A.

1. Buckles Crime Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.
2. Alexander Bukhanovskiy Professor Roston State Medical University Roston-on-Don, Russia Dr.
3. Ann Burgess Professor Boston College of Nursing Alice E.
4. Casey Crime Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.
5. Maureen Christian Professor of Psychology Marymount University Dr. Peter I.

Collins Forensic Psychiatrist Ontario Provincial Police Orillia, Ontario, Canada Mary B. Collins-Morton Special Agent, FBI Washington Field Office Barbara Corey Attorney at Law Tacoma, WA Dr. Tracey Corey Chief Medical Examiner Office of Chief Medical Examiner Louisville, KY Dr.

Jay Corzine Professor & Chair of Sociology & Anthropology University of Central Florida Mike Crooke Chief Cumberland Police Department Cumberland, IN Leslie D’Ambrosia Special Agent Florida Department of Law Enforcement Keith Davidson Inspector Royal Canadian Mounted Police Surrey, British Columbia, Canada Dr.

Harold Deadman Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI Dr. Douglas Deedrick Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI Forensic Science Division Metropolitan Police Department Washington, DC Dr. Park Dietz Park Dietz & Associates, Inc. Newport Beach, CA William H.

Donaldson Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Brian Donnelly Special Agent, FBI New Haven Field Office Charles K. Dorsey Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Gerard F. Downes Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Steven A. Egger Professor University of Houston at Clearlake Pat Englade Chief of Police (Retired) Baton Rouge Police Department Stephen E.

Etter Unit Chief of BAU-1, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Kenneth Farnsworth Chief Investigator Utah Attorney General’s Office Dr. Adelle E. Forth Professor of Psychology Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Dr. James Alan Fox Professor Northeastern University Laurie R.

• Gibbs Special Agent, FBI Dallas Field Office Dr.M.
• Lee Goff Professor of Criminal Justice Chaminade University of Honolulu Paul Goodman Investigator Colorado Attorney General Office Dr.
• Stephen Gorelick Vice President for Institutional Advancement The CUNY Graduate Center Adam Gregory Behavioral Investigative Advisor National Crime & Operations Facility Bramshill Hook, Hampshire, United Kingdom Dr.

William Haglund Director International Forensic Program Shoreline, WA Pamela J. Hairfield Management & Program Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Robert Hare Professor of Psychology University of British Columbia Darkstone Research Group Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Robert R.

(Roy) Hazelwood Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI John J. Hess Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Eric Hickey Professor Department of Criminology California State University, Fresno Mark A. Hilts Unit Chief of BAU-2, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Tia A. Hoffer Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Alexander Horn Kriminalhauptkommissar OFA Bayern Munich City Police Department Munich, Germany Dr.

Lin Huff-Corzine Professor University of Central Florida Kris Illingsworth Detective Sergeant New Wales Police Headquarters Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia Rick Jackson Detective Los Angeles Police Department Dr. Earl James Captain (Retired), Michigan State Police International Forensic Services, Inc.

• Lansing, MI Dr. John P.
• Jarvis Criminologist, FBI Training Division Rick Jenkins Captain, Division Commander Virginia State Police Culpeper, VA Tom Jensen Detective King County Sheriff’s Office Kent, WA Leonard G.
• Johns Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Chris Johnson Detective Baton Rouge Police Department Stephen Kay Deputy District Attorney Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office The Honorable Ann Keary Judge Washington, DC Superior Court Timothy G.

Keel Major Case Specialist, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. John Kenney Forensic Odontologist DuPage County Coroner’s Office Park Ridge, IL Robert H. Kosky, Jr. Unit Chief of BAU-3, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Gretchen Witte Kraemer Assistant Attorney General State of Iowa Dr.

Gerard Labuschagne Commander South Africa Police Service Pretoria, South Africa Ken Landwehr Lieutenant Wichita Police Department Jennifer A. Leonard Supervisory Special Agent, FBI FBIHQ, Washington, DC Marianna Leshinskie Interpreter, FBI New York Field Office Dr. Jack Levin Professor of Criminal Justice Northeastern University Robert G.

Lowery, Jr. Commander Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad Dr. Carl Malmquist Professor University of Minnesota Colonel Rick Malone, M.D. Chief of Forensic Psychiatry Walter Reed Army Medical Center R. Stephen Mardigian Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI John Martin Sergeant Texas Rangers San Antonio, Texas Jon Mattsen Detective King County Sheriff’s Office Kent, WA Brian M.

