Criminal Profiling-Analyzing High-Profile Murder Cases and Media Influence
Assuming the role of a criminal profiler, the steps I would take in criminal profiling would be as follows: firstly, crime scene analysis, followed by victimology, behavioral analysis, psychological evaluation, profile construction and feedback, and lastly, refinement.
Crime Scene Analysis
In order to establish the context of the crime so that I can have some insights into the offender’s motivations and behavior, collecting crime scene information would be my first step. Besides, analyzing the crime scene also helps in finding information about the offender’s modus operandi, and signature traits (Turvey, 2011). The type of information about the crime that is gathered in this step includes the time of day and year it occurred, the state of the crime scene, and the location, among others.
Victimology
Profilers study the victims to understand their demographics, relationships, and any patterns related to the selection of victims. Witness statements and, if available, the victim’s account of the crime is reviewed to understand what transpired during the incident. These accounts can help identify key events, interactions, and unique aspects of the offender’s behavior. Besides, autopsy results analysis has to be done to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as any additional forensic evidence that may provide clues about the offender’s identity or motives (Turvey, 2011).
Behavioral Analysis
Profilers examine the offender’s behavior before, during, and after the crime to identify patterns and motivations. Based on the gathered information in the initial steps, I as a profiler would then proceed to suggest a sequence of events leading to and occurring during the crime. This sequence helps reconstruct the timeline of the incident and may reveal patterns or patterns of behavior exhibited by the offender (Turvey, 2011).
Psychological Evaluation
This step involves the use of psychological theories and assessments in an effort to understand the offender’s personality, motivations, and potential mental health issues.
Profile Construction
Based on the gathered information, I would then construct a profile of the offender, including demographic characteristics, behavioral traits, motivations, and possible triggers.
Feedback and Refinement
After the creation of a profile, the next step is presenting it to investigators for feedback and further refinement based on additional evidence or insights gained during the investigation.
Criminal Profiles of Known Criminals
Son of Sam (David Berkowitz)
Berkowitz was a serial killer who targeted young women in New York City during the 1970s. He exhibited a pattern of targeting couples parked in cars, using a .44 caliber revolver. The fact he targeted women suggested that he did not have a lover and most likely lived alone. Secondly, he was not able to woe a woman which suggests that he did not have adequate social skills. His motivations were rooted in a combination of anger, and sexual frustration.
Ted Bundy
Bundy was a serial killer and rapist who operated in various states in the 1970s. He targeted young women, often using charm and manipulation to lure them to secluded areas where he would assault and murder them. Being able to easily lure women suggested that he was intelligent, had excellent social skills, would appear well and was most likely good-looking. He probably had troubles as a child in terms of committing strange behaviors before he was able to transform himself to fit in well. Looking at the nature of his crimes, Bundy’s profile fits that of a sexual serial killer, motivated by a desire for power and control over his victims.
Charles Manson
Manson was a cult leader who orchestrated a series of murders in 1969, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders. He was highly intelligent to be able to exert control over his followers through manipulation and coercion and, most of all, convince them to commit acts of violence on his behalf. Manson’s profile aligns with that of a cult leader or narcissistic charismatic psychopath, exploiting vulnerable individuals for his own gain (Morana, Stone, & Abdalla-Filho, 2006).
John Gacy
Gacy was a serial killer and rapist who targeted young men and boys in the Chicago area during the 1970s. He lured his victims to his home under the guise of offering them work or accommodation before assaulting and murdering them. He was able to disguise himself as harmless and earn the trust of his victims suggesting that he was also intelligent. Gacy’s profile fits that of a lust or power-oriented serial killer, preying on vulnerable individuals within his community.
Charles Whitman
Whitman was a mass murderer who perpetrated the infamous Texas Tower shooting in 1966, killing multiple people and injuring many others. He exhibited signs of mental distress leading up to the attack, including violent tendencies and thoughts of self-harm. Whitman’s profile aligns with that of a mass murderer driven by personal grievances or mental illness.
Gary Ridgway (Green River Killer)
Ridgway was a prolific serial killer who targeted sex workers and young women in the Seattle area during the 1980s and 1990s. He lured his victims to secluded areas where he would strangle them to death, often disposing of their bodies in remote locations. Ridgway’s profile fits that of a sexual serial killer motivated by a deep-seated hatred and desire to exert control over women.
Categorization and Analysis
Each individual fits into the category of serial killer due to their patterns of multiple murders committed over a period of time. Their motivations varied but often included elements of power, control, and sometimes sexual gratification. Characteristics such as manipulation, charm, and a lack of empathy were common among these individuals, contributing to their ability to elude capture for extended periods.
Analysis of Gender Disparities
The predominance of male serial killers and mass murderers, particularly white males in their early thirties, can be attributed to a combination of societal factors and individual characteristics. Historically, men have been socialized to express aggression and dominance more openly than women, leading to a higher likelihood of violent behavior (Sharma, 2018). Additionally, systemic biases within law enforcement and the criminal justice system may contribute to the underreporting or misclassification of crimes committed by women or individuals from minority backgrounds. Furthermore, access to resources and opportunities for intervention or rehabilitation may differ based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and gender, potentially influencing the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior.
Motivations for Murder
Motivations for murder can vary widely and may include factors including revenge, power and control, financial gain, sexual gratification, belief or ideology, and mental illness.
References
Morana, H. C., Stone, M. H., & Abdalla-Filho, E. (2006). Personality disorders, psychopathy, and serial killers. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 28, s74-s79.
Sharma, M. (2018). The development of serial killers: A grounded theory study. Masters Theses. 3720. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/3720
Turvey, B. E. (2011). Criminal profiling: An introduction to behavioral evidence analysis. Academic press.
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Question 
Instructions
Assessing Crime Pathology
Assume you are a criminal profiler. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research criminal profiling. Research several murderers who are relatively well known due to the media highlighting their cases and the stories that surrounded their cases. Based on your understanding, address the following in a Microsoft Word document:
Criminal Profiling-Analyzing High-Profile Murder Cases and Media Influence
Describe the steps that are involved in criminal profiling.
Create a profile of each of the following individuals:
Son of Sam
Ted Bundy
Charles Manson
John Gacy
Charles Whitman
Gary Ridgway
Once you profile these individuals, respond to the following:
Categorize the profile that the individual fits in (mass murderer, spree murderer, or something else). Analyze why each individual fits the profile you chose. Describe the characteristics and personality traits that led you to choose this profile.
Analyze and explain why most of these crimes are seen as male crimes and why most serial killers have been identified as white males in their early thirties.
Analyze some of the motivations for murder (or multiple murders) as you have learned from this week’s readings.