SOC 2220 Criminology (Assignment)

The term ‘serial killings’ means a series of three or more killings, not less than one of which was committed within the United States, having common characteristics such as to suggest the reasonable possibility that the crimes were committed by the same actor or actors.   Although the federal law provides a definition of serial murder, it is limited in its application. The purpose of this definition was to set forth criteria establishing when the FBI could assist local law enforcement agencies with their investigation of serial murder cases.

You may write about an open serial killer case or a cold case were the suspect has not been identified.    The paper must contain the following information:

1.  A Short Summary about the person
2. You must mentioned the psychological type of person.  Psychological theories describe the person this usually comes from the persons childhood life helpful will be the chart that will be discussed in a lecture on serial killers.
3. Describe the Motive behind the killing
4.  Who were the victims?
5.  Remember definition of a serial killer
4. Look for a theory why the person may have done the crime
5. Explain in detail Modus Operandi (MO) of the case

  You will have to have a written report 5-7 pages

  You can use either MLA or APA format in writing the report

 You will have to give a ten-minute presentation to the class (power point) and pictures may be part of the presentation

List of Theories:

victim precipitation theory

lifestyle theories

routine activities theory

rational choice theory

psychodynamic theory

attachment theory

behavior theory

cognitive theory

Hormonal Influences (e.g. testosterone)

Arousal theory

Monoamine oxidase A

strain theory

cultural deviance theory

delinquent subculture theory

 Trajectory theory

Latent trait

Problem behavior syndrome