NCJ Number
150392
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 383-398
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study used a sample of 14 female serial murderers to determine to what extent they fit the current profile of male serial murderers in terms of behavior, background, and demographic characteristics.
Abstract
Data were obtained from questionnaires and from primary sources including court transcripts, presentence investigation reports, psychological evaluations, and correctional files. The findings suggested that there may be more differences than similarities between female and male serial murderers, specifically in nine areas: victim damage, victim torture, weapon or method, stalking versus luring behavior, crime scene organization, reasons for the murders, substance abuse history, psychiatric diagnosis, and household composition. Similarities between the groups were found with respect to broken homes, childhood abuse, race, educational level, and occupation. Two unusual findings from this study involved the geographic distribution of the murders and the almost complete lack of mobility of the offenders. 1 note and 39 references