A Behaviour Sequence Analysis of Serial Killers’ Lives: From Childhood Abuse to Methods of Murder

Abbie Jean Marono, Sasha Reid, Enzo Yaksic, David Adam Keatley

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The aim of the current research was to provide a new method for mapping the developmental sequences of serial killers’ life histories. The role of early childhood abuse, leading to types of serial murder and behaviours involved in the murders, was analysed using Behaviour Sequence Analysis. A large database (n = 233) of male serial killers with known childhood abuse (physical, sexual, or psychological) was analysed according to typologies and crime scene behaviours. Behaviour Sequence Analysis was used to show significant links between behaviours and events across their lifetime. Sexual, physical, and psychological abuse often led to distinct crime scene behaviours. The results provide individual accounts of abuse types and behaviours. The present research highlights the importance of childhood abuse as a risk factor for serial killers’ behaviours, and provides a novel and important advance in profiling serial killers and understanding the sequential progression of their life histories.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)126-137
Number of pages12
JournalPsychiatry, Psychology and Law
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • behaviour sequence analysis
  • crime
  • homicide
  • profiling
  • serial killer

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