The Role of Child and Adult Sexual Fantasies and
Criminal Paraphilia Involving Serial Sexual Murderers
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study
The brutality and gruesomeness of a violent sexual offense provoke
great fear within communities. Researchers have attempted to gain insight
into the motives and characteristics of sexual offenders. Studies have
addressed possible differences between sexual offenders, sexual murderers,
serial murderers, and nonsexual offenders. Past researchers have reviewed
the etiology and the motivations of sexual murders (Chan & Beauregard,
2016; Choplin & Beauregard, 2018; Reid et al., 2019). These studies
indicated how traumatic childhood events impact emotional and behavioral
development throughout a lifetime.
Events such as psychological abuse can drive a person to isolate,
struggle to develop relationships, and suffer from the psychological and
emotional pain (Reid et al., 2019). An abused child may learn to self-
regulate negative emotions by creating sexual fantasies and paraphilia. The
sexual fantasies provide the child with the ability to gain a sense of
escapism, power, control, and connection with another person (Reid et al.,
2019). As the child moves into adolescence and adulthood, sexual fantasies
can become more severe and create a tremendous urge to commit criminal
sexual acts to feel relief from the negative emotions (Murray, 2017). When
an offender seeks this release, the crimes may escalate and lead to multiple
sexual murders (Gilberta & Daffern, 2017).
This chapter includes a brief review of the literature regarding
elements that influence the development of sexual fantasies and paraphilia of
violent offenders who commit a sexual homicide and serial sexual homicide.
Previous studies focused on developmental factors that influence serial
sexual murderers. The studies’ results indicated a correlation between
childhood trauma, sexual fantasies, and paraphilia as factors that influence
the type of sexual offenses and the motivations of the sexual murder
(Pettigrew, 2017). This information helps create profiles, possible predictors
of a modus operandi, and serial sexual killers’ decision process to commit
the premeditated murders.
Chapter 1 introduces the theoretical foundations used in the current
study that include Hickey’s trauma control model (TCM) and relational
paraphilic attachment (RPA). These theoretical foundations help explain the
impact of traumatic events during childhood and how they can delay a
child’s emotional and behavioral development. TCM and RPA support the
connection between childhood trauma and the creation of child and adult
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers.
Recorded within these foundations, sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
influence the progression of sexual violence and impact how the killings
could occur (i.e., sadistic or angry).
Finally, chapter 1 highlights the qualitative methodology used for this
study. I explored the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers. There was a gap in previous
research regarding the details of the sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
of serial sexual murderers. It was essential to explore these phenomena to
gain an understanding of the role these phenomena play in serial sexual
murderers.
Background
Childhood developmental complexities have been linked to criminal
behavior later in life. Adverse experiences, such as childhood trauma, could
place a child at greater risk to engage in illegal activity and sexual deviance
by inhibiting the development of social competencies and the ability to self-
regulate (Levenson & Grady, 2016). The lack of proper parenting creates
insecure attachments, which block the growth of intimacy and empathy.
Instead, children may become manipulative, violent, and sexually deviant to
satisfy their needs.
Chan and Beauregard (2016) and Beauregard and DeLisi (2018)
focused on the developmental factors of offenders who have committed
sexual homicide and nonsexual homicide. Both studies recognized that a
sexual murderer was a distinct offender, and certain types of abuse impacted
their social and emotional development. Sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia are two factors documented by the researchers that resulted from
childhood traumatic events and used by sexual killers. It was noted within
the studies that offenders’ sexual fantasies and paraphilia progressed through
their lifespan and became a modus operandi for sexual murder.
Chan and Beauregard (2016) compared the personality traits and
paraphilic behaviors of nonsexual homicide offenders and sexual homicide
offenders. Chan and Beauregard examined offender traits and behaviors that
influenced their decisions while committing the crime. Sexual homicide
offenders exhibited maladaptive personality traits that included grandiose
thoughts regarding themselves, paranoia, and mistrust. The decision to kill
correlated with sadistic paraphilic behaviors influenced by sexual fantasies.
Risk factors such as isolation, low self-esteem, and anger could
become a motivation to create sexual fantasies and paraphilia. Chronic
masturbation reinforces sexual fantasies and paraphilia while an individual
descends into an alternative reality (Beauregard & DeLisi, 2018). Sexual
fantasies and paraphilia help create a sense of control and dominance lacking
in their reality. Once the fantasy no longer provides satisfaction, the offender
begins to act out the fantasy, which becomes a motivation to kill. Beauregard
and DeLisi (2018) identified that the study had limitations related to the
sample selection. The offenders who participated were in a forensic
rehabilitation center and did not include sexual homicide offenders within
penitentiaries.
Morono et al. (2020) conducted a study to create a method that maps
serial killers’ developmental sequences. The literature cited in the study
indicated that serial sexual killers internalized the abuse they experienced as
a child, which produced a cognitive process leading to violent behaviors.
Morono et al. used a behavioral sequence to link childhood abuse to violent
behaviors that develop throughout the offenders’ actions at the time of the
murder. Childhood abuse provides and understanding as to why abnormal
paraphilia develops. This type of paraphilia is used in a sadistic manner,
such as torturing and killing their victims to feel sexual pleasure (Morono et
al. 2020).
Reid et al. (2019) reviewed childhood adverse events and serial sexual
murderers’ lifespan trajectory. Developmental psychology was the
framework used in the study to explore how adverse events within childhood
disrupt development, which leaves the child at risk for psychopathology.
Reid et al. supported psychological that abuse was a common form of
violence experienced within the childhood of a serial sexual murderer. The
abuse hindered their ability to create healthy relationships because they were
not taught by their primary caregiver how to be affectionate or empathetic.
Adverse events influenced the creation of sexual fantasies to escape the
abuse and gain a feeling of power. The study was limited based on the data
gathered through public references and the limited number of participants.
Other researchers have explored the decision-making process of a
sexual murderer before committing a sexual crime. A vital feature of the
modus operandi is how offenders create their decisions. James and Proulx
(2016) found a modus operandi became the murder that fulfilled the sexual
fantasies of serial sexual murderers. These fantasies provided a sanctuary to
manage emotional distress but become an internal constraint that shaped the
modus operandi. Acting out fantasies helped to provide a sense of sexual
satisfaction. If fantasies are not completed or do not provide the expected
sexual gratification, an offender may search for another victim (James &
Proulx, 2016). This research indicated characteristics of serial sexual
murderers, which include sadistic fantasies and sexual sadism. The perfect
completion of fantasy became the most critical motive.
The current study may assist law enforcement, school staff, and
mental health professionals in preventing future risk for behaviors that lead
to sexual murders committed by serial killers. These professionals frequently
encounter youths who experience traumatic events such as abuse at an early
age and adolescence. Gaining insight into childhood trauma is a critical
factor to provide resources faster and address traumatic events earlier to
avoid future repercussions. Treatment providers may use findings from the
current study to create early interventions for children who exhibit risk
factors related to future sexual violence. Establishing clinical treatment
protocols provide therapist guidance to attempt to prevent and treat those
convicted of sexual offenses.
Problem Statement
There is still much to explore regarding the role of child and adult
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers.
Previous research indicated childhood trauma as a reason children develop
maladaptive coping mechanisms such as sexual fantasies and paraphilia
(DeLisi et al., 2017; Reid et al., 2019). These coping mechanisms increased
in intensity, leading to sexual violence to gain a sense of power and control.
Even though researchers have indicated serial sexual killers suffer from child
and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia, they did not provide
descriptions of the fantasies and paraphilia. Morono et al. (2020)
recommended that future studies address the effects of childhood abuse and
other life events leading to murder. Reid et al. (2019) suggested future
research should take a top-down approach to consider all factors influencing
the motives of serial sexual murderers.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers. The study design was a multiple exploratory case study.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, 2005, as cited in Reid et al., 2019)
defined serial murder as a premeditated murder of two or more victims,
which occurs at different times. Data for the current study was gathered
through archival and secondary data sources related to the case participants
selected for this study. I attempted to fill a gap regarding detailed
descriptions of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia of
serial sexual murderers. This information may help law enforcement, school
staff, and treatment providers identify risk factors for future violence, profile
potential offenders, and create appropriate treatment modalities.
Research Questions
The following research questions (RQs) were used to explore the role
of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers:
RQ1: What is the role of childhood sexual fantasies involving serial
sexual murderers?
RQ2: What is the role of adult sexual fantasies involving serial sexual
murderers?
RQ3: What is the role of criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers?
Theoretical Foundation
Research has focused on differences between nonsexual homicide
offenders and sexual homicide offenders regarding their motivation and
characteristics. A constant theme in the literature related to an offender’s
past and how it affected sexually deviant behaviors. Researchers have
examined childhood trauma and its impact on the development of
maladaptive coping mechanisms such as sexual fantasies and paraphilia,
leading to sexual violence (Hickey, 2016; Kang et al., 2016; Reid et al.,
2019). For this study, I used Hickey’s TCM and RPA theories to explore the
role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia of an offender
who committed serial sexual murders. Chapter 2 provides further details
regarding each of the theoretical foundations.
