Homicide Perpetrators Research Articles

Criminal profiling – trough researches to crime scene investigation

The aim of this study is to highlight that scientific substantiation, extensive theoretical knowledge, practical experiences and expertise are all indispensable elements for the development of a well-functioning, professional profiling procedure and related researches. With partial results of an ongoing research and a review of the results of other researches, I try to prove that statistical profiling is a viable method for profiling perpetrators of homicides. However, a profile with a statistical approach may not be the only method that can be used. Using only statistical procedures would ignore the complexity of offender behaviour, and there would be no need for profiling professionals with behavioural science knowledge. The solution could be a multidisciplinary, mixed approach. Regardless of the approach taken, without incorporating law enforcement knowledge, crime scene investigation and investigative knowledge into research - although they might come through in the scientific community - their practical applicability may become questionable.

Psychological Autopsy: A Method to Assist in the Identification of Risk and Protective Factors for Intimate Partner Femicide

The most common form of violence experienced by women is that perpetrated by intimate partners, and the gendered nature of intimate partner femicide (IPF) has received particular attention. Few studies to date have delved into the limitations associated with methods used in IPF research, and particularly the methods used to study homicide victims (rather than homicide perpetrators). This article outlines dominant methodologies used to study IPF, and considers a novel method of investigation-the "psychological autopsy"-that may help to improve existing knowledge about IPF.

One “Two” Many: An Examination of Solo Perpetrator Versus Team Perpetrator Serial Homicides

The current study examines the offender, victim, and crime characteristics between solo perpetrators and team perpetrators of serial homicide. Cases on 1,137 solo perpetrators and 254 team perpetrators were collected from the Consolidated Serial Homicide Offender Database. Results showed team perpetrators were more likely to be older than those who committed serial homicides alone. Offenders who never confessed their crimes were less likely to participate in teams. In terms of victim and crime characteristics, team perpetrators were more likely to target employees or customers, have a lower victim count, and were more likely to exhibit sadistic behaviors compared to solo perpetrators. Theoretical and practical implications from this study are discussed.

Socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics of male and female perpetrators in intimate partner homicide: A case-control study from Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.

Risk factor studies on male-perpetrated intimate partner homicide (IPH) are often compared with studies on intimate partner violence (IPV) or non-partner homicide perpetrators. This not only excludes female perpetrators, but also fails to take socio-demographic and psychosocial differences between perpetrators and the general population into consideration. The aim of this study was to examine male- and female-perpetrated IPH cases, and to compare socio-demographic factors in IPH perpetrators and in matched controls from the general population. Data were retrieved from preliminary inquiries, court records and national registers for 48 men and 10 women, who were perpetrators of IPH committed in 2000–2016 and residing in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. The control group consisted of 480 men and 100 women matched for age, sex and residence parish. Logistic regression, yielding odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), was performed for male perpetrators and male controls to investigate associations for selected socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics. This was not performed for females due to the small sample size. Female perpetrators were convicted of murder to a lesser extent than male perpetrators. No woman was sentenced to life imprisonment while five men were. Jealousy and separation were the most common motivational factors for male perpetration while the predominant factor for female perpetrators was subjection to IPV. Statistically significant differences were found between male perpetrators and male controls in unemployment rate (n = 47.9%/20.6%; OR 4.4; 95% CI 2.2–8.6), receiving benefits (n = 20.8%/4.8%; OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.3–11.7) and annual disposable income (n = 43.8%/23.3% low income; OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.9–14.2) one year prior to the crime. Female IPH perpetrators were less educated than female controls (≤ 9-year education 30%/12%) and were more often unemployed (70%/23%) one year before the crime. Male and female IPH perpetrators were socio-economically disadvantaged, compared with controls from the general population.

Examining differences between mass, multiple, and single-victim homicides to inform prevention: findings from the National Violent Death Reporting System