1. McDonald Deputy Prosecuting Attorney King County Seattle, WA James J.
2. McNamara Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Michael Medaris Senior Policy Advisor U.S.
3. Department of Justice Kirk R.
4. Mellecker Major Case Specialist, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.J.
5. Reid Meloy Associate Professor Department of Psychiatry University of California, San Diego Frank Merriman Lieutenant (Retired) Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Homicide Bureau Thomas Monahan Lieutenant Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Paul Morrison District Attorney District Attorney’s Office Olathe, KS Robert J.

Morton Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Wade Myers Chief of Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University of South Florida Mike Napier Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI Thomas M. Neer Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.

1. Debra Niehoff Neurobiologist Biotext Newtown, PA Dr.
2. Mary Ellen O’Toole Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Frank Pace Captain New York State Police Loudonville, NY John Perry Special Agent Virginia State Police Roanoke, VA Dr.
3. Tom Petee Professor Auburn University Pat Postiglione Sergeant Nashville Metropolitan Police Department Patricia Prezioso Assistant Attorney General Division of Criminal Justice Trenton, NJ Mark W.

Prothero Attorney at Law Hanis Greaney Law, PLLC Kent, WA Dr. John T. Rago Professor of Law Duquesne University Lee Rainbow Senior Behavioural Investigative Advisor National Crime & Operations Faculty Bramshill Hook, Hampshire, United Kingdom David T. Resch Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.D.

Im Rossmo Department of Criminal Justice Texas State University Dr. Gregory B. Saathoff Associate Professor of Research University of Virginia, School of Medicine Bruce Sachman Special Agent in Charge (Retired), OIG Veteran’s Administration New York, NY Mark Safarik Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr.

Gabreille Salfati Professor John Jay College of Criminal Justice Christina Schaub Crime Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Carlo Schippers Captain Dutch National Police Agency The Netherlands Dr. Louis Schlesinger Professor of Forensic Psychology John Jay College of Criminal Justice Armin A.

• Showalter Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC John H.
• Shultis Senior Investigator New York State Police Latham, NY Lloyd Sigler Supervisory Special Agent (Retired), FBI Howard Smith Sheriff Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Spotsylvania, VA Melissa Smrz Section Chief, FBI Laboratory Division Vito Spano Chief Investigator New York State Attorney General’s Office Faye Springer Senior Criminalist Sacramento County Forensic Services Laboratory Jayne M.

Stairs Crime Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Suzanne D. Stiltner Crime Analyst, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Dr. Michael Stone Professor of Clinical Psychiatry Columbia University Dirk Tarpley Special Agent, FBI Kansas City Field Office Ron Thill Investigator San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Melissa L.

Thomas Supervisory Special Agent, FBI CIRG, NCAVC Roger Thomson Sergeant Montgomery County Police Department Rockville, MD Rhonda L. Trahern Supervisory Special Agent, ATF CIRG, NCAVC Ronald Tunkel Supervisory Special Agent, ATF CIRG, NCAVC James Van Allen Detective Sergeant Ontario Provincial Police Orillia, Ontario Eva von Vogelsang Detective Inspector National Criminal Intelligence Department Stockholm, Sweden Calvin Walker Chief Spokane Valley Police Department Spokane Valley, WA Mary E.

Walsh Producer CBS News Washington, DC Dr. Michael Welner Chairman The Forensic Panel New York, NY Arthur E. Westveer, Jr. Assistant Professor Virginia Commonwealth University Jeannine Willie Assistant Manager California Department of Justice Missing Persons DNA Program Sacramento, CA Glenn Woods Superintendent Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ottawa, Ontario Canada Wilma B.

Do serial killers know they are wrong?

What causes someone to become a serial killer? It’s a malignant combination of factors, experts say

• Editor’s Note: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence.
• For decades, criminologists and true crime documentaries have attempted to understand what causes serial killers to commit the atrocities they do.
• Dennis Rader, John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert DeSalvo and Ted Bundy are just a few of more than 3,600 serial killers documented in the United States as of 2020,,

Most recently, Rex Heuermann, a 59-year-old New York architect, was arrested and of three of the “Gilgo Four,” a group of four women whose remains were found along a short stretch of Long Island’s Gilgo Beach in 2010. Heuermann, who told his attorney he’s not the killer and pleaded not guilty, is also the prime suspect in the killing of the fourth woman but has yet to be charged in that case.

1. on Long Island’s South Shore after the search for one of the missing women led investigators to find at least 10 sets of human remains in addition to hers and launched the hunt for a As yet, police haven’t linked Heuermann to the eight other human remains.
2. The have once again raised the question: How could someone do such a thing?
3. CNN spoke with three forensic psychologists and serial killer experts to better understand what causes people to become serial killers.
4. The conversations have been edited for length and clarity.

