Cross-Cultural Comparison of Two Serial Sexual Murder Series in Italy and the United States

• NCJ Number: 231657
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2010 Pages: 1111-1115
• Author(s): Robert J. Morton, M.S.; Carlo P. Campobasso, M.D., Ph.D.; James J. McNamara, M.S.; Massimo Colonna, M.D.; Felice Carabellese, M.D.; Ignazio Grattagliano, Psy.D.; Roberto Catanesi, M.D.; Jennifer M. Lawrence, M.A.
• Date Published: July 2010
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The authors contrasted two unique serial murder series: one in Italy and one in the United States by examining the details of both series, including the M.O., motivation, crime scene interactions, sexual acts performed, and the general backgrounds of both offenders.

Abstract

There have been few documented comparisons of serial murder cases committed in the United States with cases occurring internationally. The comparison revealed a number of similarities. Both offenders specifically targeted elderly women, who were attacked in their residences. The two series involved sexually motivated crimes, although the sexual interactions were different. Both offenders stole objects from their victims after the murders and each kept newspaper accounts of their crimes. In addition, both offenders claimed to have abusive upbringings, including sexual abuse. (Published Abstract)