Crime Scene and Profile Characteristics of Organized and Disorganized Murders

• NCJ Number: 99117
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 54 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1985) Pages: 18-25
• Author(s): R K Ressler; A W Burgess
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-97114

Annotation

A research study based on interviews with 36 convicted sexual murderers demonstrates the effectiveness of a technique developed by the FBI for classifying murderers into 2 distinct categories: organized and disorganized.

Abstract

The subjects represented 25 serial murderers and 11 sexual murderers who had committed either a single homicide, double homicide, or a spree murder. Within this group, the classification technique revealed 24 organized and 12 disorganized murderers. Both crime scene and background differences were found between the two groups. Characteristics of the organized offender include a high birth order, inconsistent parental discipline, average or above average intelligence, and poor work performance. The organized offender is socially adept and usually living with a partner. He may report an angry state of mind prior to the murder and admit to being calm and relaxed after the crime. The crime scene of the organized murderer shows a semblance of order before, during, and after the offense. The victim frequently is a stranger and may be targeted because he or she is in a particular location or has certain characteristics. Obsessive, compulsive traits surface in the organized murderer's behavior and crime scene patterns. In contrast, the disorganized offender is likely to be of below average intelligence, low birth order, and subjected to harsh parental discipline. He is in a confused and distressed state of mind at the time of the murder, is socially inadequate, and sexually incompetent. The crime scene shows that the crime was committed suddenly with no set plan of action for deterring detection. Facial destruction and sexually sadistic acts performed after the murder are typical. Disorganized offenders usually leave the victim in the same position in which he or she was killed and make no attempt to conceal the body. Case examples and photographs are included.