Dr. Scott Bonn, criminologist, author and public speaker: It’s likely a combination of the two. Psychopaths are born that way, while sociopaths have been socialized into it. There’s a spectrum, it’s not black and white, and there are multiple factors. Dr.

Louis Schlesinger, professor of forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice: It’s unknown. But there’s a very strong neurobiological component to serial sexual murder because the sexual instinct is biologically determined. Dr. Katherine Ramsland, professor of forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University: If you study one case, you can identify the influences, but you can’t generalize from that one to all others.

You might find some things in common across many cases, such as abuse or head injuries, but it won’t be true of all serial killers. Scott Bonn: The way that you know that there’s a serial killer is because they leave consistent markings, consistent evidence that you’re dealing with the same individual. Louis Schlesinger: If you look at serial sexual murderers, they very often do things with the body above and beyond what is necessary to kill the person, like leaving the victim in a degrading position with their legs spread open with things shoved in or that type of thing.

Why did they do that? And the answer is because killing alone is not psychosexually sufficient. So, they have to go above and beyond killing to gratify themselves. Katherine Ramsland: There is a great deal of variation in this population, from a range of motives, backgrounds, ages and behaviors, to differences in physiology, sex, mental state and perceptions that influence reasoning and decisions.

Each person uniquely processes a given situation in their lives, and some gravitate toward violence. This can be defensive violence or aggressive, psychotic or psychopathic, reactive or predatory, to name some possibilities. Any factor – abuse, neglect, deviance, bullying – might have different influences on different people, and new experiences can modify perceptions positively or negatively.

Scott Bonn: There can be a correlation between childhood trauma, but it’s not enough to turn somebody into a serial killer. It’s numerous factors that become a perfect storm that turn a person into a serial killer. Louis Schlesinger: Most people want to search for a watershed event in somebody’s life that will explain this behavior.

“It’s human nature, it’s a natural tendency, he did it because his mother abused them. He did it because this traumatic event happened.” But you’re not going to find it. Poor parenting and childhood trauma, that never helps. But those, in and of themselves, are not dispositive for creating somebody who’s going out and killing for sexual gratification in a series.

• Thousands of people have had horrible childhoods.
• They don’t go around killing people in a series.
• Scott Bonn : Not all psychopaths are serial killers, and not all serial killers are psychopaths.
• Being a psychopath alone does not make one a serial killer.
• Something else has to happen.
• In the case (of a serial killer who) is a psychopath, their brain functions differently than a normal human brain.

They process stimuli differently. In particular, the frontal lobe of the brain is where impulses are controlled. The thing that keeps you from just acting out on your initial knee jerk reaction and from just acting impulsively. Psychopaths have virtually no impulse control.

Many psychopaths function incredibly well and highly in society because they’re very driven, motivated individuals, goal oriented. They are described as very organized, very persuasive, very patient. These are characteristics that make a great architect or a great salesman, but they’re also perfect attributes if you want to be a psychopathic killer.

Louis Schlesinger: The American people want their serial sexual murderers to be evil geniuses with IQs of 180 that speak five languages. Nothing could be further from the truth. The vast majority are unskilled, unemployed, menial work type people. Bundy is an outlier.

Scott Bonn: The sexual urges, sexuality and arousal became intertwined and twisted with harming things and sadism and blood and an obsession with hurting and death. When that happens, it sets off a trajectory that leads one to become a sexual sadist. This doesn’t happen overnight. No one wakes up one morning and says, “Today is a great day to become a serial killer.” What happens is these impulses begin to take off in right around adolescence, perhaps even earlier, 11 or 12 years old.

It becomes like a fantasy loop that plays over and over in their minds throughout adolescence and into early adulthood. They frequently combine it with masturbation, so they fantasize about doing terrible things to people, bondage and raping and killing, and they become sexually aroused. Louis Schlesinger: Many people, not serial killers, regular people, have sexual fantasies that they keep to themselves. The question then is, if there’s a large number of people with very deviant sexual fantasies getting arousal, for example, from inflicting pain on others, torturing, why does a small number act out? We don’t know.

But what seems to happen is there’s a trigger, a loss of some type, which begins the acting out. Loss of a job, loss of a relationship are the two things that tend to trigger it in men. And, incidentally, this is a male situation. There’s no female serial sexual murderers. Louis Schlesinger: There’s a world of difference between someone who’s doing this for sexual gratification, like Ted Bundy, BTK, the Boston Strangler, Jack the Ripper – those are serial sexual murderers.