Hickey’s (2016) TCM posits that biological, sociological, and
psychological factors related to trauma can impact serial murderers. Hickey
identified trauma as a predisposition toward violence at crucial
developmental stages and could affect a youth’s development. Youths who
experience abuse tended to internalize it as rejection. The feeling of rejection
impacts their development of self-esteem (Hickey, 2016). A serial sexual
killer could be triggered when feeling rejected, which leads to sexual murder
to gain a feeling of power, control, and revenge.
A serial sexual murderer could develop deviant and violent sexual
urges through their fantasies. The fantasies provide a retreat from feelings of
rejection and worthlessness. A perpetrator could create an attachment toward
a victim they created within their sexual fantasies (Hickey, 2016). A
significant finding within multiple studies indicated anger and isolation as
factors that influence sexual killers (Higgs, Carter, Stefanska et al., 2017).
RPA theory explains how individuals whose childhood attachments
were disrupted fail to develop healthy attachments to another person.
Instead, a person creates a relationship with a victim through their fantasy
and later acts it out through a paraphilia. While committing a sexual offense,
the offender believes that the victim is consenting to the sexual act (Hickey,
2016). The current study addressed the inability to create meaningful
relationships that can prompt violent sexual behaviors. Trauma is believed to
be a critical factor that affects the development of sexual violence of a serial
sexual murderer using sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia.
Nature of the Study
I used a qualitative research method to explore real-life situations to
describe the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
involving serial sexual murderers. The current study used a multiple
exploratory case study to examine data related to the three research
questions. Convicted serial sexual murderers were selected as case
participants. Archival sources that included biographical stories and case
records provided data for the current study. Thematic analysis was used to
analyze and identify patterns within the data and document participants’
similarities and differences (see Vaismoradi et al., 2016).
Case participants in this study included 12 male serial sexual
murderers residing in the United States who revealed child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. The case participants were selected based
on the FBI’s 2005 definition of a serial killer as individuals who have killed
two or more victims at different times (Radford University, n.d.). Non-U.S.
citizens, child molesters, and female offenders were excluded as case
participants from this study. This study’s theoretical foundations included
TCM and RPA theories that link childhood trauma to the development of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia in serial sexual
murders.
Definitions
Due to the topic addressed in this study, many terms may not be
recognized or understood. To ensure clarity, I provide definitions for key
terms used in this study:
Criminal paraphilia: This type of paraphilia (different source of
sexual arousal) occurs because of committing a crime. It does not always
mean that a victim will be sexually harmed, but it can include crimes such as
exhibitionism, burglary, and peeping (Hickey, 2016).
Deviant sexual fantasy: Fantasies that are sexually violent and focus
on causing physical and emotional harm (Gilberta & Daffern, 2017).
Paraphilia: A way an individual is dependent on the use of fantasies,
objects, or behaviors to gain sexual gratification (Sendler, 2018).
Relational paraphilic attachment: Paraphilic behaviors begin with
deviant fantasies about someone as a victim, leading to a connection with
their victim through a nonconsensual relationship (Hickey, 2016).
Serial sexual homicide: Targeting and killing two or more victims
after committing a sexual act such as rape or engaging in sexual activity with
someone after killing them (Hickey, 2016).
Sexual sadism: A type of paraphilia involving sexual arousal resulting
from causing pain or embarrassment to the victim (de Heer, 2016).
Trauma-control theory: This model indicates how an offender’s
previous traumatic experiences can be negative facilitators that can lead to
multiple violent crimes, including serial sexual murder (Hickey, 2016).
Assumptions
Traumatic experiences during childhood can create a barrier for
emotional and behavioral development. Children who experienced traumatic
events begin to internalize the information as messages of rejection. I
assumed that the case participants had experienced childhood trauma. I also
assumed the feeling of rejection was a driving factor to find ways to cope
with negative feelings.
Another assumption in this study was the case participants had
developed maladaptive coping mechanisms such as child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. Coping mechanisms, such as sexually
deviant behaviors, were created to escape and gain a sense of power and
control. A person became fully submerged within the sexual fantasy, and
when it no longer sexually satisfied them, the offender escalated to acting
out the sexual fantasy. The offender began their criminal career to gain
sexual satisfaction through paraphilic behavior because they could no longer
obtain this within their fantasy. Paraphilic behaviors may develop to satisfy
their sexual urges by using objects to avoid feeling rejected by others.
The final assumption was that the child and adult sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia descriptions were reported honestly and in detail by the
case participant. I anticipated that the sexual fantasies and paraphilia details
would provide insight into their role in the killings committed by serial
sexual murderers. Data analysis may increase the understanding of the
motives and mental stability before, during, and after a brutal act transpires.
Findings may help law enforcement, school staff, and treatment providers.
Delimitations
The focus of this study was the role of child and adult sexual fantasies
and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers. This study
consisted of 12 male case participants who met the criteria for a serial sexual
murderer and resided in the United States. After a thorough review of the
literature, I determined that female case participants would not be included
in the study because they were less likely to commit serial sexual murders.
Serial sexual killers who murdered children or lived outside of the United
States were excluded as case participants from this study.
Traumatic events experienced during a person’s childhood can change
how they self-regulate and create relationships with others. The current
study’s theoretical foundations focused on childhood trauma and paraphilic
attachments that create a false relationship with the victim. A multiple
exploratory case study was conducted to investigate the phenomenon
through real-life events.
To achieve transferability in this study, I reviewed the analysis and
coding to ensure they were detailed by completing multiple coding rounds.
Transferability allows other researchers to transfer the outcomes to replicate
the study. Law enforcement may employ the findings to identify youths at
risk for future sexual violence and to profile potential serial sexual killers.
School staff may gain further insight into childhood experiences and
relationships with primary caregivers of serial sexual killers. Treatment
modalities may be created and implemented for at-risk youths to prevent
future sexual violence.
Limitations
Qualitative research has not always been recognized as a legitimate
strategy to study social sciences because of limited protocols (Yazan, 2015).
In the current study, the truth of the results increases the credibility. The
results were not able to be generalized to all serial sexual killers. I included
serial sexual murderers who were males and lived in the United States.
Female serial sexual murderers and offenders who murdered children were
excluded from this study.
It was necessary to gather data for each case participant from multiple
sources that described the child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia of a serial sexual murderer. A saturation level was reached based
on the quality of the data. Data were gathered from documentaries, peer-
reviewed literature, and the information provided by the offender, victim,
and law enforcement personnel. Secondary resources provide information
gathered from the offender, victim, or law enforcement and could not be
proven to be fully accurate.
My biases and preconceptions may have impacted the interpretation of
the data. Throughout this process, I monitored my personal biases and
ensured that data gathered were from professional and reliable sources to
maximize the credibility of data used. As a single reviewer, I monitored my
personal bias throughout the study. I also communicated with study
reviewers to assess the data’s concerns and limit researcher bias.
Significance
This study was unique because it was designed to explore the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers. Serial killers who have experienced childhood abuse may
develop paraphilia, leading to criminal sexual violence (Drury et al., 2017).
Childhood fantasies become a way for a child to feel secure and in control.
As the child moves toward adolescence and adulthood, the fantasies become
stronger. Increasing the knowledge of behaviors that develop through child
and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia may help create preventive
measures to reduce the future risk of harm. Early identification may interfere
with the progression of sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia. Murray
(2017) reported that sexual fantasies develop during childhood, which could
be identified earlier by others in the child’s life.
Understanding childhood experiences of serial sexual killers may help
law enforcement, school staff, and mental health professionals identify risk
factors earlier in a child’s life. Children who experience childhood traumatic
events are more likely to encounter law enforcement and mental health
professionals because of these experiences (Reid et al., 2019). Law
enforcement have the potential to intervene at different stages of a child’s
life. At that time, law enforcement can provide resources to families, notify
school officials, and become a mentor through community policing.
Implementing these resilient factors may be a preventive measure to
decrease the possibility of sexual fantasies and paraphilia for individuals at
risk of becoming serial sexual murderers.
This study may help law enforcement identify other critical behaviors
and patterns that can predict sexual offending behaviors. Morono et al.
(2020) emphasized the importance of understanding the life histories and
personalities to create a profile of an offender. This information could
provide law enforcement with a possible reason for the modius operandi.
Identifying what drives a person to commit horrendous crimes such as serial
sexual murder can be essential to understand more about the offender’s
personality, which provides additional clues to who may be committing the
murders.
School staff work with children beginning at pre-kindergarten and
throughout their childhood and adolescence. They are with these children
during critical periods of development and can become aware of traumatic
events that negatively impact children’s cognitive and emotional
development. Exploring the role of childhood sexual fantasies becomes vital
for school staff to intervene once they identify risk factors for future sexual
violence and refer the child and family to critical resources.