BackgroundMulti-victim homicides are a persistent public health problem confronting the United States. Previous research shows that homicide rates in the U.S. are approximately seven times higher than those of other high-income countries, driven by firearm homicide rates that are 25 times higher; 31% of public mass shootings in the world also occur in the U.S.. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the characteristics of mass, multiple, and single homicides to help identify prevention points that may lead to a reduction in different types of homicides.MethodsWe used all available years (2003–2017) and U.S. states/jurisdictions (35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico) included in CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), a public health surveillance system which combines death certificate, coroner/medical examiner, and law enforcement reports into victim- and incident-level data on violent deaths. NVDRS includes up to 600 standard variables per incident; further information on types of mental illness among suspected perpetrators and incident resolution was qualitatively coded from case narratives. Data regarding number of persons nonfatally shot within incidents were cross-validated when possible with several other resources, including government reports and the Gun Violence Archive. Mass homicides (4+ victims), multiple homicides (2-3 victims) and single homicides were analyzed to assess group differences using Chi-square tests with Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc comparisons.ResultsMass homicides more often had female, child, and non-Hispanic white victims than other homicide types. Compared with victims of other homicide types, victims of mass homicides were more often killed by strangers or someone else they did not know well, or by family members. More than a third were related to intimate partner violence. Approximately one-third of mass homicide perpetrators had suicidal thoughts/behaviors noted in the time leading up to the incident. Multi-victim homicides were more often perpetrated with semi-automatic firearms than single homicides. When accounting for nonfatally shot victims, over 4 times as many incidents could have resulted in mass homicide.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the important interconnections among multiple forms of violence. Primary prevention strategies addressing shared risk and protective factors are key to reducing these incidents.

Post-homicidal behaviors of intrafamilial crime authors in France: An archival study

IntroductionConfessions in criminal cases range between 42 and 57%, all crimes considered. However, there is no data specifically on confessions regarding intrafamilial homicides, despite the fact that this subtype of homicide accounts for 30–40% of all homicides. ObjectiveThe purpose of the present research aims to establish the links between the sociodemographic characteristics of the perpetrators of intrafamilial murder, and their behavior and interaction with the criminal justice system after that they committed the crime (e.g., self-denunciation and confession). MethodAll cases of domestic homicide over a period of eleven years and judged in a single court of assize were analyzed (N=44). Data regarding the type of homicide (conjugal, parricide, filicide, familicide), the sociodemographic profile of the perpetrator (sex, age, family situation, occupation, educational level) and their behaviour pre-, during- and post- the homicide were collected and analyzed. ResultsThe common intrafamilial murderer is a 36years old man belonging to a disadvantaged socio-professional group, mostly without judicial antecedent. Moreover, confession rate is above 98% (including 41% spontaneous denunciations by the perpetrators themselves). Discussion and conclusionThis research supports earlier work on the profiles of family crime perpetrators. However, perpetrators of intrafamilial homicides confess more often than perpetrators of all other types of homicide. The results are discussed in terms of cognitive and emotional mechanisms. Suggestions for the use of such insights by investigative services are proposed.

Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Homicide: Development of a Typology Based on Psychosocial Characteristics.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains an important and alarming global issue. Studies have put forth different profiles of perpetrators of IPV according to the severity of the violence and the presence of psychopathology. The objective of this study was to develop a typology of perpetrators of IPV and intimate partner homicide (IPH) according to their criminological, situational, and psychological characteristics, such as alexithymia. Alexithymia is when a person has difficulty identifying and describing emotions and in distinguishing feelings from bodily sensations of emotional arousal. Data were collected from 67 male perpetrators of IPV and/or homicide. Cluster analyses suggest four profiles: the homicial abandoned partner (19.4%), the generally angry/aggressive partner (23.9%), the controlling violent partner (34.3%), and the unstable dependent partner (22.4%). Comparative analyses show that the majority of the homicidal abandoned partners had committed IPH, had experienced the breakup of a relationship, and had a history of self-destructive behaviors; the generally angry/aggressive partners were perpetrators of IPV without homicide with a criminal history and who were alexithymic; the controlling violent partners had a criminal lifestyle and committed IPH; and the unstable dependent partners had committed IPV without homicide, were alexithymic, but had no criminal history. Establish a better understanding of the psychological issues within each profile of perpetrators of violence within the couple can help promote the prevention of IPV and can help devise interventions for these individuals.

Pre-Migration Trauma and Post-Migration Stress Associated with Immigrant Perpetrators of Domestic Homicide

Pre-Migration Trauma and Post-Migration Stress Associated with Immigrant Perpetrators of Domestic Homicide

Health Care Worker Violent Deaths in the Workplace: A Summary of Cases From the National Violent Death Reporting System.