A serial killer generically means somebody who killed in a series. They could be contract killers, health care people like nurses that killed patients. You go into any state prison, you’re going to find a number of people in their criminal career that may have killed two to three people.

• Scott Bonn: Serial killers are not one size fits all.
• They fall into different categories, based upon the fantasy psychological need that is served by killing.
• The public often misunderstands, and I think comes to an erroneous conclusion that it’s all sex.
• Sometimes it’s about power, domination and control.

And just like the crime of rape, it may be a sexual activity, but it’s really about domination, power and control. Katherine Ramsland: What defines a serial killer is a specific behavior: having killed two or more victims in at least two incidents. We see behaviors common to certain subsets, but to lump all offenders who’ve committed two or more murders oversimplifies them.

1. Childhood abuse is number one that has very low predictive ability, but it’s in the background of almost all serial sexual murders to one degree or another.
2. Inappropriate maternal sexual conduct. Boys need to see their mothers as asexual. When an adolescent boy sees his mother behaving sexually, it’s very, very destabilizing.
3. Pathological lying and manipulation.
4. Sadistic fantasy with a compulsion to act.
5. Animal cruelty, particularly toward cats, because cat is a female symbol.
6. The need to control and dominate others is another one.
7. Repetitive fire setting.
8. Voyeurism, fetishes and sexual burglaries, sexually motivated burglary.
9. Unprovoked attacks on females, associated with generalized misogynist emotions.
10. Evidence of ritualistic or signature behavior.

Scott Bonn: Serial killers who may be psychopaths or sociopaths have antisocial personality disorders for which there is no cure. They know right from wrong, they just don’t care. Society’s laws and our morality mean nothing to them. That’s why serial killers almost never are able to use the insanity defense when they go to trial, because they’re not clinically or legally insane. Louis Schlesinger: They know what they’re doing is wrong. Do they feel remorse or guilt? I’m gonna say generally, no. When you cover up the crime scene, when you use burner phones to cover your tracks, that shows you have consciousness of guilt and an awareness of the wrongfulness of your behavior.

So, when you go to court, there is no basis for a jury to find you legally insane. You can have all kinds of psychological disturbance. Now, these people are not normal, obviously. But they’re not legally insane. Keep in mind what I always say, this is not physics, there’s no formula to apply to all these cases.

For example, William Heirens, back in the 1940s, he was famous for writing on the bathroom walls of his victims: “Catch me before I kill more. I cannot help myself.” He killed victims and then he put bandages on them. Did he try to undo it in his mind? In overwhelming cases, no, they don’t feel guilt, but Heirens’ behavior speaks to how this is more complicated than yes or no.

Scott Bonn: With most serial killers, the signs are going to be very subtle, because the problem is the Ted Bundys of the world, the John Wayne Gacys, the Dennis Raders blend into society so easily because they’re chameleons. They have this ability to flip a switch and go from family man to sadistic killer with literally the flip of a switch.

Because what they do is called psychological compartmentalization. Compartmentalization is the ability to completely separate aspects of your life that seem contradicting. You know, Dennis Rader (known as the BTK killer) was a member of the Lutheran Church, president of the church council, Boy Scout leader, successful father and respected man about town who also happened to be one of the most sadistic, horrible serial killers of the 20th century.

So how can those two things coexist? It’s through this process of compartmentalization, where they are able to completely separate it. So there’s no contradiction, he suffers no ambiguity, no cognitive dissonance as a result. To him it’s just two completely different things. Katherine Ramsland: He’s not convicted, so we can’t say at this time that he’s a serial killer.

Just because the victims are sex workers doesn’t mean the motivation was sexual. In the legal papers, there’s a suggestion that one incident was about revenge for being scammed. If the murders sexually excited him and that’s why he did it, then it’s serial sexual homicide. Scott Bonn: As soon as I heard that (the killer) was carefully disposing of bodies in a very isolated, desolate area on Long Island, it’s difficult to get to, and he was meticulously dismembering the bodies and wrapping them up in burlap sacks, tying them up tightly and neatly and depositing them out there, I knew based upon past cases that this was going to be a very organized, meticulous, unemotional individual who was a planner, sophisticated, probably professional, probably very articulate and persuasive, and lived in that vicinity, because he had to know it intimately.

What do serial killers lack in their brain?

Our study found that affective murderers lacked the prefrontal functioning that can control aggressive impulses.

Is 136 a good IQ?

IQ tests can measure language, processing, memory, and reasoning. Your score tends to remain consistent from childhood to adulthood. IQ stands for intelligence quotient. IQ tests are tools to measure intellectual abilities and potential. They’re designed to reflect a wide range of cognitive skills, such as reasoning, logic, and problem-solving.

