RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Malignant Sex and Aggression: An Overview of Serial Sexual Homicide
JF Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online
JO J Am Acad Psychiatry Law
FD American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
SP 435
OP 451
VO 21
IS 4
A1 Wade C. Myers
A1 Lawrence Reccoppa
A1 Karen Burton
A1 Ross McElroy
YR 1993
UL http://jaapl.org/content/21/4/435.abstract
AB Serial murderers have attracted considerable attention in the popular press and criminal justice field, but scientific literature about these individuals is limited. This article provides an overview, from a psychiatric perspective, of serial sexual homicide, one type of serial killing. Characteristics of this type of murder and of these offenders are discussed. Defining qualities and diagnoses applicable to serial sexual killers are reviewed. Various etiologic theories are discussed, with emphasis on the role of fantasy and psychodynamic explanations. Governmental agencies involved in combating this type of crime, along with the role of mental health professionals in criminal profiling, are presented. Finally, the authors explore the reaction of society to this phenomenon.