Violent workplace deaths among health care workers (HCWs) remain understudied in the extant literature despite the potential for serious long-term implications for staff and patient safety. This descriptive study summarized the number and types of HCWs who experienced violent deaths while at work, including the location in which the fatal injury occurred. Cases were identified from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Violent Death Reporting System between 2003 and 2016. Coded variables included type of HCW injured, type of facility, and location within the facility and perpetrator type among homicides. Frequencies were calculated using Excel. Among 61 HCW deaths, 32 (52%) were suicides and 21 (34%) were homicides; eight (13%) were of undetermined intent. The occupations of victims included physicians (28%), followed by nurses (21%), administration/support operations (21%), security and support services (16%), and therapists and technicians (13%). Most deaths occurred in hospitals (46%) and nonresidential treatment services (20%). Within facility, locations included offices/clinics (20%) and wards/units (18%). Among homicide perpetrators, both Type II (perpetrator was client/patient/family member) and Type IV (personal relationship to perpetrator) were equally common (33%). Suicide was more common than homicide among HCW fatal injuries. Workplace violence prevention programs may want to consider both types of injuries. Although fatal HCW injuries are rare, planning for all types of violent deaths could help minimize consequences for staff, patients, and visitors.

Clinicians' experiences of inquiries following mental health related homicide: a qualitative study.

Objectives:This aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of clinicians involved with inquiries into the mental health care of patients who were perpetrators of homicide in New Zealand.Methods:Our purposive sample comprised ten clinicians working in New Zealand district health board mental health services. These clinicians were individually interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. The coding framework was checked and peer reviewed by an independent researcher.Results:Five themes were identified: the inquiry process; emotional burden; impact on team dynamics; changes to individual clinical practice; and perceptions of inquiries being influenced by organisational culture. Clinicians involved with inquiries reported significant anxiety and disrupted multidisciplinary team dynamics. Some participants found inquiries led to changes to their clinical practice and perceived that a punitive organisational culture limited learning.Conclusions:Clinicians perceived inquiries as threatening, anxiety provoking and primarily concerned with protecting organisational interests. Communication of the inquiry process and ensuring inquiry findings are disseminated may enhance clinicians’ experiences of inquiries and facilitate their participation and their reflection on changes to clinical practice that could contribute to improving services. Support for clinicians and multidisciplinary teams should be emphasised by the commissioning agency.

What can we learn about perpetrators of domestic and familial homicide and their involvement with mental health services from domestic homicide reviews?

IntroductionThe evidence that supports an association between domestic violence and abuse (DVA) perpetration and mental disorders is increasing. Since 2011, authorities in England and Wales have been required to conduct Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) into deaths caused by violence, abuse or neglect of individuals aged 16 or over, by a family member or a current or ex-partner.ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to describe the characteristics of perpetrators of domestic homicide in a sample of DHR reports in which the perpetrator was known to mental health services in the 12 months before the offence. This sample will undergo qualitative framework analysis as part of another study conducted by the authors.MethodsThe researchers compiled a list of DHRs available online and randomly sampled 168 reports; in 20 of those reports, the perpetrators were under the care of mental health services in the 12 months prior to the offence. We have applied descriptive statistics to report on the sample characteristics.ResultsThe common mental illnesses diagnosed amongst perpetrators were depression (20%), anxiety (15%) and schizophrenia (15%). 25% of the perpetrators didn’t have a psychiatric diagnosis and 70% had a history of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Substance use was prevalent (60%). Half of the homicides involved children.ConclusionsThis report describes the demographic and mental health characteristics of a sample of perpetrators of domestic homicides. Further research is needed into the patterns of mental health service use by DVA perpetrators in order to improve identification and risk management.Conflict of interestNo significant relationships.

Homicide and the Internet.

The Internet and social media have grown increasingly relevant in homicide cases in recent years. Although several recent studies have analyzed the relationship between homicide and the Internet, there is a dearth of rigorous scientific research on the subject to date. Although a statistically rare event, Internet-related homicide may be increasing, and forensic mental health professionals may experience growing demand for consultations in cases where the Internet and social media play a salient role. Understanding some of the ways in which homicide perpetrators have used the Internet can help to inform case formulation and threat assessments in these cases. This article reviews several key themes, including the use of the Internet as a source of information in the commission of homicide, its use to target victims, the spread of self-publishing and multimedia sharing, conflict escalation through social media, and the threat posed by Internet extremist communities. Finally, suggestions are made to help inform future research regarding the relationship between homicide and the Internet.

The characteristics of homicide perpetrators in a medium secure forensic hospital: A study from dundrum hospital