1. It’s a test of intelligence, something you’re largely born with.
2. It’s not a test of knowledge, which represents what you learn through education or life experience.
3. To know your IQ, you take a standardized test in the presence of a trained professional.
4. IQ tests you find online might be entertaining, but the results aren’t valid.

It’s also important to understand that your IQ score doesn’t exist in isolation. The number actually represents how your results compare to those of other people your age. A score of 116 or more is considered above average, A score of 130 or higher signals a high IQ.

Membership in Mensa, the High IQ society, includes people who score in the top 2 percent, which is usually 132 or higher. Keep reading as we explore more about high IQ, what it means, and what it doesn’t mean. IQ tests have gone through significant changes through the decades to correct for racial, gender, and social biases, as well as cultural norms.

Today, there are several versions in use. They may have different methods of scoring, but they all use 100 as the average. IQ scores follow a bell curve. The very peak of the bell represents the average score of 100. Lower scores are represented on one slope of the bell while higher scores are represented on the other.

What is a normal IQ?

The average intelligence quotient (IQ) is between 85 and 115. But this number can vary between countries, states, and even geographical regions. IQ stands for “intelligence quotient” and is a standard of measurement used to assess a person’s mental aptitude compared to a group of their peers.

In general, an IQ score is defined with a median and mean of 100. Scores above 130 are labeled as above average or “very superior,” while scores under 70 would be considered below average or labeled as “borderline impaired.” Most people have an average IQ between 85 and 115. Overall, about 98% of people have a score below 130.

Only 2% of the population score above that and are considered above average. But your IQ score isn’t simply about bragging rights. Knowing IQ can help guide a child into beneficial learning programs, pinpoint developmental challenges, and provide insight into global wellness patterns.

For example, clusters of low IQ can mean more than inherited cognitive features. They may indicate regions in need of education or resources. According to 2019’s The Intelligence of the Nations report, the average IQ in the United States is 97.43, This number was calculated using multiple versions of IQ tests as well as detailed sample data regarding socioeconomic and environmental factors.

Updated state IQ rankings were published in 2022, These were derived from National Assessment of Educational Progress (NEAP) reading and math scores, calculated along with literary and numeracy scores from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).

Alabama: 96.4Alaska: 99.4Arizona: 98.3Arkansas: 97.1California: 97.1Colorado: 101.1Connecticut: 101.2Delaware: 98.7Florida: 98.8Georgia: 98.1Hawaii: 99.2Idaho: 100.5Illinois: 99.4Indiana: 100.6Iowa: 101.1Kansas: 100.5Kentucky: 98.8Louisiana: 95.2Maine: 100.9Maryland: 100Massachusetts: 103.1Michigan: 99.6Minnesota: 102.9Mississippi: 95.8Missouri: 99.5Montana: 101.1Nebraska: 101.2Nevada: 96.6New Hampshire: 103.2New Jersey: 101.0New Mexico: 95.0New York: 98.4North Carolina: 99.5North Dakota: 101.7Ohio: 100.0Oklahoma: 98.2Oregon: 100.3Pennsylvania: 100.2Rhode Island: 99.4South Carolina: 97.8South Dakota: 100.7Tennessee: 98.3Texas: 97.4Utah: 101.5Vermont: 102.2Virginia: 101.2Washington: 101.5West Virginia: 97.2Wisconsin: 101.2Wyoming: 101.7

Keep in mind that these are average scores taken over an entire population, and no state is above or below average in terms of IQ. A 2010 study looking into IQ and educational attainment scores for 108 nations found that the average IQ across the global sample was 89,

Colombia: 83.13Egypt: 76.32Finland: 101.20Germany: 100.74India: 76.24Mexico: 87.73Netherlands: 100.74Poland: 92.87Spain: 93.90United Kingdom: 99.12

It’s crucial to note that intelligence tests can be misinterpreted and culturally biased. Additionally, different countries have different ideas of what intelligence is and how it’s measured. Telling someone you scored 102 on your IQ test means very little unless they know which test you took and what the parameters were.

According to Mensa International, scoring 142 or more on a Stanford-Binet test could be just as good as scoring 148 and above on a Cattell equivalent. At their beginning, IQ tests compared your mental age to your chronological age and multiplied that ratio by 100. A mental age higher than your chronological age would result in a number over 100, for example, while a mental age lower than your chronological age would result in a number under 100.

Most modern IQ tests still use the number “100” as a baseline, but the statistical variations used to achieve your final number may differ depending on the testing model used. Using a battery of ability questions, these tests include questions related to reasoning, non-verbal organization, comprehension, working memory, and processing speed, among others.

