Killer’s Post-Offensive Behavior

• Left town 21 %
• Confided in someone 18%
• Followed case in media 17%
• Contact victim’s family 11%
• Revisited crime scene 11%
• Interjected himself 10%

- a lot of this post offensive behavior is really just a continuation of the murder for the killer

- killer returns to the disposal site in 22% of the cases: prior to discovery/removal of body, 81%, within three days of the incident, 56%

- the police had contact with the killer about some aspect of the case before he became the prime suspect in 34% of the cases

- time for killer’s name to come up: immediately – 30%, less than 24 hours – 51%, less than 75 days – 74% (25% no name at all)

Theories of Murder

• Guesses based on some knowledge – allows us to make predictions
• There are lots of theories of crime, but not murder
• Theories of crime may not adequate explain murder; different beh and diff meaning

Class Suggestions

MOTIVES

Financial gain

Revenge

Heat of anger

Silencing a witness

Rid 3^rd member of love triangle

Jealousy

Love

Altruistic killing

Control

Domination

Hate

Thrill

Sex

Drug distribution

Terrorism/assassination

Domestic

Child abuse/adult abuse

For attention

Felony murder

Ritual

Fear

Boredom