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In this book, criminologist Stephen Giannangelo offers an original theory of the origins and development of the serial murderer. The author constructs a two-part model of the serial murderer's development. The first part outlines biological factors and concomitant psychological anomalies that can predispose individuals toward homicidal behavior. Then, in developing the second part of his model, Giannangelo describes how a traumatic environmental stressor may trigger a cyclical pattern of violent behavior in those persons predisposed to kill. Having constructed his archetype of the serial killer, the author concludes by suggesting how diagnostic tools could be constructed and employed by psychologists, criminologists, and law enforcement officials to recognize the serial killer and to arrest the cycle of violence.
List of contents
Preface
The Development of a Serial MurdererIntroduction: An Identification of the Offender
Clinical Diagnoses and Serial Killer Traits
Background and Development of the Serial Killer
Towards the Development of a Theory of ViolenceTheoretical Discussion
Case Studies
Case Studies Analysis
Theoretical Analysis and Development
Conclusion
Appendix A: Case Briefs
Appendix B: Definition of Terms
References
Index
About the author
STEPHEN J. GIANNANGELO is a Special Agent with the Illinois Department of Revenue, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He is currently a member of the Illinois State Police Task Force on financial and white-collar crime. He holds a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