The necessity of IQ testing is controversial, particularly because intelligence measurements can be misinterpreted and used as a means to stigmatize marginalized groups. Few people are aware that the average IQ factors in much more than someone’s ability to perform in the classroom. From a population standpoint, it can factor in everything from sexuality and crime rate to climate and population health.

Many scientists advocate for the use of IQ as an important tool to help understand human psychology and physiology.

What serial killer has an IQ of 170?

RODNEY ALCALA – Rodney Alcala, public domain R odney James Alcala is an American serial killer who was active between 1968 and 1979. The “Dating Game Killer,” who was responsible for at least five deaths and possibly 100s. He worked as a freelance photographer and graduated from both UCLA and NYU.

Are serial killers born evil?

Attributions – Childhood abuse, traumatic experiences, and parental brutality can significantly shape an individual’s personality during childhood (Raine, 2008). It is critical to underline a huge connection between childhood abuse and criminal conduct (Haggerty & Ellerbrok, 2011).

On the other hand, not all tormented and abused kids become serial killers, and not all serial killers were victims of childhood abuse. Be that as it may, there does appear to be a relationship between profound traumatic issues and later criminal conduct. This correlation seems to be a reality, although in varying degrees across criminals.

Another perspective emphasizes a genetic aspect to this severe form of antisocial behavior. Dr. Berit Brogaard (2018) published an article titled: “Do Serial Killers Have a Genetic Disposition?” In this article, she explained that the majority “of the most productive and risky serial killers were genetically disposed to behave anti-socially.” The authors of more recent studies (Turner, Anderson, Widdows, Nyalakanti, Harenski, Harenski, Koenigs, Decety & Kiehl, 2020) have reported that brain scans of serial killers have revealed poor neural connectivity in regions of the brain that control emotional outbursts and violent feelings.

Incidentally, studies propose that while some serial killers may exhibit unusual brain activities, which may force them to carry out crimes, there is no evidence that a different brain form or abnormality would bring about a violent individual or killer (Brogaard, 2018) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) profiler Jim Clemente, when talking about serial killers, has declared that “genetics loads the gun, their personality and psychology aim it, and their experiences pull the trigger” (FBI, 2021).

It is in all likelihood the case that a mix of genetic qualities and life experiences may expand an individual’s inclination to turn into a serial killer. As such, genetics, environment, trauma, and personality are different variables that collectively drive serial killer conduct.

How many female serial killers are there?

It is estimated that there have been over 400 female serial killers throughout history with an average age at arrest being 33 years old and African Americans accounting for 20%.

Do serial killers always have childhood trauma?

Genetics and the Making of a Serial Killer – Although one of the main causes of creating a serial killer is childhood and environment, another element goes into creating a killer: genetics. The majority of well-known killers report some form of abuse in their early life, but for the few that do not deal with a traumatic childhood you have to wonder what causes their violent and psychopathic tendencies.

A study led by Minnesota Professor Thomas Joseph Bouchard has shown that psychopathy is 60% inheritable This statistic shows that psychopathic tendencies are due more to DNA than upbringing (Berit Brogaard, 2018). In 1993, Dutch Professor Han Brunner discovered a MAOA gene mutation, now better known as the “Serial Killer Gene”.

MAOA (Monoamine-oxidase-A) is the gene that is responsible for breaking down molecules, specifically the neurotransmitters serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. When someone has a MAOA mutation, these neurotransmitters can build up in the brain, making it harder for someone to control impulses.

• Having this gene can lead to aggressive or violent outbursts, which is the reason it has been give the nickname “Serial Killer Gene” or “Warrior Gene” (Stieg, 2019).
• This gene has been associated with various psychiatric disorders.
• Jeffrey Dahmer is just one of the well-known killers who had a somewhat normal upbringing.

He was often described as a very energetic and joyful child until he underwent a surgery to correct a double hernia at the age of 4. Following the surgery, he became increasingly withdrawn and by his early teens he was detached, tense and largely unpopular.

• He claims that by the age of 14, his compulsions toward necrophilia and murder began.
• His childhood upbringing was classified as “normal” meaning that his violent and psychopathic tendencies are purely genetic/mental.
• When looking into male serial killers it was found that majority of male serial killers have much higher levels of testosterone in their body than the average man.

It has been found that when testosterone levels are high and serotonin levels are low, it tends to lead to increased aggression and sadistic behaviour (Scott, 2000). Of course, we are all capable of being aggressive, of containing unimaginable aggressive fantasies of torture, sadism and murder, but we are not all serial killers.

