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Signature Killers

NCJ Number
179149
Author(s)
Robert D. Keppel; William J. Birnes
Date Published
1998
Length
395 pages
Annotation
Signature killers leave at least some identifying evidence at the scene of their crimes; good investigative and detection techniques and high-tech analysis can result in their apprehension.
Abstract
The book focuses on patterns, compulsions, and motives of signature killers and the nature of their pathological minds. Initial book chapters cover the characteristics of signature killers and their use of torture. Subsequent chapters deal with the anger-retaliation signature, the picquerism signature, the psychological imprint of a sadist, the retaliation-to-excitation continuum, and reasons why signature killers commit violent acts. Examples of criminal cases involving signature killers, particularly in the United States, are described.

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