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Beauregard E, Chopin J. Interactions Between Offender and Crime Characteristics Leading to a Lethal Outcome in Cases of Sexually-Motivated Abductions. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024; 36:774-798. [PMID: 37902157 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231210536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite the widespread public concern regarding abduction, research on this type of crime is scarce. This lack of research is even more pronounced when looking at cases that end with the death of the victim. In fact, all of the research looking at lethal outcomes in cases of abductions has focused exclusively on child victims and has failed to consider the interactions at the multivariate level between the factors related to the death of the victim. Therefore, the aim of the study is to identify offender and crime characteristics - as well as their interactions - associated with a lethal outcome in sexually-motivated abductions using a combination of logistic regression and neural network analyses on a sample of 281 cases (81 cases ending with a lethal outcome, random sample of 200 comparison cases). Findings show that sexually-motivated abductions ending with a lethal outcome are more likely to be characterized by an offender who is a loner, forensically aware, and who who uses a weapon and restraints, and who sexually penetrates and beats a known victim. The neural network analysis show that three different pathways lead to a lethal outcome in sexually-motivated abductions. Such findings are important for correctional practices.
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Chai AMM, Reale KS. Counting the days: Exploring the post-mortem interval factors in sexual homicides. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2024; 42:385-400. [PMID: 38762888 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the offender, victim, and environmental characteristics that significantly influence the number of days a sexual homicide victim remains undiscovered. Utilizing a sample of 269 cases from the Homicide Investigation Tracking System database an in-depth analysis was conducted to unveil the factors contributing to the delay in the discovery of victims' bodies. The methodological approach involves applying a negative binomial regression analysis, which allows for the examination of count data, specifically addressing the over-dispersion and excess zeros in the dependent variable - the number of days until the victim is found. The findings reveal that certain offender characteristics, victim traits, and spatio-temporal factors play a pivotal role in the time lag experienced in locating the bodies of homicide victims. These findings have crucial implications for investigative efforts in homicide cases, offering valuable insights that can inform and enhance the efficacy and efficiency of future investigative procedures and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Miin Miin Chai
- School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Kylie S Reale
- School of Justice and Public Safety, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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Kwon H, Lee S, Georgoulis H, Beauregard E, Sea J. Understanding sexual homicide in Korea using machine learning algorithms. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2024. [PMID: 38857247 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The current study was conducted to confirm the characteristics in sexual homicide and to explore variables that effectively differentiate sexual homicide and nonsexual homicide. Further, newer methods that have received attention in criminology, such as the machine learning method, were used to explore the ideal algorithm for classifying sexual homicide and patterns for sexual homicide in Korea. To do this, 542 homicide cases were analyzed utilizing eight algorithms, and the classification performance of each algorithm was analyzed along with the importance of variables. The results of the analysis revealed that the Naive Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors, and RF algorithms demonstrate good classification accuracy, and generally, factors such as relationships, marriage, planning, personal weapons, and overkill were identified as crucial variables that distinguish sexual homicide in Korea. In addition, the crime scene information of the crime occurring in the dark (at night) and body disposal were found to have high importance. The current study proposes ways to enhance the efficacy of crime investigation and advance the research on sexual homicides in Korea through a more scientific understanding of sexual homicide that has not been thoroughly explored domestically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeokjun Kwon
- Department of Psychology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanggyung Lee
- Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hana Georgoulis
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric Beauregard
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jonghan Sea
- Department of Psychology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, Republic of Korea
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Gillespie SM, Elliott IA. Latent profiles identified from psychological test data for people convicted of sexual offences in the UK. Br J Psychiatry 2023; 223:555-561. [PMID: 37818710 PMCID: PMC10727912 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2023.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One size does not fit all in assessment and intervention for people with convictions for sexual offences. Crime scene indicators and risk-related variables have been used to identify distinct clusters of people with convictions for sexual offences, but there is a need for more robust typologies that identify clusters based on psychologically meaningful risk factors that can be targeted in treatment. AIMS To use robust modelling techniques to identify latent profiles of people with convictions for sexual offences based on indicators of dynamic risk. METHOD Adult male participants, who had been convicted for sexual offences and assessed for eligibility for the prison-based Core Sex Offender Treatment Programme delivered by His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (UK), were randomly allocated to a test (n = 1577: 70.2%) or validation (n = 668: 29.8%) data-set. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to select measures of dynamic risk from psychological test data. EFA indicated four factors, from which six measures were selected for inclusion in latent profile analysis. RESULTS Five latent profiles were identified in the test and validation data-sets. These were labelled low psychological impairment, impulsive, distorted thinker, rape preoccupied and child fantasist. Profiles varied in individual characteristics, offence histories, victim preferences and level of risk. CONCLUSIONS Our findings should be used to guide assessment and intervention practices that are tailored to distinct psychological profiles consistent with principles of risk, need and responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Gillespie
