間眅埶AV

School of Criminology

Congratulations to Zena Rossouw on successfully defending her MA thesis

April 10, 2024

Big congratulations to Zena Rossouw, who successfully defended her MA thesis entitled Stranger Danger: Analyzing Offender Behaviours Based on Victim Approach Tactics in Sexual Homicide

Abstract

Perpetrators using a ruse in sexual homicide may experience delayed detection and provide the offender with an opportunity for a subsequent attempt if the initial effort fails. This study explores associations between victim characteristics and offender behaviours in sexual murderers targeting stranger victims using a "con" approach versus alternative methods (blitz or surprise). The results from the logistic regression revealed that "con" approach offenders had more male victims, targeted vulnerability, and displayed post-crime organization. Their crimes more often

involved fellatio and lower rates of victim beating when compared to other approaches. The

cluster analysis identified three groups: "Abandoners," "Relocators," and "Eclectic." "Abandoners" don't move the victim's body and sometimes use a con approach. "Relocators" always move the body and occasionally target vulnerability. "Eclectic" offenders target both genders, exhibit diverse behaviours, prey on vulnerability, almost half involve fellatio, and often use a con approach. The implications for investigations are discussed.

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