Finally, mental health professionals who understand the role of child
and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia may intervene with
specific treatment modalities. The modalities may be implemented to
address specific adverse events within the child’s or offender’s lifetime. The
earlier a person receives treatment, the less likely they will progress to future
violent sexual behaviors. By recognizing there is a trauma history of adult
offenders, treatment providers can provide trauma treatment and other
interventions that focus on reducing the risk of sexual offending.
Summary
There has been considerable interest in understanding why people
commit violent crimes such as rape, murder, and serial sexual murder.
Aggressors have been evaluated separately to determine what may influence
them to escalate to sexual homicide. Researchers identified the offender’s
characteristics, including criminal career paths and traumatic childhood
events, that influenced violent sexual behaviors throughout a lifespan
(Hickey, 2016; Levenson & Grady, 2016; Reid et al., 2019).
Previous researchers have focused on elements that influenced the
creation of sexual fantasies and paraphilia of serial sexual murderers, but
there was a gap regarding the detailed descriptions by these offenders
(Levenson & Grady, 2016; Murray, 2017).
Researchers have described the etiology of serial sexual offenders and the
modus operandi for these sexual murders. These included sexual fantasies
and criminal paraphilia but did not detail their role involving the serial
sexual murderers.
The current study extended the work of Morono et al. (2020), James
and Proulx (2016), and Reid et al. (2019). These researchers investigated
serial sexual murderers and deviant sexual behaviors such as sexual fantasies
and paraphilia and how they influenced individuals to commit serial sexual
murders. Understanding the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia in detail may help law enforcement, school staff, and
mental health professionals understand risk factors that could lead to future
sexual violence and create the ability to intervene earlier.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of child
and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers. I used Hickey’s TCM and RPA as theoretical foundations. A
multiple exploratory case study was chosen for the research design to
analyze evidence related to the three research questions. I anticipated that
this study would provide information on the role of child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia of an offender who committed serial sexual
murders. Throughout the study, it was essential to evaluate possible
limitations such as the number of case participants, quality of the research
data, and my biases to avoid inaccurate results.
Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature on sexual offenders and
serial sexual murderers. This literature addresses how traumatic events,
emotions, cognitions, and the creation of relationships through sexual
fantasies and paraphilia influence violent sexual crimes. Chapter 2 also
includes a review of the influential factors regarding developing child and
adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Researchers have recognized how childhood traumatic events shape
beliefs, cognitive processes, and behaviors throughout a person’s lifespan.
Maladaptive coping mechanisms are created to soothe negative feelings,
which leads to the use of sexual fantasies and paraphilia. As the urgency for
sexual fantasies and paraphilia increases, the person begins to contemplate
how to bring them into reality and act them out. Previous research indicated
factors that impact an offender who can become sexually violent and
characteristics that can determine differences between sexual offending,
sexual murders, and serial sexual murders. However, researchers had not
explored the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
in serial sexual murders. Research was limited regarding the descriptions of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia created and used by
serial sexual murderers. The limited descriptions indicated a gap in the role
of these behaviors for the serial sexual killer.
Chapter 2 includes a review of the literature including the theoretical
foundations of TCM and RPA. A brief overview of research related to serial
sexual murderers’ psychosocial factors includes developmental barriers
related to traumatic events and the development of the cognitive process
leading to mental health disorders. I also review the literature related to
fantasies, sexual fantasies, and deviant sexual fantasies created by a serial
sexual murderer. Finally, I review the literature on paraphilia, which
includes sadism and necrophilia, used by offenders who have committed
serial sexual murders.
Literature Search Strategy
This study included secondary data sources. Peer-reviewed journal
articles provided information on theoretical foundations and case studies
related to this study’s selected case participants. Articles from the Walden
University Library and Google Scholar were selected using the following
search parameters. Boolean operators were used to create phrases from
keywords to find journal articles (see Walden University, 2014). For this
study, phrases such as serial sexual killer AND sexual fantasies were used to
search for articles. Another example is serial sexual murder NOT serial
murder, which helped me find articles on serial sexual murder and excluded
serial murderers who did not commit sexual crimes.
Published books provided biographical and historical data related to
an offender’s life and further insight into their child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. These sources contained data on serial
sexual murderers and the etiology of sexually violent crimes. Documentaries
were another data source that provided real-life stories directly from or
related to the case participants to explain childhood trauma, how an offender
lived, and what they believed compelled them to kill their victims. Case
participants provided descriptions of their child and adult sexual fantasies
and criminal paraphilia within these secondary sources.
Additional data were gathered from the Radford University Serial
Killer Database and addressed case participants included in the study. An
additional database used was from Dr. Eric Hickey, which included 500
serial sexual killers from the United States. As part of this research project,
Dr. Hickey’s database was not updated with additional serial sexual
murderers because the database already included the 12 case participants.
Theoretical Framework
The theoretical framework incorporated factors that influenced a
person to become sexually violent and murder their victims. These theories
included Hickey’s TCM and RPA. The theories were chosen because they
addressed the critical themes of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia of serial sexual murderers. TCM (Hickey, 2016) indicated how
trauma can influence a person’s development and coping mechanisms
through predisposing sociological, biological, and psychological factors.
These emotions may lead to a feeling of lack of control, and people will
begin to explore ways to compensate for their negative emotions. Finally,
Hickey’s (2016) RPA model was used to explain how a sexually violent
person struggles to develop a relationship with another person. Given this
lack of relationship success, a person uses sexual fantasies and paraphilic
behaviors to soothe and comfort themselves.
Trauma-Control Model
Experiencing trauma during childhood or adolescence may create
feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, fear, anger, anxiety, and helplessness
(Healey et al., 2016). Interpersonal trauma can affect the development of
affect regulation, shaping a person’s ability to cope with overwhelming
emotional reactions (Bigras et al., 2017). Children who witness abuse or
have been abused become disempowered and turn to violence to grasp
control and power. Bigras et al. (2017) found that individuals who
experienced childhood trauma later struggled in life with sexual intimacy
because of a feeling of vulnerability.
Research suggested that children as young as 2 years of age are
affected by rejection (Hickey, 2016). To cope, children can develop a
maladaptive strategy involving sexual fantasies or chronic masturbation to
meet emotional needs or gain a sense of control. The use of drugs and
pornography can facilitate and increase psychological excitement. According
to Hickey (2016), using these facilitators can lead to sexually violent
fantasies and behaviors.
Hickey (2016) created the TCM to understand how prior trauma can
influence someone to become a serial sexual murderer. This model reviews
the influence of predispositional factors such as trauma, fantasy, rejection,
and dissociation that reinforce and facilitate negative behaviors. In the
evaluation of a serial sexual murderer’s life, it is essential to recognize how a
traumatic event can hinder their development during the early stages of
childhood. These factors can increase an individual’s risk of committing
sexual homicide (Healey & Beauregard, 2015).
TCM was relevant to the current study because it describes reasons
individuals learn to create fantasies and use paraphilia, and how they connect
to another. Trauma at an early age can affect how a child learns to trust
others and develop empathy. Children exposed to abuse and violence will
develop coping strategies created to relinquish the pain they experience.
Sexual fantasies, paraphilia, and the effects of their experiences influence the
progression of sexual violence. Once the fantasy is no longer satisfying, the
person will begin to identify ways to act it out to feel relief and sexual
satisfaction, including murdering the victims. If they do not feel that the
fantasy was fully completed, they will continue to search for other victims.
Relational Paraphilic Attachment
The foundations of personality development and social interactions
begin with how the individual views themselves. These foundations affect
their thoughts, emotions, self-regulatory behavior, and motives, which lead
to changes in how they construct relationships with significant others
(Hickey, 2016). Individuals may base their selfidentification on their
memories from previous critical relationships, triggered or activated, based
on others’ interactions.
Children exposed to and witness abuse may struggle to regulate their
feelings due to the belief that they are rejected by their caregiver (Hickey,
2016). Maladaptive schemas related to intimate relationships begin early in
life and continue through a person’s lifetime. The lack of emotional support,
autonomy, self-confidence, and feeling of security may cause the
development of maladaptive schemas (Gunst et al., 2017). People with
maladaptive schemas may see themselves as unlovable, fear rejection, be
unable to trust others, and develop ways to avoid threats and unpleasant
feelings (Gunst et al., 2017). People may develop violent and sexually
deviant behaviors to cope with negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety.
Individuals are innately motivated to feel a sense of belonging and
relate to others, but there may be situations in their lives that affect their
ability to feel accepted. Previous experiences involving close personal pain
can lead to feelings of discomfort toward others. Decisions to avoid intimacy
and suppress emotions are attempts to protect themselves from feelings of
vulnerability, rejection, and negative emotions (Cohen et al., 2017). In other
words, people may develop maladaptive coping mechanisms to protect
themselves from rejection. The type of connection a person has with others
may influence their behaviors, thoughts, and affect.
