Overview
The lecture explores the interplay of genetics, psychology, and experiences in criminal behavior, focusing on how criminal profiling helps law enforcement solve violent crimes.
Nature vs. Nurture in Serial Killers
- Both genetics (nature) and experiences (nurture) contribute to the making of a serial killer.
- Genetics provide the potential; personality and experience influence actions.
Criminal Profiling and the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit
- Profilers study violent and sexual crimes to assist law enforcement when forensics are insufficient.
- Early profilers interviewed convicted serial killers to understand motives and psychology.
- Key cases (Ed Kemper, David Berkowitz, Ted Bundy) revealed different motivations and methods.
Profiling Methodology
- Profiling involves analyzing victimology, crime scene, organization, and offender behavior before and after the crime.
- Victimology examines victims’ lives to infer offender preferences, skills, and motives.
- Crime location reveals offender risk-taking and familiarity.
- Crime scene analysis focuses on time spent, victim interaction, and weapon choices.
- Offenders are on a spectrum from organized (planned, careful) to disorganized (impulsive, messy).
Case Study: Double Homicide
- Evidence included cash, drugs, and a written message; main target appeared to be a pregnant woman.
- Offender likely immature, mid to low intelligence, left evidence behind.
- Killing suggests a personal motive, possibly jealousy or a love triangle.
- Behavioral cues included poor preparation and likely panic after the crime.
Case Study: DC Sniper
- DC sniper case involved random victims and showed high planning and discipline.
- Profilers initially based profiles on statistics (older white males with military/police background).
- Unique clues (tarot card, messages) led to a revised profile: two African American snipers, one older controlling the younger.
- The final profile matched suspects, leading to their arrest and conviction.
The Value of Behavioral Analysis
- Behavioral analysis generates leads when there are no suspects or forensic evidence.
- Helps identify, arrest, and convict violent offenders nationwide.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Victimology — the study of victims’ characteristics to understand why they were targeted.
- Organized Offender — a criminal who plans and carefully executes crimes.
- Disorganized Offender — a criminal who is impulsive and leaves evidence.
- Behavioral Analysis — profiling method that deduces offender characteristics from crime scene behavior.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review profiling steps and apply to sample crime scenarios.
- Read additional case studies on criminal profiling techniques.