Revisiting the anger/sadistic typology of sexual homicide

Abstract

PurposeThe anger/sadistic model is one of several typologies proposed for sexual homicide events. This paper aims to empirically test this model by examining sexual homicide cases. Empirically validating these typologies provides greater validity and reliability toward the sexual homicide classification systems that are useful in police investigations. Design/methodology/approachSecondary data analysis was conducted using police data on 249 solved sexual homicide cases in Canada from 1948 to 2010. Through a robust classifying method, latent class analysis was used to examine variables from the anger/sadistic typology. Additionally, variables from the pre-crime, crime and post-crime phases were examined in relation to the classes’ external validity. FindingsThree classes emerged, namely, expressive, methodical and instrumental. Expressive and methodical were similar to the anger/sadistic model in terms of the presence of premeditation, victim-offender relationship and body disposal location. Instrumental was characterized by the absence of mutilation on the victim’s body, targeted acquaintances and the use of physical restraints. The three-class typology resembled evidence found in a previous systematic review and also reinforced the notion of heterogeneity in sexual homicide offenses. Originality/valueThis is the first study to empirically test the anger/sadistic typology. Such validation is important given that sexual homicide classification systems can aid in police investigations (e.g. narrowing down the list of potential suspects). Replication of studies is needed to lend credibility to research processes, which, in turn, allows practitioners and policymakers to integrate the results into policies effectively.

Naked body disposal: an indicator of the type of sexual homicide

“…Leaving the corpse at the crime scene, with the victim lying on their back, was more indicative of the angry offender, again reflecting the lack of premeditation on their part (Beauregard and Proulx, 2002). When this typology was empirically tested, Chai et al (2021b) noted that several post-crime behaviors were key in categorizing offenders into the two groups, which further demonstrates the importance of examining this phase of the crime commission process to better differentiate between sexual homicide typologies.…”

“…Failing to consider extenuating circumstances that might also contribute to a naked victim could lead to the misclassification of the homicide, which could potentially lead to errors when solving the case and in turn slow down an important investigation. Many studies have determined that key modus operandi (MO) characteristics can be uncovered at the body disposal site, and this has established the importance of a more thorough understanding of postcrime behaviors (Beauregard and Field, 2008; Chai et al , 2021b; Morton et al , 2014). Despite being an integral piece of information on sexual homicide, it has not been examined on its own regarding what additional information can be gleaned from a naked disposal (Geberth, 2010a; Ressler et al , 1992).…”

The current role and contribution of ‘forensic clinical psychologists’ (FCPs) to criminal investigation in the United Kingdom

“…The above taxonomy on mental disorders is often relevant to investigative advice and may also further the understanding of specific underlying psychopathology, such as psychopathy and sadism (Dhingra and Boduszek, 2013; Porter et al , 2003; Woodworth et al , 2013), anger/sadistic typology (Chai et al , 2021), the link between childhood physical abuse and sadistic traits (Cazala et al (2023), distinction between instrumental and expressive aggression in cases of homicide (Meloy, 2006; Santtila et al , 2003), motivational pattern of habitual sex offenders (Reid et al , 2014), motivation involving acts of dismemberment in homicides (Pointon and Wright, 2023), sexually motivated murders (Schlesinger, 2007), face covering in homicide cases (Rainbow et al , 2021) and overcontrolled hostility (Gudjonsson, 2018, pp. 153-155; Gudjonsson et al , 1989, 1991).…”

The current role and contribution of “behavioural investigative advisers” (BIAs) to criminal investigation in the United Kingdom

“…Gisli Hannes Gudjonsson is based at the Department of Psychology, King's College London, London, UK. more professional and evidence based (Almond et al, 2007;Chai et al, 2021;Beauregard et al, 2017;Yaksic, 2020). In the United Kingdom (UK) offender profiling has become a recognised and regulated endeavour with clear professional guidelines and standards (Fox et al, 2020a(Fox et al, , 2020bRainbow and Gregory, 2011).…”

“…After 40 years of extensive research into “offender profiling”, a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of 426 publications between 1976 and 2016 (Fox and Farrington, 2018) shows that there have been improvements in the scientific rigour of studies conducted, but there remains relative absence of studies examining the utility and accuracy of profiles. As far as the offender profiling process is concerned, there is evidence that it has become more professional and evidence based (Almond et al , 2007; Chai et al , 2021; Beauregard et al , 2017; Yaksic, 2020). In the United Kingdom (UK) offender profiling has become a recognised and regulated endeavour with clear professional guidelines and standards (Fox et al , 2020a, 2020b; Rainbow et al , 2011; Rainbow and Gregory, 2011).…”