Who is most likely to commit a crime?

Sex and biology – Crime occurs most frequently during the second and third decades of life. Males commit more crime overall and more violent crime than females. They commit more property crime except shoplifting, which is about equally distributed between the genders. Males appear to be more likely to reoffend,

Why do people commit crime psychology?

Law and Crime The question of why people choose to commit crimes—often in the face of severe consequences—is at the root of criminal psychology, a branch of study that focuses on the intentions and behaviors of those who plan and carry out criminal acts. Criminal psychology does more than provide a glimpse into a criminal’s psyche. It also plays a role in how the law is applied. In the courtroom, legal practitioners require a grasp of defendants’ motivations and actions in order to render fair judgment.

1. Forensic psychologists, as well as other mental health professionals, are often called upon to help clinically evaluate the mental states of people who break the law.
2. Psychology plays a role in police work as well.
3. Criminal profilers—who aim to determine likely suspects through a mix of crime-scene analysis, investigative psychology, and other behavioral sciences—are often forensic psychologists or criminal anthropologists.

Law enforcement agencies often rely on these experts to get inside the head of a potential culprit by identifying the perpetrator’s likely, lifestyle habits, and quirks. What does a criminal psychologist do? Criminal psychologists study the behaviors and motivations of criminals.

• As such, they may conduct research to determine why crimes occur, consult with police departments to identify suspects, or provide expert testimony in court cases.
• Criminal psychologists may also engage in criminal profiling.
• Why is criminal psychology important? Criminal psychology findings may help identify suspects, potentially allowing authorities to prevent future crime or On a larger scale, understanding what motivates criminals to break the law—whether poverty, personality, or otherwise—is necessary for creating the societal conditions that may allow them to stop.

How do the police use psychology to identify suspects? For many routine crimes, police primarily rely on physical evidence and witness interviews to identify suspects. For more severe crimes or when evidence is lacking, they may use, a tool that incorporates research on personality,, antisocial behavior, and other factors to create a “profile” of the offender to aid in the search. Exactly why people commit crimes, and what could deter them from doing so in the future, is of great interest to psychologists and law enforcement officers alike. So far, extensive research points to a complex mix of, personality, life circumstances, and environmental factors.

Psychologists also undertake research—often working with individuals who have committed crimes or are the victims of crimes—to understand how criminals choose victims, whether it’s possible to protect oneself from certain types of crime, and what legal professionals and policymakers can do to stop crimes before they occur.

Why do people commit crimes?

But though great progress has been made in understanding the criminal psyche, there’s much that remains unknown about certain criminals’ motivations, as well as an element of randomness in who is victimized and who isn’t. What causes a person to commit crimes? Some individuals commit crimes out of necessity; others are driven by, rejection of authority, a manipulative personality, or,

While stereotypes that all mentally ill people are prone to crime is not accurate, there are instances where mental illness—such as,, or severe —could influence someone to break the law. How do criminals choose victims? There is some evidence suggesting that, at least in part, based on how they look or move.

One study, for instance, found that criminals were more likely to label someone a potential victim if they appeared noticeably different from those around them or was moving in distracted, unusual ways. How can you prevent being the victim of a violent crime? Basic safety tips—like paying to one’s surroundings and staying in well-lit areas whenever possible—can help someone, Psychological and findings have had a significant influence on the legal system, particularly since the beginning of the 20th century. Among significant changes include the push towards deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, which coincided with the development of more advanced psychiatric medications and a greater understanding of the causes and potential treatments for mental disorders.

In addition, the decriminalization of in the U.S. was likely significantly influenced by the growing psychological acceptance that homosexuality—and more recently, being —are not mental disorders. In addition, legal professionals—including lawyers, police officers, and judges—now regularly consult with psychologists to assess defendants’ state of mind and provide treatment if necessary.

This branch of psychology, known as, has grown exponentially in recent years. How are psychology and the law related? both examine human behavior—the first seeks to understand it, and the second seeks to regulate it where necessary. Psychologists study people’s needs and desires, why they follow laws, and how they understand fairness and justice—and these findings, in turn, can help policymakers write laws that are in the public interest.

• Why do most people obey the law? They may be deterred by possible consequences, see the law as a legitimate authority, so as to better coordinate with others around them and society at large, or they may do it to signal their beliefs or,
• For most law-abiding people, their reasoning is likely a combination of the above factors.

Can psychological research cause laws to be changed? Yes, though such changes rarely happen quickly. One recent example is, This law was directly tied to psychological and neurological research on the developing brain that highlighted the need for children—and in particular—to get more sleep.