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian A. Elliott
- His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, Ministry of Justice, London, UK; and Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, UK
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Page J, Tzani-Pepelasi K, Gavin H. Characteristics of Sexual Homicide Offenders Focusing on Child Victims: A Review of the Literature. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2922-2935. [PMID: 36000678 PMCID: PMC10594845 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221119511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The topic of sexual homicide encompasses various categories of both offender and victim and much research has shown that there are different typologies of sexual homicide offender (SHO). The aim of this study was to review the current literature regarding sexual homicides, with a focus on those SHOs that targeted children. Studies were selected for review based on the samples utilized. Studies that used a mixed sample of sexual homicide, for example, serial/non-serial, adult/child victim, stranger/non-stranger relationship were included, as well as those that exclusively investigated sexual killers of children. Relevant studies were found by utilizing online libraries and databases. Research studies (n = 39) and review studies (n = 3) were deemed suitable to be included in this review. Offender and victim characteristics, as well as crime scene behaviors, offender's previous convictions, psychopathologies and paraphilias were reported. Geographical profiling of sexual homicides was also discussed. The review highlighted the current typologies of SHOs, including the Sadistic/Angry/Opportunistic model and the only current model dedicated to SHOs of children. There are mixed findings within this topic which may be caused by different cultures or different samples. Limitations, such as small sample sizes and the lack of comparison between sub-types of SHOs, were discussed. Suggestions for future research, including further exclusive study of sexual killers of children, were recommended.
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Kim A, Beauregard E, Chopin J. Strangulation in sexual homicide: Is it opportunity, victim's vulnerability or sadism? J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 94:102488. [PMID: 36731365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Although most homicides involve the use of a weapon, some offenders still prefer killing with their own hands, using strangulation. In fact, when disaggregating the various types of homicides, sexual homicide offenders appear as having a preference for "personal weapon" to kill the victim. Personal weapons, such as strangulation, asphyxiation, and beating, are the most commonly used killing methods in sexual homicide. Using a sample of 451 cases of sexual homicide of adult female, the current study examines three hypotheses as to why strangulation is the method of choice to kill in sexual homicide: 1) weapon of opportunity, 2) victim's vulnerability, and 3) sexual sadism. Results from logistic regressions and artificial neural network analysis show that all three hypotheses are supported, sexual homicide offenders using strangulation being less likely to target a victim with a strong build, to bring and use a weapon. However, strangulation is more likely to be used to kill the victim when the offender is characterized with sadism. Implications of the findings are discussed in light of our understanding of the crime-commission process involved in sexual homicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Kim
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby (British Columbia), V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Eric Beauregard
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby (British Columbia), V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Julien Chopin
- Terrorism, Violence and Security Institute Research Centre, Simon Fraser University and International Centre for Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, Canada.
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Fox B, Heide K, Khachatryan N, Michel C, Cochran J. Juveniles arrested for murder: A latent class analysis of male offenders. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2021; 39:470-491. [PMID: 34133040 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Researchers and practitioners have a need for valid and generalizable typologies of juvenile homicide offenders (JHOs) to better understand the heterogeneous nature of JHOs, and use this knowledge to inform prevention efforts. Prior studies of JHOs have typically utilized a clinical approach, which is rich in data but based on small nonrepresentative samples, or relied on larger aggregate datasets which are more reliable but have few measures available. This study aimed to address these limitations by examining the latent heterogeneity (i.e. unapparent differences) in JHOs, their victims, and incident characteristics among more than 40,000 male JHOs arrested in the United States between 1976 and 2016 using latent class analysis, to allow for the objective identification of latent taxonomies. Six distinct subtypes of male JHOs are found in the analysis, which contributes to the theoretical and substantive knowledge base regarding JHOs, and may be used to develop and implement more effective interventions and violence prevention programs for these young offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryanna Fox
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kathleen Heide
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Norair Khachatryan
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Cedric Michel
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - John Cochran
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Chan HCO. Sex worker homicides and sexual homicides: A comparative study of offender, victim, and offense characteristics. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2021; 39:402-427. [PMID: 34145624 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sex workers are commonly claimed to be at heightened risk of fatal victimization. Although prior research indicates that the dynamics of sex worker homicides resemble sexual homicides more than nonsexual homicides, little is known about how these types of homicides compare in terms of offending patterns. This study considers a sample of 2,851 single-victim, single-offender homicide cases extracted from a 37-year (1976-2012) US Supplementary Homicide Reports database, and compares the offender, victim, and offender characteristics of 243 sex worker homicides (189 males and 54 females) with those of 2608 sexual homicides (2474 males and 134 females). The findings suggest that the offender, victim, and offense characteristics of general, male-offender, and female-offender sex worker homicides are essentially different from the characteristics of sexual homicides. Logistic regressions further indicate that most offender, victim, and offense characteristics on the occurrence of general and male-offender sex worker homicides were significantly associated with the perpetration of general and male-offender sex worker homicides, with reference to sexual homicides. These findings offer insights relevant to the prioritization of criminal investigative practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Choon Oliver Chan
