Page:FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 54 (8).pdf/21

 "Victims of serial murderers have been noted to share common characteristics." and disorganized murderers. In order for the study to achieve its ob­jectives, the Agents first had to classi­fy the 36 murderers into the organized or disorganized group, the breakdown being 24 organized murderers and 12 disorganized murderers.

Results of Analyses

The study determined that there were significant differences in the crime scenes of organized and disor­ganized offenders, and that certain background differences were also found between them. There were four aspects of the crime where dif­ferences between organized and dis­organized murderers were analyzed: (1) The murderer's action during the offense, (2) victim characteristics, (3) use of vehicles in the crime, and (4) types of evidence left at the crime scene. Table 1 provides the profile characteristics that achieved levels of significance between the organized and disorganized murderers, while table 2 shows the crime scene char­acteristics for the two groups.

Organized Offender: Profile Characteristics

Organized offenders have a high birth order, often being the first born son in a family. The father's work his­tory is generally stable, and parental discipline is perceived as inconsistent. Although the organized offender has an average or better than average IQ, he often works at occupations below his abilities, yet prefers a skilled occupation. His work history is also sporadic.

Precipitating situational stress, such as problems with finances, mar­riages, employment, and relationships with females, is often present prior to the murder. The organized offender is socially adept and is usually living with a partner.

The organized offender may report an angry frame of mind at the time of the murder or state he was depressed. However, while committing the crime, he admits being calm and relaxed. Alcohol may have been con­sumed prior to the crime.

The organized offender is likely to have a car that is in good condition. Evidence of continued fantasy is present in terms of taking remem­brances of the victim or crime scene. Newspaper clippings of the crimes are August 1985 / 19