1. How do lawyers make use of psychology? Lawyers may use psychological findings to aid in jury selection, selecting jurors whose personalities or backgrounds make them well suited to assess the case in favor of the lawyer’s client.
2. Lawyers may also seek psychological assessments to argue that a client is legally insane.

To learn more, visit the page. Can eyewitness recollection always be trusted? Though is often a key element of criminal trials, psychology has consistently demonstrated that it cannot always be relied on. Eyewitnesses may misremember key details—or even,

Despite this, a seemingly credible witness can be highly persuasive; thus, legal professionals continue to use them, particularly when other evidence is lacking. Why might a witness remember something that didn’t happen? is imperfect even in the best of circumstances., like other memories, tend to become shorter, less detailed, and biased toward what the witness thought they saw, rather than what they actually saw.

While some eyewitness memories are merely inaccurate, others may be altogether false, as psychological researchers like Elizabeth Loftus have Once-forgotten memories that are “recovered” play a complicated role in the legal system. in certain locations.

• However, because can be implanted and it’s often difficult to distinguish true memories from false ones without corroborating evidence, it’s rare for charges to be filed based on them alone.
• How is mental illness treated in the legal system? the right to object to treatment (with some exceptions, such as when the individual has committed a violent act).

It also limits involuntary hospitalization only to cases where the patient is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. But though great strides have been made since the days of institutions and demonization of the mentally ill, the legal system still has a ways to go.

How can the families of the mentally ill seek help from the legal system? Families of the mentally ill can seek involuntary hospitalizations if they can show that there is immediate danger to the individual or others. Barring that, however, there may be little they can do to legally intervene in their care.

Family members may wish to connect with a for guidance and assistance. What are some concerns about the ways mentally ill individuals may be treated by law enforcement? Does anti- training for police officers work? Anti-bias training has received significant attention in recent years, especially as concerns about racial biases in policing have grown.

However, there is ; indeed, some researchers have found that certain kinds of bias training may actually increase bias in daily life. A new book by Harold Schechter shows a history of crime through murder-related items that have long fascinated us. Some people are particularly bad, while a select few are unusually good at recognizing faces, even when they have not seen someone in many years Some people are particularly bad, while a select few are unusually good at recognizing faces, even when they have not seen someone in many years Technology is neither inherently good nor inherently bad.

Yet, social media has disrupted modern societies in many ways, some of them harmful. Technology is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. Yet, social media has disrupted modern societies in many ways, some of them harmful. Confusion of the sources of evidence can plague the criminal justice system.

1. Historical examples outside the forensic realm can shed light on the psychology of this problem.
2. Hurricanes are understood through their damage paths; similarly, crimes linked to serial killers reveal much about the offenders.
3. By conflating pessimism for optimism, law students were found to possess strong coping skills, while research has long reflected the opposite.

Women represent approximately 7% of the U.S. correctional population. Are we doing enough to prepare them for community reentry? Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. : Law and Crime

Who is the main person to commit a crime?

Principals and Accomplices – As a general rule, state laws refer to the main actor in a crime as the “principal” and to assisting persons as “accomplices” or “aiders and abettors.” While definitions tend to vary by state, an accomplice is generally someone who intentionally does something to encourage or help another person to commit a crime.

Hal works in the warehouse and distracts the warehouse nightwatchman while Lars breaks in. Hal parks outside the warehouse on the night of the robbery and drives Lars and the loot away from the scene after the burglary is complete. Hal convinces Lars to break into the warehouse and provides the tools to get inside the building.

Laws typically make no distinction between an accomplice and a principal, which means that an accomplice can be prosecuted and punished in the same manner as the person who actually commits the crime. THE COMMON LAW: PRINCIPALS AND AIDERS AND ABETTORS To distinguish the criminal culpability of one from another, the common law developed specialized terms for the various ways in which one could be involved in the commission of a crime.

For instance, a “principal in the first degree” was the person who actually carried out a crime. A “principal in the second degree” (an “aider and abettor”) was a helper who was present at a crime scene but in a passive role, such as acting as a spotter. While some state laws retain the common law terminology, few states make any distinction between the criminal liability of perpetrators and their accomplices.

All can be punished equally, whether they actually commit a crime or only help bring it about.

What is the psychology of criminals?

Criminal psychology is a branch of psychology. – Criminal psychology is a specific field of study when it comes to understanding human patterns and behaviors. It is the study of thoughts, views, motifs, actions, and reactions of people who commit crimes. Criminals may do what they do for a wide array of reasons but regardless, there is always a motive.