- Teaching Laboratory for Forensics and Criminology, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR
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Eriksson L, Bryant S, McPhedran S, Mazerolle P, Wortley R. Alcohol and drug problems among Australian homicide offenders. Addiction 2021; 116:618-631. [PMID: 32562295 DOI: 10.1111/add.15169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Most homicide studies focus upon 'acute' situational intoxication as opposed to 'chronic' substance misuse. The aims of the study were to: (1) determine the extent of homicide offenders' alcohol and drug use in the year preceding the homicide; (2) compare the individual characteristics of homicide offenders across levels of problematic substance use; and (3) compare homicide incident characteristics across levels of problematic substance use. DESIGN AND SETTING Observational study using data collected through face-to-face interviews in custodial and community correctional settings across Australia. Participants were recruited through an opt-in process. PARTICIPANTS The data consist of 302 individuals convicted of murder or manslaughter. MEASUREMENTS We used the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screening Test to determine problematic alcohol or drug use. We also used a range of self-report measures to ascertain offender characteristics [socio-demographics, developmental experiences, criminal history, personality] and incident characteristics (who was killed, and situational intoxication). FINDINGS Of the sample, 38.8% displayed high levels of alcohol problems and 30.8% displayed high levels of drug problems. Those displaying high levels of alcohol and/or drug problems were more likely than those without high levels of alcohol and/or drug problems to report adverse developmental experiences, low education, financial difficulties, extensive criminal histories and high levels of trait anger, impulsivity and risk-seeking. In addition, offenders with problematic substance use were more likely to have killed non-family and to have used substances at the time of the homicide. CONCLUSIONS High proportions of homicide offenders in Australia appear to have problematic substance use in the year preceding the homicide offence, and such use appears to be associated with a range of other challenging factors, including adverse childhoods, criminal involvement, low socio-economic factors and low self-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Eriksson
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah Bryant
- Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Samara McPhedran
- Pro-Vice Chancellor's (Arts, Education, Law) Office, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Mazerolle
- Vice-Chancellor's Office, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Richard Wortley
- Jill Dando Institute for Security and Crime Science, University College London, London, UK
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Chopin J, Eric B, Matt D. Homicidal child sexual abuse: Identifying the combinations of factors predicting a lethal outcome. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104799. [PMID: 33187732 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on sexual homicide of child victims is scarce. Studies focusing on the lethal outcome in sexual crimes involving adult victims suggest that those offenders who end up killing their victims present both specific individual and crimecommission process characteristics. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that findings with adult victims may not adequately explain the lethal outcome in sexual crimes of children. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to identify specific combination of offenders, victims and crime-commission process factors associated with a lethal outcome in child sexual abuse. PARTICIPANTS This study compares and analyzes the characteristics of 646 cases of extrafamilial child abuses with 136 cases of sexual homicide involving children. METHODS Bivariate analyses and sequential binomial regression analyses were conducted to identify variables associated with crime outcome. Finally, conjunctive analyses were used to identify combinations of factors that are the most likely associated with the lethal outcome. RESULTS Results indicate that both offenders and crime-commission process characteristics are strongly associated with sexual homicides of children. CONCLUSIONS Offenders who sexually murder children are extremely instrumental and opportunistic. They are also more likely to have a life history characterized by the manifestation of diverse antisocial conducts. The findings of this study provide important theoretical and practical implications for crime investigations, prevention, and offenders' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- School of Criminology Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Beauregard Eric
- School of Criminology Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - DeLisi Matt
- Department of Sociology Iowa State University 203A East Hall, Ames, IA, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Coercive sexual sadism can be distinguished from consensual BDSM (bondage discipline/dominance submission/sadism masochism) role-play and from everyday sadism, a personality trait. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic qualitative review of the pertinent literature on coercive sexual sadism from the last three years. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical assessment of sexual sadism can be made more objective through behavioral checklists based on crime scene actions. The latent structure of sexual sadism is likely dimensional, placing the disorder at the upper end of a continuum of sexually aggressive behavior. Sexual sadism does not seem to increase the risk of violent offense recidivism (including sexual contact offenses) above and beyond the risk implied by established risk factors of delinquency. Coercive sexual sadism denotes a disposition for sexually aggressive behavior. Whether this disposition is put into practice is likely due to other trait and state variables. Treatment studies are completely lacking in the recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Mokros
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Universitätsstr. 27, 58097, Hagen, Germany.