Rejection can result in feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and
perceived failure within one’s peer group. Feeling rejected can reinforce
individuals’ irrational judgments that they are not good enough or are
worthless (Levenson et al., 2017). To cope with the overwhelming emotions
stemming from rejection, youths may begin to fantasize or daydream rather
than put themselves in social situations in which they feel incompetent
(Levenson et al., 2017). The youth’s beliefs of the world become skewed,
and fantasies become an escape to cope with negative feelings such as
rejection.
Feeling rejected may reinforce previous trauma leading to further
isolation and the development of deviant fantasies (Levenson et al., 2017).
Fantasies may become pessimistic, cynical, and sadistic to alleviate pain.
The fantasies offer a sense of power, control, and self-soothing quality,
which reinforces future fantasizing. Violence has been found to decrease
negative feelings and increase a sense of power created through sexual
fantasy (Levenson et al., 2017).
The development of sexual behaviors helps an individual to reduce or
soothe discomfort. Based on the feeling of rejection, the individual may
develop antisocial behaviors and paraphilic behaviors that affect their ability
to develop peer relationships (Hickey, 2016). However, paraphilic activity
may help to create feelings of intimacy. RPA can create a connection with
another individual. The perpetrator cannot develop intimacy through a
healthy process, so instead they resort to paraphilic behaviors. During this
process, the offender believes the victim is consenting and wants to
participate in the physical sexual act (Hickey, 2016). These behaviors are not
meant to cause injury but to develop a relationship with the victim (Hickey,
2016).
Literature Review
Childhood trauma such as abuse can impact critical periods of
development. Exposure to trauma can be related to the development of
mental health disorders and violent crime (Levenson & Grady, 2016).
Irresponsible parenting, neglect, and abuse may result in an insecure
attachment that can hinder the individual’s capability for intimacy and cause
them to resort to violence and deviant sexual behavior to connect with
others. To cope with previous experiences such as abuse or neglect,
individuals may use sexual activity to reduce and calm their distress
(Levenson & Grady, 2016). Analyzing this information has assisted
researchers in creating classifications of different types of serial sexual
killers. Law enforcement uses this information to create a profile to identify
and arrest the serial sexual murderer.
Classifying Sexual Murders
Attempts have been made to classify and organize criminal behavior
(Higgs, Carter, Tully et al., 2017; Mjanes et al., 2017). The purpose was to
gain insight into the motivation behind the criminal act and develop ways to
intervene clinically. An essential part of this process has been understanding
the relationship between the offender’s characteristics and criminal
behaviors (Beauregard & Proulx, 2016). Four main themes were consistent
among the typologies: anger, sadistic, opportunistic, and compensatory
(Beauregard & Proulx, 2016). When creating these typologies, the
researchers identified specific characteristics that each person would have to
meet the typology criteria.
Typologies have been created based on observations and interviews
derived from clinical attributes to determine the motivation for the criminal
act (Perry et al., 2018). Limitations to these typologies exist; however, they
are useful for showing specific factors related to the offender (Perry et al.,
2018). Because these factors cannot be proven until there is a suspect,
typologies are not always useful in conducting investigations. Additional
research has been conducted to refine and expand typologies for sexual
murder. The concern with the current sexual murder typologies is they are
not scientifically proven and lack standardization and reliability (Perry et al.,
2018).
Researchers have suggested typologies should be clear, mutually
exclusive, and comprehensible to be most useful. Such characteristics
include variables of victim characteristics, the motivation for the criminal
act, level of violence, and criminal behavior (Kaseweter et al., 2016). All the
typologies described support the fact that sexual fantasies influence the
offender. However, there was a gap in the literature because researchers had
not fully explored the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers.
The FBI Behavioral Science Unit created typologies based on crime
scenes and victim selection during the 1970s (Beauregard & Martineau,
2016; Higgs, Carter, Tully et al., 2017; Mjanes et al., 2017). The purpose of
the research was to find data that could identify the crime scene’s modus
operandi, criminal profile, and characteristics (Beauregard & Martineau,
2016). Based on the results, the FBI determined two classifications for
sexual homicide: organized and disorganized. These are the most used
typologies for sexual homicides and have been integrated with additional
typologies related to sexual murders (Mjanes et al., 2017).
An organized sexual murderer can avoid detection because of how the
crime scene is treated and postoffense behaviors (Karakasi et al., 2017;
Mjanes et al., 2017). These individuals are intelligent and stalk their victims
before the attack. The victim is usually a stranger and has a lifestyle that can
increase the risk of victimization, for instance a young female who runs
away or prostitutes (Mjanes et al., 2017). Once the attack has concluded,
murderers will leave very little evidence at the crime scene, including
moving the body. Organized offenders may take certain artifacts from the
crime scene as trophies.
A disorganized sexual killer has below average intelligence, is socially
inadequate, and struggles to create relationships (Karakasi et al., 2017;
Mjanes et al., 2017). This type of offender does not plan the crime, and
victims are typically an acquaintance or selected at random (Mjanes et al.,
2017). As a result of previous traumatic relationships from childhood, these
offenders may struggle with sexual competency and engage in postmortem
sexual acts (Mjanes et al., 2017). The body will have been mutilated or
severely beaten. The crime scene will appear chaotic, with the murder
weapon and other evidence left at the scene. Disorganized sexual killers are
arrested faster than organized killers.
Keppel and Walter (1999) expanded the rape typology created by
Growth, Burgess, and Holmstrom (1977) and incorporated sexual murders.
The expansion was done to aid law enforcement by creating patterns,
descriptions, and profiles of sexual killers. The categories were renamed as
power assertive rape murderer, power reassurance rape murderer, anger-
retaliatory rape murderer, and anger excitation rape murderer (Keppel &
Walter, 1999). A concern about the research was the limited ability to gather
statements from the victims.
A power-assertive rapist-murderer is arrogant and prefers not to
socialize with others (Keppel & Walter, 1999). This type of rapist will select
victims based on looks and previous experiences with women. The power-
assertive rapist-murderer is motivated to rape but does not have an initial
intent to commit murder. The victim may die because of the increased use of
aggression from the intimidation to gain power. This type of offender avoids
being identified by law enforcement because of their arrogant personality
(Keppel & Walter, 1999). As a result of careful planning and victim choice,
these individuals are organized sexual killers. To improve the murder, the
raping murderer will study the criminal act.
The next classification is power reassurance rape murderer. These
offenders will plan the rape to satisfy their fantasies (Keppel & Walter,
1999). Typically, they will commit rape murder during the nighttime when
they are most comfortable (Keppel & Walter, 1999). The murder is
unplanned and occurs because of overkill. The purpose of the act is to
reassure themselves of their sexual adequacy (Keppel & Walter, 1999). If
the offender feels as though they are being rejected or humiliated, they may
panic and become violent to gain control and power. The violence may
result in the murder of the victim due to the failure to complete the rape. As
a result of sexual inadequacy or failure to complete the fantasy, these
offenders act out the sexual behavior post-mortem (Keppel & Walter, 1999).
To maintain a relationship with a victim, the offender will take something
that belonged to the victim to further assist with their fantasies.
Offenders who express anger using revenge and rape are considered
anger retaliation rape murderers. These offenders struggle to develop
relationships and are socially awkward, impulsive in their behaviors, and
self-centered (Keppel & Walter, 1999). They are disorganized, and the attack
involves a violent outburst. The violent act is precipitated after the offender
feels that they have been criticized or scolded by a woman in power (Keppel
& Walter, 1999). Anger may be related to sex if the offender is sexually
impotent (Keppel & Walter, 1999). The assault will last until the offender
feels emotionally satisfied. If arrested for the sexual offense, the offender
will not take responsibility for the attack. Instead, they will blame the victim
for justifying the need for the sexual murder.
The final category is anger excitation rape murderer. These
individuals can socially adjust and are manipulative (Keppel & Walter,
1999). The purpose of the assault is to inflict pain and terror on the victim. It
is pain and terror that provides the offender with sexual gratification. The
assault is prolonged, and the torture increases the arousal of the rapist-
murderer. The victim is selected based on symbolic meaning, which could
be related to the offender’s mother, type of profession, or other victim
attributes that have a special meaning to the offender (Keppel & Walter,
1999). The violence will escalate during the assault and result in mutilation
and extreme torture. Violence satisfies the need to kill. After the victim has
died, the offender may experiment sexually with the corpse (Keppel &
Walter, 1999). These are organized murderers, and they are well prepared.
A variety of typologies have been created since 1986 (Karakasi et al.,
2017), each of which has used different scientific approaches. Limitations
regarding the scientific approaches resulted from the small sample size or
the methodology’s weakness (Karakasi et al., 2017). There are some
consistencies found through the different typologies, which include the
expression of rage and sadism.
Psychosocial Components of Serial Sexual Murderers
Childhood trauma such as abuse, being raised in a low income, and a
singleparent home was the most common childhood adversities linked to the
development of criminal behaviors (Levenson & Grady, 2016). A parent’s
inability to teach a child intimacy skills and healthy communication can
develop negative personality traits and insecure attachment. Research by
Levenson & Grady (2016) showed a correlation between insecure
attachment and sexual offending. Paraphilic behavior develops to create a
connection within the offender’s mind between themselves and the victim.
