| Previous studies of serial murder have typically focused on the attributes of the victims of a particular serial murderer in relation to the characteristics of that serial murderer. Specifically, most researchers have focused on serial killers that have already been apprehended, and have typically analyzed for patterns in the backgrounds of their victims. Unfortunately, there has been little research analyzing patterns across possible serial murders that have not been solved. The present study examines over 3,500 homicides with characteristics of serial murder that occurred from January of 1995 through December of 1999. These killings were analyzed in order to detect patterns across gender, race, physical characteristics, and other traits of the victims. Aggregate level data were also examined in order to test for patterns in region, climate and other possible correlates of the homicides. |
Updated 05/20/2006