| | - Julien Wessels
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Universitätsstr. 27, 58097, Hagen, Germany
| | - Miriam Hofmann
- Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen), Universitätsstr. 27, 58097, Hagen, Germany
| | - Joachim Nitschke
- Forensic-Psychiatric Hospital, Bezirksklinikum Ansbach (District Hospital), Feuchtwanger Str. 38, 91522, Ansbach, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review presents recent findings of research focusing on sexual homicide. Firstly, we examine international comparative studies of victim, offender, and crime characteristics. Secondly, we review an important body of literature that compares developmental and psychological as well as the decision-making process of sexual murderers with other violent offenders. Thirdly, recent and major findings on links between sexual homicide and psychopathy as well as sadism are presented. Fourthly, findings on spatial behavior and factors that can explain it are discussed. Finally, the last section reviews characteristics of sexual homicide involving children and elderly victims. RECENT FINDINGS International comparisons suggest that sexual homicide presents more similarities than differences across countries implying that most of knowledge can be generalized and applied to other countries. Comparisons with other types of violent offenders highlight that sexual murderers are a specific type of offenders with particular characteristics (criminal careers, developmental factors, personality disorders, lifestyle characteristics) and crime commission process (modus operandi, spatial behavior). As to the etiological factors of sexual homicide, psychopathy and sadism are important characteristics of sexual murderers leading their criminal life as well as their everyday life. Finally, studies focusing on specific types of vulnerable victims showed a high level of heterogeneity within the population of sexual murderers. Sexual murderers are specific offenders with peculiar characteristics and further research should develop proper knowledge on it. Creation of new international databases allows research to confirm and increase knowledge by considering sexual homicides as a complex heterogenous crime.
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Chopin J, Beauregard E. Lethal combinations: A conjunctive analysis of crime scene behavior associated with sexual homicide. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2019; 37:559-578. [PMID: 31429115 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This research investigates violent stranger rapes and the factors leading these cases to sexual homicides. Variables relating to modus operandi characteristics on one part and offender behavior on the other part are examined using conjunctive analysis of cases configuration to identify the different combinations leading to a lethal outcome. Using a French sample of 1263 cases of violent rapes and 303 cases of sexual homicides involving female adult victims, we find that blows given by offenders and information about physical resistance of victims are strongly associated intentional and non-intentional sexual homicides. Psychoactive substance consumption by offenders as well associal isolation are in a lesser extend also associated with the lethal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric Beauregard
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Chopin J, Beauregard E. The Sexual Murderer Is a Distinct Type of Offender. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2019; 63:1597-1620. [PMID: 30526157 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x18817445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigates the question of the specificity of sexual homicide offenders by comparing three types of crimes: sexual homicide, nonsexual homicide, and violent sexual assault. The comparison is based on victim, offender and modus operandi characteristics throughout 102 variables. The sample has been taken from a French national police database including 1,736 cases. Among these cases, there are 463 nonsexual homicides, 173 sexual homicides and 1,100 violent sexual assaults. Bivariate and multivariate analyses are performed to highlight the differences. Major differences are observed between, on one hand, sexual homicides and, on the other hand, nonsexual homicides and violent sexual assaults. These differences focus mainly on the offender and modus operandi characteristics. By analyzing specifically the type of observed differences, this research suggests that the sexual murderer and his crime should be analyzed through the lens of a unique type of crime. Findings present implications in terms of correctional practices, offender treatment, and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric Beauregard
- 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Chan HCO, Li F, Liu S, Lu X, Jia H. Sexual Homicides in China: Exploring the Offender, Victim, and Offense Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2019; 63:1517-1537. [PMID: 29224386 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x17746293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nearly all information available on sexual homicides are limited to studies conducted in the West. Little is known about sexual homicides that occurred in China. The current study is arguably the first to explore the offender, victim, and offense characteristics of Chinese sexual homicides. Over a period of 23 years (1994 to 2016), the data of 59 cases collected from two data sources (i.e., published Chinese case reports and police data) are examined. Findings indicate that heterosexual assaults are far more prevalent in Chinese sexual homicides. Sexual murderers who averagely aged 32.44 years are mostly males (97%), single (67%), secondary school educated (68%), and with no prior overall (80%) and sexual (88%) convictions. The victims are mostly females (83%) with mean age of 35.35 years. The frequently observed offending patterns include strangers as victim choice (63%), con tactics as victim approach method (57%), sexual pleasure as primary motivation (49%), and personal weapons as murder weapon of choice (41%). Vaginal penetration is a commonly observed sexual assault (88%) and victim body mutilation is also not uncommon (47%). Three case examples are also presented to illustrate the diverse nature and offending patterns of Chinese sexual homicide offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Feng Li
