Multiple homicides

This article discusses the matter of multiple homicides in the field of criminology. In fact, it describes serial killers and mass murderers, as well as what might be the reason for one becoming such a way. According to the authors, both serial killers and mass murderers share the same ‘motivational typology’, which could be power, revenge, loyalty, profit and terror. The authors also claim that these type of killers are often sociopaths that need to achieve some kind of goal, personal needs, by committing violent killings. The distinction between the two categories (serial vs. mass murderer), is made with a description of both and its relevance. Finally, the authors mention the negative influence that the media has on the delivery of this type of information, stating that they only produce more unnecessary fear and human destruction. For further details and more relevant data, read the full article Multiple Homicide: Patterns of Serial and Mass Murder, by James Alan Fox and Jack Levin, or consult the document at:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/1147545

Written by Aimée Pocock