NCJ Number
116062
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1989) Pages: 97-106
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Ritualistic crimes may involve arson, animal mutilation, child molestation, murder, kidnaping, sex crimes, vandalism, and terrorism. Many involve multiple perpetrators and multiple victims.
Abstract
Groups associated with ritualistic crimes include deviant paganists, survivalists, island cults, satanists, and destructive religious, cults. Motives usually involve some transcendent, religious, or supernatural purpose; and sites are usually isolated to ensure privacy. Among some groups, the date and time of the crime may have import (e.g., the equinoxes or solstices, midnight). Some crime scenes are easily recognized as ritualistic on the basis of graffiti or symbols. Paraphernalia, such as sex devices or special costumes, may give further clues of a ritualistic crime. Often drug paraphernalia may be involved. If a human or animal body is present, there often is evidence of mutilation. At the crime scene, investigators should be aware of possible boobytrapping and make sure that the scene and all vantage points of observation are secure. Comprehensive techniques used by crime scene investigators are applicable. The scene should be photographed and sketched, possible evidence should be collected and documented, and the final report should stick to the facts of the offense.