- 2 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR
| | - Sihai Liu
- 3 Wuhan Public Security Bureau, Jiang'an Branch, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Lu
- 4 Criminal Science Institute, Pudong District of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Jia
- 5 Wuhan Public Security Bureau, Qiaokou Branch, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Higgs T, James J, Proulx J. The Unusual Suspects: Multiple-Perpetrator and Multiple Concurrent Victim Sexual Homicide. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2019; 63:1705-1725. [PMID: 30773076 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x19830854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexual homicide typically implies a crime involving two people: perpetrator and victim. Thus, multiple-perpetrator and multiple concurrent victim sexual murderers are unusual, empirically invisible due to their exclusion from (or burying within) research samples. The present study examines 21 such cases of male sexual murderers having perpetrated at least one sexual homicide either together with a co-offender or alone but killing two victims at once. The aim was to investigate just how unusual, or not, these cases may be in relation to current scientific understanding of sexual murderers and their crimes. A descriptive analysis of offenses (co-offender and offender-victim dynamics, modus operandi) and offender characteristics is presented. Main findings, that multiple-perpetrator and multiple concurrent victim sexual murderers are not so unusual in that they are well conceptualized through application of the established sexualized, grievance, and rape murderer typology, are discussed in relation to clinical and empirical implications.
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Darjee R. Sexual Sadism and Psychopathy in Sexual Homicide Offenders: An Exploration of Their Associates in a Clinical Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2019; 63:1738-1765. [PMID: 30897982 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x19836872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexual sadism and psychopathy are often considered synonymous with sexual homicide, but there is limited research on their associates in sexual homicide offenders. Associates of dimensional measures of sexual sadism (Sexual Sadism Scale; SeSaS) and psychopathy (Psychopathy Check List-Revised [PCL-R] total, Factor 1, and Factor 2) were examined in 51 male Scottish cases. Over a third were DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV) sexual sadists, just under a third screened in with the SeSaS, and a quarter were "Hare psychopaths." Sexual sadism and PCL-R measures were moderately associated. Sexual sadism predicted control, sexual deviance, and unusual behaviour at crime scenes; attempted homicide and having a co-accused; and multiple sexual homicides and previous sexual offending. PCL-R Factor 1 predicted violent, exploitative, and evading detection behaviours at crime scenes; completed homicide; and previous violent offending. PCL-R Factor 2 predicted impulsive behaviours at crime scenes, substance misuse, and previous general offending. Psychopathy and sexual sadism play key roles in sexual homicide, interact with each other, and determine different aspects of offences and offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Darjee
- 1 Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- 2 Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Chan HCO, Heide KM, Beauregard E. Male and Female Single-Victim Sexual Homicide Offenders: Distinguishing the Types of Weapons Used in Killing Their Victims. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2019; 31:127-150. [PMID: 28832274 DOI: 10.1177/1079063217724765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Most studies have focused on male sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) without testing whether sex differences exist. Accordingly, little is known about the distinctions between male and female SHOs, particularly with respect to their use of weapons in killing their victims. This study used a sample of 3,160 single-victim sexual homicide cases (3,009 male and 151 female offenders) from the U.S. Supplementary Homicide Reports database to explore sex differences in the types of murder weapons used by offenders in killing victims over the 37-year period 1976 to 2012. Findings indicated that significantly more male SHOs used personal weapons (43%) and more female SHOs used firearms (63%) in their offense commission. In general, female offenders predominantly used weapons that were physically less demanding (e.g., firearms and edged and other weapons; 89%). Different trends in the murder weapons used by male and female SHOs from different age groups were observed. Interestingly, findings showed that the type of weapon used by SHOs was in part influenced by the victims and their characteristics.
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Byard RW. Implications of Genital Mutilation at Autopsy. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:926-929. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roger W. Byard
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology; School of Medicine; The University of Adelaide; Frome Road Level 3, Medical School North Building Adelaide SA 5005 Australia
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