The patterns of homicide offence characteristics and their associations with offender psychopathology

Abstract

Previous research suggests different crime scene patterns reflect differences in the background characteristics of the offender. However, whether differences in crime scene patterns are related to offender psychopathology remains unclear. We hypothesise that schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depressive illness will each associate to a specific homicide crime scene pattern. Homicide data were obtained from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness. Our sample comprised 759 homicides committed by offenders in contact with mental health services in the year preceding the offence and with an available psychiatric report. We used joint correspondence analysis to examine patterns between different methods of homicide, circumstances of homicide, victim gender, and victim age groups. Three homicide patterns were identified: male conflict homicide, intimate female homicide, and child homicide. Additionally, each homicide pattern was associated with one or more mental illnesses. Results are discussed in terms of the possible role of psychopathology in "offender profiling" research.

Patricide and overkill: a review of the literature and case report of a murder with Capgras delusion

“…Forensic psychiatrists also suggest that the type of mental disorder of the perpetrator may influence the choice of the weapon [ 36 , 37 ], with depatterning of behavior, common in schizophrenics, leading to a random choice at the crime scene, whereas delirium or hallucinations may explain the choice of unusual or atypical weapons [ 36 ]. Indeed, some associations between the mental disorder of the offender and the weapon used have been described in the literature, the most common being schizophrenia/delusional disorder with the use of sharp instruments [ 36 , 43 ], often correlated with multiple strikes on the torso [ 36 ] and mood disorders with strangling, asphyxiation, suffocation, and drowning [ 43 ]. A personality disorder, alcohol dependence and organic disorders are often correlated with the use of blunt instruments [ 43 ].…”

“…Indeed, some associations between the mental disorder of the offender and the weapon used have been described in the literature, the most common being schizophrenia/delusional disorder with the use of sharp instruments [ 36 , 43 ], often correlated with multiple strikes on the torso [ 36 ] and mood disorders with strangling, asphyxiation, suffocation, and drowning [ 43 ]. A personality disorder, alcohol dependence and organic disorders are often correlated with the use of blunt instruments [ 43 ].…”

Karakteristik Kepribadian Narapidana Kasus Pembunuhan Berencana Ditinjau dari Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2

“…Kendati demikian, terdapat data yang mendukung penelitian (Häkkänen, 2010) yaitu korban merupakan orang asing dan partisipan memiliki latar belakang yang lebih bermasalah (Ioannou et al, 2015). Depresi menjadi salah satu faktor yang mendorong seseorang melakukan kejahatan seperti pembunuhan (Abreu Minero et al, 2018). Dorongan seksualitas dapat menjadi faktor pendorong seseorang melakukan pembunuhan berencana (Knight, 2007).…”

Investigating homicide offender typologies based on their clinical histories and crime scene behaviour patterns

“…clinical history and mental state at the time of the crime) and aspects surrounding the offence (i.e. relationship victim-perpetrator and place of homicide) into the previous analysis of offence patterns and offenders' diagnosis (see Abreu Minero et al, 2018). This comprehensive approach allowed for an improved understanding of the relationship between clinical aspects of the offender's history and the offence itself.…”