IntroductionThe majority of homicides in society are not associated with mental illness, however there is an established association between homicide and schizophrenia. Homicide perpetrated by mentally disordered offenders is a leading reason for admission to secure forensic psychiatric hospitals.ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical characteristics of those with a history of completed homicide in the CMH Dundrum.MethodsThis study was a cross sectional study of a cohort of patients in the Central Mental Hospital who had completed homicide (n=63).ResultsA total of 136 patients were included, 46.3% (n=63) of whom had committed homicide. Mean age of homicide perpetrators at admission was 34.6 years old (median 33.4, s.d. = 9.72). The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (n=40, 63.5%). 73.0% (n=46) had a history of substance misuse. 36.5% (n=23) had a diagnosis of a personality disorder, including traits only. The most common victim type was a family member (n=32, 50.8%). Patients with a history of homicide had better scores on dynamic risk of violence (F=8.553, p=0.004), programme completion (F=8.258, p=0.005) and recovery (F=3.666, p=0.058) compared to non-homicide offenders, however they also had significantly longer mean length of stay, 12.7 years v 7.5 years (F=9.634,p=0.002).ConclusionsHomicide perpetrators with a mental illness constitute a significant portion of the forensic mental health population and a high number of these offences were against family members. A history of homicide among forensic in-patients is associated with a longer length of stay which has implications for service development into the future.

Trauma-informed sentencing of serious violent offenders: an exploration of judicial dispositions with a gendered perspective

Experience of psychological trauma is correlated with violent offending, with exposure reported for most offenders entering the criminal justice system. The practice of trauma-informed sentencing recognises this complex and consistent relationship, and endeavours to respond in a way that avoids re-traumatisation and reduces harm to offenders and victims. Trauma-informed approaches to offenders improve safety in custodial settings, enhance prospects of correctional rehabilitation and recovery from mental illness and promote the health and welfare of staff working with offenders. This quantitative pilot study examines the identification and impact of trauma – as recorded in sentencing decisions – for homicide perpetrators in Victoria, with particular attention to trauma-informed sentencing and whether or not gender makes a difference. Traumatic experiences were described in a high proportion of cases but only explicitly recognised in a minority. Trauma-informed sentencing recommendations were rare. Collaboration between clinical and legal professionals to inform and enhance trauma-informed procedures is recommended.

The prevalence of severe personality disorder in perpetrators of homicide.

Current UK evidence on the prevalence of personality disorder in homicide is lacking. The aims were to estimate the prevalence of personality disorder in homicide perpetrators from court reports and carry out a dimensional assessment in keeping with the new ICD-11 classification of the prevalence of severe personality disorder. Associations between severe personality disorder and sociodemographic, historical and offence-related characteristics were then explored. Six hundred court reports from a national case series of homicide perpetrators in England and Wales were analysed using a document-derived version of the Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS-DOC), providing categorical and dimensional personality assessments. The prevalence of personality disorder and severe personality disorder was estimated. Factors associated with the diagnosis of severe personality disorder were examined. The prevalence of personality disorder using the PAS-DOC was 56.3% (95% confidence interval 52.3%, 60.3%), compared with 16% as diagnosed in reports. Severe personality disorder was present in 62% (n=338) of all those with a personality disorder and was significantly associated with homicides of strangers and previous violence. Severe personality disorder is highly prevalent among perpetrators of homicide, and the finding that it is more prevalent when strangers are the victims stresses both the need for early identification of those at risk of developing severe personality disorder and the development of appropriate early preventive interventions. There is also a need for the development of effective treatment and interventions for those with established severe personality disorder and better identification of this level of disorder by psychiatrists. The forthcoming ICD-11 classification should help in this endeavour. © 2021 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparing Homicidal Ideations with Homicides/Assaults Victimization among Various Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States

Introduction: Multiple and diverse contributors of homicidal ideation and homicidal/assault victimization exist. Although multiple studies have been conducted to examine the homicidal victimization, there is dearth in the literature regarding homicidal ideation. Therefore, we undertook this study to investigate and compare perpetrators of homicide to victims of homicide or assault, based on race and ethnicity. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of inpatient hospitalizations in the US from January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 using Nationwide Inpatient Sample data. We estimated the risk of homicidal ideation and homicidal/assault victims among various racial/ethnic groups using survey logistic regression models, while adjusting for patient demographic and hospitalization characteristics. R and RStudio were utilized to conduct all statistical analyses and Joinpoint Regression Program for conducting temporal trends analyses. Results: During the study duration 2010-2017, there were 358,687 (0.12%) hospitalizations related to homicidal ideation. In 2017, the rate of homicidal/assault victimization related hospitalizations were 0.20%. After adjusting for covariates, Non-Hispanic (NH)-Blacks had an increased likelihood (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.41, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17-1.69) to have homicidal ideations and to be victims of assault and homicide (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 2.06-2.75) compared to NH-Whites. Conclusions and Implication for Translation: Our study shows that significant racial/ethnic disparities exist for homicidal ideation and being victims of homicide and assault in the US during the study period. Targeted mental and behavioral health intervention towards NH-Black community could help prevent them from becoming perpetrators and victims of homicide.

