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Ritual and signature in serial sexual homicide
Louis B Schlesinger1, Martin Kassen, V Blair Mesa
1John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 445 W. 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA. lbschlesinger@aol.com
Summary
Serial sexual homicide offenders do not always repeat the same rituals or leave unique signatures at every crime scene. Their behaviors are more complex and varied than previously assumed, impacting criminal investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Ritual and signature behaviors are recognized in serial sexual homicide cases.
- Empirical research on these specific crime scene actions is limited, despite anecdotal reports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate the behavioral consistency, evolution, and uniqueness of ritual and signature in serial sexual homicide.
- To challenge the assumption of repetitive and uniform crime scene behaviors in serial sexual murderers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a national sample of 38 serial sexual homicide offenders and their 162 victims.
- Examination of behavioral and thematic consistency across crime scenes.
Main Results:
- The study did not support the hypothesis that serial sexual murderers consistently repeat the same rituals or leave unique signatures at each scene.
- Findings indicate that crime scene conduct among these offenders is complex and exhibits considerable variation.
Conclusions:
- The concept of uniform ritualistic and signature behaviors in serial sexual homicide requires re-evaluation.
- These findings have significant implications for forensic assessments and the strategic planning of criminal investigations.
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