The Interaction, Roles, and Responsibilities of the FBI Profiler and the Forensic Pathologist in the Investigation of Serial Murder

Abstract

AbstractOf the many challenges facing the law enforcement community, one of the most difficult is the investigation of serial murder cases since these are high-profile, resource intensive investigations that provide unique challenges to the investigators. In addition, it is not uncommon for serial murder cases to extend across multiple jurisdictions, creating communication, investigation, and prosecution problems. The motivations of serial killers can be complex, and are more likely to be related to internal fantasies or desires, than to more traditional motivations such as financial gain. FBI Special Agents assigned to the Behavioral Analysis Units of the National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime are regularly called upon for assistance in the investigation of serial murder. A close working relationship between the medical examiner and forensic pathologist, respectively, with the primary investigator is essential to overcome challenges associated with investigating serial murder. In many serial homicide cases, the last activities and whereabouts of the victim are not known. In such cases, when a body is discovered, the forensic pathologist may be able to assist in determining final activities or events. In certain instances, the forensic pathologist may shed light on activities during the interval between disappearance and body discovery by analysis of findings such as stomach contents, and comparison of these findings with verifiable known accounts of the decedent’s activities in the period immediately preceding the disappearance. Investigatively and behaviourally, these findings will provide essential information regarding the window of opportunity that the offender had to commit the murder, as well as other important information, such as whether the offender kept the victim alive for a period of time before killing her/him.KeywordsSerial murderCriminal investigative analysisSerial homicideCriminal profilingBehavioral analysis unitForensic pathology