Mental distress may develop because of sexually compulsive
behaviors, impairing a persons’ daily functioning (Meyer et al., 2017). These
behaviors can develop due to having a preoccupation with sex and the
inability to control impulses (Meyer et al., 2017). Compulsive sexual
behaviors are a means to cope with negative emotions and are rewarded by
self-gratification. However, this can lead to feelings of guilt and shame,
which increases social isolation and continues the cycle of sexual behaviors
(Meyer et al., 2017).
Interpreting the complexities of an individual’s psychosocial history
helps identify how sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia could be related
to negative experiences early in life (Levenson & Grady, 2016). The effects
of traumatic childhood events can continue to impact an individual
throughout adolescence and adulthood. Research has shown a link between
an unstable childhood environment and the development of selfishness, poor
relationship patterns, and the tendency to violate emotional and physical
boundaries related to childhood abuse (Levenson & Grady, 2016). Gaining a
deeper understanding of a person’s family relationships, social relationships,
and psychopathology can further reveal criminal behavior progression. The
traumatic events within a child’s life greatly influence the development of
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia.
Childhood Development
Reid et al. (2019) studied how life span development psychology
could determine serial sexual murderers’ etiology. Their research indicated
that the influences which occurred in utero could either enhance or delay the
development of the fetus. Mothers who experienced high-stress responses
while pregnant impacted the fetus’s brain development. The participants
within the study by Reid et al. indicated that the negative influence began the
trajectory for the development of serial sexual murderers.
External influences become essential as to how they affect
physiological and emotional development in a child. Children’s brains are
not fully developed and, therefore, easily affected by events such as abuse,
neglect, and lack of attachment. Reid et al. (2019) determined that seventy-
two percent of the serial sexual murderers experienced psychological abuse
within their research. This type of abuse can influence the development of
adjustment problems that lead to delinquency, high-risk sexual behaviors,
depression, and self-destructive behaviors (Reid et al., 2019).
Traumatic childhood events affect the ability to create and learn
proper coping and social skills. Abuse at an early stage of life can affect how
children learn to develop healthy relationships and communicate when they
have specific needs. Past research has suggested that life stressors for sexual
murderers include low attachment, abuse, parental aggression, and having a
parent who was incarcerated (Kang et al., 2016). Researchers have supported
that child abuse influences the progression of violence. The most influential
type of abuse is sexual abuse, which has been found to influence serial
sexual murderers’ development. These events include being raised by
parents who were addicted, promiscuous, and struggle with a psychiatric
disorder (Kang et al., 2016).
Karakasi et al. (2017) reviewed the possible differences between a
serial sexual homicide killer and a serial homicide killer. Their research
showed that serial sexual killers were raised in a more troubled households
and had more challenging circumstances (Karakasi et al., 2017). Troubled
households included being raised by parents who abused drugs and alcohol,
had psychiatric disorders, committed crimes, and had a higher rate of
promiscuous sexual behavior (Karakasi et al., 2017).
The feeling of disempowerment may lead to interpreting the world as
being unfair. Disempowerment can influence how an offender seeks a sense
of control using sexualized behaviors (Levenson & Grady, 2016). This
behavior helps the offender cope and soothe their distress and gain a sense of
intimacy or affection. Additional coping mechanisms may include deviant
sexual fantasies, distorted thinking, and a lack of empathy that enables
sexual aggression (Kang et al., 2016). To gain power and control, an
offender could create fantasies that are typically sexual and violent.
The participants in the research conducted by Reid et al. (2019)
indicated high rejection rates from a parental figure and impacted the child’s
self-esteem. A child who experiences these types of feelings struggle to feel
empathy and create relationships. The abuse and rejection that a child
experiences pushes them to find ways to escape. They may escape by
running away or creating fantasies. By the age of eight, serial sexual killers
reported violent thoughts and fantasies related to inflicting pain on a person
who appears to be a parental figure (Reid et al., 2019).
Schemas are maps created within an individual’s mind that help them
understand themselves and their environment (Kang et al., 2016). These
schemas may influence relationships developed in early childhood through
adolescence. To develop a healthy schema, children need to have positive
interactions within their interpersonal relationships, which support a secure
attachment. If a child or adolescent’s emotional needs are not met by a
parental caregiver, they may be at risk to develop maladaptive schemas
(Kang et al., 2016).
A maladaptive schema is a distorted conceptualization a person
develops about themselves and others due to past negative experiences such
as abusive, unstable, isolating, and rejecting families (Kang et al., 2016).
Such schemas operate unconsciously and can lead to the misinterpretation of
information. Automatic negative thoughts result from misinterpretation of
information centered around rejection and limited self-control and lead to
hypervigilance and emotional suppression (Gunst et al., 2017; Kang et al.,
2016).
There are five broad domains of maladaptive schemas that include
disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy and performance, impaired
self-limitations and otherdirectedness, and over vigilance and inhibition
(Kang et al., 2016). Kang et al. (2016) found those classified in the
disconnection and rejection domain is inept at creating a secure attachment
and are unable to develop fulfilling relationships. Their relationships’
unsatisfactory nature can be related to their belief system that their need for
stability, safety, and love is unlikely to occur. Schemas have been a focal
point in the exploration of sexual offending. As a result of the study, Kang et
al. (2016) found that sex offenders were rated highest in the “disconnection
and rejection” domain, while rapists were rated higher within the personal
instability/abandonment and defectiveness/shame domains. The schema
domain linked with North American sex offenders is disconnection and
rejection (Kang et al., 2016).
Schemas organize information based on personal experiences. A
script is knowledge gained through patterns of routine activities (Flores et
al., 2017). A script guides proactive behavior by segmenting information
based on past experiences used to make future predictions. Scripts can
mediate the input of certain negative factors and behaviors related to
aggression. The rehearsal of the script can become a coping mechanism.
Gilberta and Daffern (2017) described scripts among sexual offenders as
cognitive operations that assist predatory behaviors and lead to sexual
offending through aggressive behavior. These aggressive behaviors may
happen unconsciously by dissociation. Scripts are affected by fantasies that
can shape or alter behavior (Gilberta & Daffern, 2017).
Dissociation can occur if there is a disruption of a person’s integrated
functions. Such disruptions may impact a person’s memory, perception,
behaviors, and identity (Bourget et al., 2017). Dissociation helps an
individual cope with overwhelming emotions related to traumatic
experiences (Bourget et al., 2017). There are positive and negative
symptoms of dissociation. Positive symptoms consist of memories or
flashbacks that intrude on awareness (Bourget et al., 2017). Negative
symptoms involve the interruption of a person’s full ability to access
information (Bourget et al., 2017).
If the mind becomes overwhelmed with anxiety, it may dissociate
(Hickey, 2016). As a reaction to stress, a person may depersonalize any
disruption within their consciousness. The dissociation helps a person to
regain a sense of equilibrium. The lack of awareness affects the ability to
evaluate the potential consequences of actions (Costopoulos & Juni, 2018).
Violent acts may occur during an altered state.
Socialization
Relational satisfaction refers to the satisfaction and happiness a person
gains from an intimate relationship (Gunst et al., 2017). Early maladaptive
schemas can create a feeling of rejection that may lead the individual to
disconnect from others. To develop a connection, a sexual murderer may
create a fantasy where he believes the victim wants to be in a sexual
relationship with him (Hickey, 2016). Hickey (2016) described this process
as relational paraphilic disorder. Based on their fantasy and use of
paraphilia, the individual believes that they are creating a relationship with
the victim when, in fact, they are harming them.
Attachments experienced during childhood will significantly influence
the ability to create or engage in relationships. Parental caregiver’s
instability may cause dysfunctional interactions and the inability to develop
intimacy (Levenson & Grady, 2016). A person’s lack of affect regulation
results from insecure attachment, a risk factor for sexual violence. Sexual
murderers struggle to develop stable peer groups and emotional attachments
and are sensitive to rejection (Karakasi et al., 2017).
Levenson and Grady (2016) described how sexual offending had been
linked to specific attachment styles based on the individual’s Internal
Working Model (IWM). The person may use sex to gain an emotional bond,
which becomes a coping strategy for sexual murderers to avoid negative
feelings. Lack of emotion may become an enabling factor in the commission
of a sexual offense (James & Proulx, 2016).
The insecure attachment, which results from maltreatment, can be
either avoidant or anxious (Levenson & Grady, 2016). These patterns may
continue through adulthood and influence social and intimate relationships
(Meyer et al., 2017). Those who struggle with insecure attachment during
adulthood are more likely to be aggressive or violent. Insecurely attached
individuals often struggle to develop intimate relationships and lack trust in
others. This type of attachment has been identified within individuals who
have committed sexual offenses (Levenson & Grady, 2016).
Chan and Beauregard (2016) reported that sexual homicide offenders
were suspicious and lacked trust in others. If relationships are established,
they tend to be unstable. Offenders who escalate to become sexual killers
struggled with relationships because they could not feel empathy but instead
felt entitled (Higgs, Carter, Stefanska et al., 2017). A sexual killer who had
an emotional deficit, such as a lack of empathy and fear, had a limited ability
to experience emotions that could prevent violent behaviors (Mededovic,
2017).
