NCJ Number
222236
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 18 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 1167-1188
Date Published
October 2003
Length
22 pages
Annotation
With data obtained through interviews with incarcerated offenders, the purpose of this research study was to obtain demographic and background history on convicted nonfamily child abductors who had murdered their victims.
Abstract
Many of the findings are consistent with offender characteristics documented in previous research. The most poignant finding from the study is the lack of identifiable demographic and behavioral indicators during childhood and adolescence. The study does identify and verify some indicators in the offender’s level of functioning as an adult. As adults, child abductors who murder their victims are generally not socially integrated within society, through education and personal relationships. Nonfamily child abductions have a low rate of occurrence despite the media attention and public hysteria that these types of cases attract. However, nonfamily child abductions are emotionally charged crimes that can rapidly overwhelm law enforcement resources with the 24-hour period following the abduction being the most critical. The purpose of this study was to obtain demographic and background history on convicted nonfamily child abductors who had murdered their victims. Data for the study were obtained through interviews of incarcerated offenders and review of case documents. To date, interviews with 25 child abductors who murdered their victims have been conducted within various prison facilities. Gigures, notes, and references