Will they kill again? Comparative analysis of first crime scenes from serial homicide offenders and non-serial homicide offenders

Mc Laughlin, Shona (2021) Will they kill again? Comparative analysis of first crime scenes from serial homicide offenders and non-serial homicide offenders. Masters by Coursework thesis, Murdoch University.

Abstract

Homicide, especially serial homicide, is a very serious crime, which both captures and terrifies the public. Previous studies which compare serial homicide offenders to single homicide offenders are scarce. This study aimed to determine if it was possible to distinguish between both groups of offenders by looking at factors of the first crime scene to see if investigators could use this information to establish if the offenders will kill again. By building a database of 80 offenders (40 serial and 40 single), 22 variables regarding the offender, the victim, the location, and crime scene behaviours were compared and analysed using statistical analysis. 5 factors were found to be significantly different between the 2 groups - year of 1st murder, apprehension time lag, location relationship, trophies, and theft. Although there was differences found, these factors would not be enough on their own to distinguish between serial and single homicide offenders by examining the first crime scenes.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters by Coursework)
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Supervisor(s):	Keatley, David and Chapman, Brendan
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/63232

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