Higgs, Carter, Stefanska et al. (2017) found those who struggled to
develop intimacy were also found to feel lonely. Feeling rejected or
humiliated triggers anger, which intensifies scars from past traumas.
Experiencing rejection or humiliation could be a motivating factor for
murder. Sexual murderers isolate themselves, which increases the feeling of
loneliness (Stefanska et al., 2015).
Reid et al. (2019) found that seventy-one percent of the serial sexual
murderers were loners and rejected by their peers during adolescence. To
compensate for the rejection and isolation, the offenders would soothe their
loneliness by creating imaginary friends or solitary play. During
adolescence, serial sexual murderers reported that they turn inward to gain
emotional validation (Reid et al., 2019). The serial sexual murderer
developed maladaptive skills that provided a way for them to reclaim their
feelings (Reid et al., 2019).
Psychiatric Disorders
Researcher have uncovered how psychopathology involves specific
personality traits relating to immoral, criminal, and antisocial behavior
(Mededovic, 2017). Past studies focused on these traits and their relationship
to criminal behavior, which was proven through meta-analytic studies
(Wright et al., 2016). Subclinical personality traits such as psychopathic,
narcissistic, and machiavellian are connected to violent behaviors and
labeled as the Dark Triad. According to Wright et al. (2016), these
personality characteristics have a dark core, resulting from the inability to
feel empathy and recognize others’ emotions. Sadism was later added to
these dark personality traits, and the four became known as the Dark Terad.
An individual could be identified as having a narcissistic personality
because they are self-promoting to the point they are grandiose, feel entitled,
and are ego-driven (Pajevic et al., 2018). They are unable to develop
emotions and understand the emotions of others. As a result, individuals who
are narcissistic struggle to create and maintain long term relationships. A
narcissist responds to rejection or criticism as a personal attack and react
irrationally, leading to violence. To protect themselves, the narcissist will
look for a means of revenge.
Narcissism has been related to violence through studies that compared
violent and non-violent offenders. Research has shown that a narcissist may
commit a murder based on rage, a primitive response to rejection, criticism,
and humiliation (Scott & Freckelton, 2018). These individuals are unable to
mediate their reactions and become impulsive (Scott & Freckelton, 2018).
High profile offenders such as Ted Bundy have been identified to have a
clinical diagnosis of narcissism.
Machiavellianism is like narcissism because these individuals
manipulate others for their personal gain. They are considered selfish,
untrustworthy, and callous. An individual diagnosed with machiavellanism,
works to stay one step ahead of their victims to manipulate them (Jones &
De Roos, 2017). Individuals who have machiavellianism were less likely to
engage in long-term relationships. If they enter a relationship, it is to
maximize their personal needs (Jones & De Roos, 2017). Relationships are a
tool used to manipulate others and hide their intentions. These individuals
were less likely to be aggressive (Jones & De Roos, 2017).
The sexual sadist fantasizes about how they commit acts of violence,
such as a means of torturing their victim and use whatever sexual practices
are most sexually gratifying. Mededovic (2017) found similarities between
sadism and psychopathy because both have a severe lack of empathy and are
related to forms of violence. Sadism produces a positive emotion for the
offender when they see or fantasize about the harm used on another person.
This positive reinforcement then becomes the motivator for committing the
violent act.
Researchers have related ineffective parenting to psychopathic
personality traits because they exhibit little warmth or lack of close
relationships (Silva & Stattin, 2016). These children become less responsive
to the processes of socialization. Previous research has indicated that
adolescents with psychopathic traits are at greater risk for violence because
of the limited maternal influences and relationships (Silva & Stattin, 2016).
Conflict between the parental caregiver and you is a factor found with
youths who committed sexual violence (Silva & Stattin, 2016).
A psychopathic personality is described as charming, cunning,
manipulative, and will hurt others for their personal gain (O’Connell, &
Marcus, 2019). They cause harm to others because they do not feel empathy.
The inability to share emotions or to feel empathy leads to antisocial
behaviors (Ritchie et al., 2019). An additional deficit of individuals with
psychopathic personality is interpreting fear responses. They are not able to
recognize the feelings or reactions of fear within others.
Psychopaths who commit murder are described as being a matter of
fact and casual about the crime they committed. They express very little
emotion and will blame the victim. Research has examined psychopathy and
serial sexual homicide. The results indicated that since they lack remorse,
guilt, or shame, the offenders can commit sexually violent murders. Fox and
DeLisi (2018) noted that a study conducted by Porter, Woodworth, Earle,
and Boer (2003) indicated that eighty-five percent of the serial sexual
murderers scored moderate to a high score on the Psychopathy Check List –
Revised (PCL-R).
Reid et al. (2019) was able to identify that thirty-five percent of the
serial sexual murderers within their study had been diagnosed with a mental
health disorder. These disorders included but were not limited to substance
abuse, impulse control disorder, paraphilia, and insecure attachment. As
these individuals progressed through adolescence, the percentage of
psychiatric disorders increased. Reid et al. (2019) determined that between
18 and 22, the participants received some type of psychiatric treatment.
Criminal Histories
Keatley et al., (2018) reported that serial sexual killers had a
widespread criminal history before completing their first murder.
Delinquency began during adolescence and started with forms of violence
such as assaults towards others. It has also been reported that many serial
killers within the study conducted by Reid et al. (2019) had committed theft
and burglary early in their criminal careers. Another factor in the
development of the serial sexual killers’ criminal career was linked to a
diagnosis of paraphilia. Some of the crimes committed were done to gain
sexual satisfaction that occurred through stalking, an obsession with
prostitutes, or theft of objects from the victim’s home (Keatley et al., 2018).
These eventually continued to progress to sexual violence. Reid et al. (2019)
reported that 51% of their sample had a history of sexual assault. These
behaviors and urges progressed and led to their first homicide.
Sexual homicide is one of the most horrendous crimes and can be
punishable by death. One to four percent of the annual homicides within the
United States are identified as sexual (Chan et al., 2017). According to
Karakasi et al. (2016), there are two components to sexual homicide, the act
of killing and sexual behavior during the crime. It is challenging to gather
data on sexual homicide because the sexual component is not readily
identifiable and the murder is then classified as a general homicide. Law
enforcement identify crimes based on what is found at the crime scene.
Evidence of sexual homicides can include missing clothing from the victim,
positioning the victim in a sexual pose, and the type of assault (Stefanska et
al., 2015).
According to Chan et al. (2017), most sexual murderers were
Caucasian males who may struggle with attachment, were socially awkward,
and often used substances or pornography to cope with emotional distress.
As a result of a problematic childhood, their ability to adjust socially was
limited, and they were prone to maladaptive coping strategies. Chan et al.
reported that sexual homicide offenders were often diagnosed with antisocial
personality disorder and tended to develop a paraphilia of sadism.
Two of the most common motivations for sexual homicide are sadism
and anger. Sadistic behaviors provide sexual gratification through the act of
sadisim (Higgs, Carter, Stefanska et al., 2017). A victim’s actions could
anger the offender that leads to murder (Stefanska et al., 2015). Typically,
within the crime scene, it is clear whether the offense was spontaneous or
planned. Spontaneous murders result from anger and a lack of impulse
control. This type of perpetrator is also often disorganized. The disorganized
perpetrator becomes careless by leaving evidence that allows law
enforcement to apprehend them easier (Mjanes et al., 2017).
Common behaviors among sexual murderers include paraphilic
behavior and acting out sexual fantasies. Chan et al. (2017) found sexual
sadism was the most common paraphilia among sexual murderers. The
sexual fantasy was the driving force behind achieving euphoria through
sadistic behaviors (Chan et al., 2017). The fantasy was used to obtain
psychological gratification, but when it no longer provided satisfaction, the
individual attempted to act out their fantasy (Chan & Beauregard, 2016).
A sadistic sexual killer could be triggered by sexual fantasies, which
are strengthened when the offender uses pornography and engages in
compulsive masturbation (Stefanska et al., 2015). Murders by sadistic killers
are planned and involve conning the victim during the first contact
(Stefanska et al., 2015). The perpetrator may kidnap, confine, humiliate, and
torture the victim (Stefanska et al., 2015). The perpetrator maintains control
by using restraints and implies the use of force to keep their victim from
leaving. Once they got control the perpetrator carries out their sexual
fantasies.
A serial sexual murderer kills two or more individuals (James &
Proulx, 2016; Stefanska et al., 2015). These perpetrators may have sadistic
fantasies, act out sexually sadistic behaviors, and display the early
development of sexually coercive behaviors (James & Proulx, 2016). Serial
sexual murderers struggle to feel accepted by others and often use fantasies
as a refuge. Fantasies can increase isolation, further leading to a feeling of
rejection by society (James & Proulx, 2016). Chronic masturbation and
paraphilia are used to support sexual behaviors and fantasies.