Miejsce zdarzenia jako źródło informacji w procesie tworzenia profilu kryminalnego nieznanego sprawcy zabójstwa

<p>This study is about the crime scene as a valuable source of information about <em>modus operandi</em>, motives and characteristics of the perpetrator of the homicide crime. Based on Polish and foreign literature, the author made attempts to present various concepts of the perception of the crime scene in the criminal profiling process, as well as to indicate the key elements of the behavior of the perpetrator of the homicide resulting from the manner of proceeding, which can be interpreted from the crime scene. The study also presents the basic assumptions regarding the construction of criminal profiles of unknown perpetrators of homicides, with particular emphasis on the dichotomous concept of division into organised and disorganised perpetrators and the possibility of making other conclusions as to the psychophysical characteristics of the perpetrators of homicides. Thus, it is a form of universal presentation of the problem and may be of interest, in particular, to law practitioners.</p>

Caractéristiques et particularités des homicides commis par des schizophrènes

Resume Objectif Decrire les caracteristiques des malades atteints de schizophrenie auteurs d’homicides, de leurs victimes et des modalites et des circonstances de leurs homicides. Et comparer ces homicides a ceux commis par des personnes indemnes de troubles mentaux graves. Materiel et methode Etude descriptive transversale concernant des homicides commis par des personnes atteintes de schizophrenie, selon les criteres du DSM-5, hospitalisees par un internement judiciaire d’octobre 2015 a mars 2018. Resultats Les schizophrenes auteurs d’homicides etaient des adultes jeunes d’âge moyen de 33,83 ans, de sexe masculin dans la majorite des cas (86,67 %), celibataires dans la majorite des cas (68,33 %), avaient des antecedents de violences physiques avant l’homicide dans 41,67 % des cas, avaient une mauvaise observance therapeutique dans la majorite des cas (68,33 %), avaient un abus ou une dependance a une substance dans 50 % des cas. Les victimes de l’homicide etaient d’âge moyen de 35,37 ans, de sexe masculin dans 60,50 % des cas, etaient connues des schizophrenes dans 82,90 % des cas. Le mobile de l’homicide etait delirant dans 55 % des cas. Le lieu de l’homicide etait dans 51,67 % des cas un lieu d’habitation. Dans 53,34 % des cas, l’homicide etait commis par arme blanche. Conclusion Cette etude a permis une meilleure comprehension de l’homicide commis par des schizophrenes et d’etablir un profil des patients a risque de passage a l’acte.

Le psychiatre expert judiciaire et les auteurs d’homicides

The forensic psychiatric expertise of homicide perpetrators is a standard practice in criminal justice matters. Its validity relies heavily on the knowledge, professional experience and methodology of forensic psychiatrist experts. In the present interview, Daniel Zagury, an important figure of forensic psychiatric expertise in France, shares his clinical practice. In addition, he describes his experience with homicide perpetrators, particularly with serial killers and Islamic terrorist attackers on French soil. Finally, he addresses the recurring and crucial controversy of criminal responsibility, or the lack of it, in perpetrators.

A socio-legal deconstruction of homicide victims and perpetrators: Israeli femicide case law

Abstract This interpretive paper explores the ways in which criminal law is applied to femicide victims and perpetrators and how it socially constructs and legitimizes gender-based violence in the form of femicide (the killing of a woman), when applying the doctrine of provocation. In doing so the paper discusses the socio-cultural underpinnings of the criminal legal mitigation available for defendants who claim to have killed their wives while being provoked. Conceptualizing the critical deconstruction within gendered socio-cultural predispositions and ensuing criminal legal doctrine and social norms, the paper demonstrates the ways in which Israeli social norms, attitudes and beliefs towards sexual jealousy, matrimony, loss of control, morality, gender and homicide – are entangled and intertwined in the structure and function of Israeli criminal law. The paper offers a critical analysis of the underlying discriminating gendered basic assumptions that structure current Israeli application of the doctrine of provocation and the way in which such a socio-legal structure constructs the Israeli ‘unfaithful’ woman, and her corresponding ‘reasonable’, and ‘normative’, so to speak, killer. Such men are considered less morally guilty when they kill ‘unfaithful’ women, consequently awarded lenient convictions and sentences. At the same time, Israeli women are blamed for morally instigating and provoking their own killing – thus precipitating their gruesome, premature and undue death. As the Israeli criminal legal structure is deeply rooted in English common law, its substantive criminal doctrine of provocation is widely shared by many countries. In this respect the paper's exploration of Israeli criminal doctrine of provocation may provide a significant contribution to socio-legal discourse in many other countries with legal structures similarly steeped in English common law.