The motivation for serial sexual murders could be related to sadistic
fantasies that are shaped by sexual violence. The fantasies become
increasingly extreme and invasive, and offenders develop the need to act out
(James & Proulx, 2016). The serial sexual murderer may also prepare for the
crime by gathering materials needed to fulfill the fantasy (James & Proulx,
2016). There is a lack of research that provides descriptions of child and
adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia, which could help identify the
roles of these factors within the serial sexual murder.
Fantasies
Fantasies are a natural and healthy process. Beginning during early
childhood, humans will use their imagination to recreate situations.
According to Gilberta and Daffern (2017), fantasies are created through a
learned process organized by the individual. During this process, a fantasy
develops to allow the child to create mental images of symbols that develop
into scripts. Fantasies are a means to psychologically escape reality and find
temporary refuge to problem-solve or cope with stressful situations.
Trauma can cause mental injury, impact how the mind functions, or
influence self-identity and self-constructs (Costopoulos & Juni, 2018).
Children who experience sexual or violent trauma may develop a confused
belief of self and feelings of weakness. During early development, children
begin to understand themselves based on their experiences with their
parental caregivers.
An estimated one-third of sexually abused children develop clinically
significant stages of internalized and externalized behaviors (Ensink et al.,
2017). Internal behaviors consist of dissociation and depressive symptoms.
External behaviors are aggressiveness and breaking the rules. Intense
traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to inappropriate coping
mechanisms by repressing and suppressing memories. A child creates ways
to avoid pain and mitigate emotional reactions to a stimulus that occurs
unconsciously. The images created by the child can result in acting out their
past trauma toward their victims (Costopoulos & Juni, 2018).
Sexual Fantasy
A sexual fantasy is an image that develops within the conscious mind
of an individual. Sexual fantasies are a natural process and use sexual
images to achieve sexual arousal. Vivid images produce physiological
arousal, reinforce feelings of pleasure, and release sexual tension. Even
though the fantasies help eliminate sexual tension, they increase sexual
tension which the offender seeks to release (Seifert et al., 2015).
Individuals tend to keep sexual fantasies a secret due to feelings of
shame about creating the fictional world and how engrossed they become.
This process is typical for individuals who were exposed to traumatic
situations during childhood and adolescence. Sexual fantasies become a way
for serial sexual murderers to create relationships with others and not have to
fear rejection. As the fantasy increases in intensity, the person struggles to
distinguish between reality and fantasy. The fantasies become powerful, lead
to isolation, and interfere with intimate relationships. The feeling of isolation
feed the fantasy and increases anger and antisocial behavior (Malizia, 2017).
Deviant Sexual Fantasy
Children exposed to violence may create fantasies that are based on
violent behaviors. These individuals most likely use objects to gain sexual
satisfaction, but this can also train them to hurt others without feeling
empathy or pain for the other person. The fantasy replays the trauma but is
designed to change the outcome by creating feelings of power, control, and
revenge towards others. As the individual begins to gain feelings of power,
control, and revenge, it increases the risk of hypersexuality and leads to
possibly acting the fantasy out towards others. Reid et al. (2019) identified
that sixty-four percent of the serial sexual murderers within their study
began to experience violent fantasies during adolescence. An adolescent
retreats into the fantasy to gain feelings of power to negate feelings of
powerlessness.
Deviant sexual fantasies help to maintain the aggressive script by
replaying the past. Acting out the fantasies provide a way for the individual
to cope with negative feelings by gaining a sense of control and power. The
fantasy is a precondition that teaches the individual to feel aggression
through sexual arousal. This process helps maintain the aggressive script and
create a relationship between the fantasy content and sexual arousal
(Beauregard & DeLisi, 2018).
Deviant fantasies are cognitions that contain thoughts and images of
pain being inflicted on another person. Deviance increases throughout the
fantasy to help maintain the level of arousal, using masturbation that
strengthens the relationship between deviance and arousal (Beauregard &
DeLisi, 2018). Reid et al. (2019) disclosed that 27% of the serial sexual
murderers within their study indicated they had engaged in deviant sexual
fantasies, and by the age of 18, increased to 57%. These deviant fantasies
include cognitions, images, emotions, and dialogue that focus on causing
harm or pain during sex. The deviant fantasy includes thoughts about illegal
and socially unacceptable behaviors (Gilberta & Daffern, 2017). Individuals
who develop deviant sexual fantasies early in life could eventually resort to
violent behavior (Malizia, 2017).
The deviant sexual fantasies increase in frequency and lead to more
extreme and risky sexual behavior (Plante et al., 2017). The frequency the
fantasies are replayed increases the compulsion to use fantasies as an outlet
for the individual’s negative emotions. Deviant sexual fantasies can manifest
because they are reinforced by anger, masturbation, and pornography
(Hickey, 2016). It also creates a false sense of confidence and redirects
emotions of failure.
Those who become fully submerged within the deviant fantasy believe
that they can move back and forth between fantasy and reality (Plante et al.,
2017). Once an individual begins to make the fantasy a reality, it then plays
an integral role in criminal acts such as rape or sexual homicide (Plante et
al., 2017). To act out the fantasy, an offender may use dishabituation agents
such as alcohol, drugs, and pornography. When dishabituation agents are
paired with the deviant sexual fantasy, the offender can overcome any
cognitive or emotional barriers if they act out the fantasy. The offender
develops a false sense of confidence, which then allows them to commit the
offense.
Deviant sexual fantasies provide an avenue to plan the offense, select
their victims, and sexual activities to be used during the offense. These
factors become the modus operandi for a sexual crime. The planning of the
crime is also important because it provides the offender to be cautious and
avoid being caught. Prior research has found that a feature of a sadistic
murderer included deviant sexual fantasies, which could be a motivation to
commit serial sexual crimes such as rape and sexual homicide (Gilberta &
Daffern, 2017; Malizia, 2017). Murray (2016) proposed that understanding
deviant sexual fantasies can help predict sexual crime.
As the offender creates and directs the deviant sexual fantasies into
criminal behavior, this strengthens a heightened sense of arousal (Murray,
2017). Individuals who escalate to commit sexual crimes find that deviant
sexual fantasies no longer provide satisfaction or an ability to sel-soothe, so
they progress to acting out their behaviors (Malizia, 2017). Researchers have
shown that offenders begin to fantasize about their crime 48 hours before
committing the offense (Beauregaurd & DeLisi, 2018).
The physical act of the deviant sexual fantasy provides some level of
arousal. If it does not fully meet the level previously obtained within the
offenders’ fantasy, they will attempt to act out again on another victim. The
fantasies and behaviors continue until the offender feels they can gain the
level of sexual satisfaction. The urge to kill becomes very intense and fuels
the serial sexual killer.
Paraphilia
When a person experiences intense sexual arousal triggered by
atypical objects or situations this develops into a paraphilia (Carstens &
Stevens, 2016; Hickey, 2016). Forensic sexology characterizes paraphilia as
extreme images and ritualistic practices. The use of images and ritualistic
practices elevates the level of sexual arousal. When the behavior occurs,
there is an intense focus on the act, that blocks attention to external stimuli
(Carstens & Stevens, 2016).
The term paraphilia replaced sexual deviance, categorized as a sexual
disorder in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual II (DSM-II) (Tatak et al.,
2016). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V’s (DSM-V) criteria for
paraphilic disorders include intense behaviors, exhibit an atypical sexual
arousal pattern, and are persistent regardless of whether there is distress or
impairment by the disorder (Tatak et al., 2016). Not all individuals who have
paraphilic behavior meet the clinical diagnosis criteria.
Psychosexual disorders could escalate abnormal fantasies that
manifest from traumatic experiences during childhood (Hickey, 2016). The
most common type of trauma related to the development of paraphilic
behavior is abuse during childhood or adolescence (Hickey, 2016).
Paraphilia typically starts during childhood and intensifies through
adolescence into adulthood. Those who have a paraphilic disorder are most
likely to develop more than one type of paraphilia. One paraphilia becomes
primary until another is more satisfying (Hickey, 2016).
Voyeurism and fetishism are the two most common types of
paraphilia among men (Joyal & Carpentier, 2016). It is more likely for
individuals to develop a fetish due to the arousal from an object versus
sexual activity (Joyal & Carpentier, 2016). The individual may choose an
occupation or hobby that allows the paraphilia to be a part of their daily life
(Carstens & Stevens, 2016). Fetishism and voyeurism aid in the escalation to
violent criminal acts (Hickey, 2016).
Criminal Paraphilia
Criminal paraphilia may not always result in sexually harming a
victim. Criminal careers may begin with peeping or exhibitionism (Hickey,
2016). Other acts may result from fetishes, which lead the offender to
burglarize to obtain artifacts that aid in arousal and sexual gratification. The
offender may search for victims through stalking that contributes to how the
offender becomes sexually aroused.
According to Hickey (2016), sexual fantasies may instigate the
paraphilic process. Masturbation rewards the sexual fantasies, that increase
sexual gratification and arousal. If individuals are no longer able to gain
sexual gratification through their fantasies, they could attempt to physically
act out (Hickey, 2016). Karakasi et al. (2017) estimated that about 72% of
serial sexual murderers have at least one paraphilia. Sadism and necrophilia
are the most common diagnoses of paraphilia among serial sexual murderers
(Karakasi et al., 2017).
Sexual Sadism
Sexual sadism is a paraphilia diagnosis within the DSM V described
as sexual arousal resulting from the infliction of pain and humiliation on
another (American Psychological Association, 2013). This type of paraphilia
may start during childhood with sadistic fantasies, which become more
extreme over time (DeLisi et al., 2017; Eher et al., 2016). Sadistic acts are
performed to gain pleasure and create a sense of power and control by
watching a person suffer. Murray (2017) found that sadistic fantasies are the
gateway to feelings of control and sexual gratification.
Once the fantasy no longer provides sexual euphoria, the offender
seeks to physically commit sadistic acts (Chan et al., 2015). Sexual sadism is
a type of paraphilia linked to sexual offenders and sexual murderers (Chan et
al., 2015). DeLisi et al. (2017) found that sexual sadism was highly
connected to sexually violent crimes such as homicide, assaults, and
kidnapping. Sexual sadists are more likely to be violent than nonsadistic
sexual offenders. Sexual offenders who progressed to murdering their
victims were reported to be aroused through sadistic acts (Chan et al., 2015).
Necrophilia
Necrophilia is a paraphilia involving a sexual attraction to corpses and
could be connected to the modus operandi for sexual homicide (Chan &
Beauregard, 2016; Pettigrew, 2017). Necrophilia is a diagnosable disorder
within the DSM V. Necrophiliacs act on their sexual urge either with the
bodies of people who are already dead or with victim they murdered.
Necrophilia should not be confused with somnophilia when individuals are
sexually attracted to an unconscious person (Pettigrew, 2017). Somnophiles
may use a date rape drug to take advantage of their victims while they are
unconscious. Like other types of paraphilia, somnophilia can intensify and
lead to necrophilia.
Somnophilia and necrophilia are ways to avoid resistance or rejection
(Pettigrew, 2017). Necrophiliacs who commit murder become disinhibited
by the compulsion to kill (Pettigrew, 2017). Higgs, Carter, Stefenska et al.
(2017) explored post-mortem sexual interference of offenders (PMSIO) who
sexually assaulted their victims after killing them. The PMSIO are offenders
interested in necrophilia and need to kill to become sexually aroused.
Research Approach
The analysis utilized within the current study was a thematic analysis.
This type of analysis identified patterns within the data to capture
similarities and differences among the case participants (see Vaismoradi et
al., 2016). Reviewing the data multiple times helped to create ideas for
coding. I created memos to track the data gathered from the sources that
assisted with coding. Memos connected the relationships within the data
concepts (Soares et al., 2015). I recorded my thoughts and additional
questions to further guide the analysis.
Coding facilitated the evaluation of the relationship between the
categories and subcategories (Soares et al., 2015). I extracted the codes and
categories from the data to identify themes that explored the role of child
and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers. The themes organized the data in manageable sections that
helped identify data's meaning (see Vaismoradi et al., 2016).
Summary
Researchers have identified a link between traumatic childhood events
and a child's emotional and behavioral development related to future sexual
criminal activity. The literature reviewed within this chapter consistently
supported those children who experienced abuse of any kind were more
likely to commit crimes starting in adolescence. Children internalize the
abuse as a rejection from their primary caregiver, leading to the
misinterpretation of others' behaviors and emotions (Carter et al., 2017). As
a part of this process, an offender creates sexual fantasies to escape feelings
of rejection and developed paraphilic behaviors for their sexual arousal.
Theories such as TCM and RPA identify how a person fails to learn to
connect and understand the way another feels. As children, serial sexual
murderers are more likely to experience psychological abuse. To cope with
abuse, the child dissociates and creates sexual fantasies. The sexual fantasies
help them self-soothe and create feelings of revenge and control.
Past researchers have studied the characteristics of sexual offenders
and sexual murderers to create distinct categories of offenders. These
categories became known as typologies. The typologies are not scientifically
supported and are under review. There are consistent themes among different
typologies, which includes anger, sadistic, opportunistic, and compensatory
behaviors (Beauregard & Proulx, 2016). These typologies do not explain
why a person may escalate to commit serial sexual murder but provides
characteristics of the offender.
Children could internalize trauma and create schemas, fantasies, and
progress to acting out the fantasies through sexual violence. Children who
feel rejected create and create a world where they feel accepted and sexually
fantasize. Carter et al. (2017) reported that a past study conducted by
Beauregard and Proulx (2007) found that serial murderers would disclose
their sexual fantasies began during childhood or adolescence.
Serial murderers who wanted to feel as though they were in control became
angry when rejected. These offenders could not feel empathy for others and
were more likely than to commit violent sexual crimes such as serial sexual
homicide.
Paraphilic behaviors develop from childhood abuse. Individuals use
objects to create and enhance sexual arousal. They engage in hobbies or jobs
that provided objects for their paraphilic behaviors. There are types of
paraphilia that lead to criminal acts such as stalking, peeping, or stealing
objects from victims' homes. Individuals may have multiple paraphilia and
gravitate towards the one that provides the most arousal. When these, along
with sexual fantasies, no longer provide the same level of arousal, an
individual could escalate to acting out their fantasies on victims. Serial
sexual murderers commonly use sadism and necrophilia during or after the
serial sexual murder to gain a sense of control and revenge and avoid feeling
rejected.
The literature reviewed in chapter 2 focused on the characteristics and
etiology of sexual behaviors and criminal acts such as serial sexual murders.
Researchers have revealed that sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia were
part of serial sexual murder, but there was limited data regarding the
descriptions of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
involving serial sexual murderers.
I conducted a qualitative study to explore the role of child and adult
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers.
The study's findings may help expand knowledge related to the progression
and motives of sexual violence. This study may assist law enforcement,
school staff, and mental health professionals identify risk factors for future
sexual violence and creating profiles to detect offenders' potential patterns
and decrease their possibility of escalating to murder.
Chapter 3 reviews the role and responsibility of the researcher in a
qualitative study. The four steps of the thematic analysis describe the steps
utilized to answer the research questions. The steps include coding,
categories, and the creation of the themes. Chapter 3 includes the criteria for
selecting the case participants, coding, analysis, and verification of the
results. Chapter 3 thoroughly reviews the criteria for the case participants,
data sources, the eithical concerns, and the coding procedures.
Chapter 3: Research Method
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers. A multiple exploratory case study design was selected as
the methodology for this study. I conducted a thematic analysis to analyze
the data and identify patterns. Through this analysis I documented the case
participants’ similarities and differences (see Vaismoradi et al., 2016). Data
were gathered from secondary sources based on direct reports from the
offender, victims, witnesses, and investigations. Chapter 3 provides the
rationale for the multiple exploratory case study. This chapter provides my
roles and responsibilities, which included coding and analyzing the data and
identifying ways for me to minimized bias through triangulation,
examination, and reflection of thoughts and emotions.
The current chapter also provides the criteria for the selection of the
case participants. Each case met the FBI’s definition of a serial murderer and
sexual homicide. I selected 12 U.S. male case participants who were
identified as serial sexual murderers. Data regarding these case participants
were accessible from public records, biographies, and documentaries.
Studying serial sexual murderers could have led to potential risks in the
study, including the truthfulness of the offender, victims, and witnesses’
statements. Truthfulness was challenging to verify because the case
participant may have been deceased and direct interviews were not
conducted.
The theoretical foundations of Hickey’s TCM and RPA provided a
foundational context to understand how human growth and development
impact the progression of becoming a serial sexual murderer. Previous
research indicated the characteristics of an offender who became a serial
sexual murderer (Reid et al., 2019). These characteristics consisted of
distress, rejection, insecure attachment, lack of social relationships, and
childhood trauma. Child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
are rooted in these contexts. Gaining this foundation provided an opportunity
to explore the offender’s mindset at the time of the sexual murder.
Data were analyzed and coded to identify themes. The themes helped
me identify the role of sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving
serial sexual murderers. The data were stored in NVivo 12 software and
assist in the coding and identify themes. Chapter 3 presents discussions
related to trustworthiness, credibility, triangulation, dependability, and
conformability of the study. Findings may contribute to the early
identification of risk factors for future sexual violence by creating a profile
for a sexual offender who may be at risk for escalating toward serial sexual
murder.
Research Design and Rationale
The following research questions were used to explore the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers:
RQ1: What is the role of childhood sexual fantasies involving serial
sexual murderers?
RQ2: What is the role of adult sexual fantasies involving serial sexual
murderers?
RQ3: What is the role of criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers?
The central phenomenon of this study was child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. The secondary concepts, which included
trauma and social relationships, addressed the role of child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia in serial sexual murders. These concepts
were presented in research conducted by Reid et al. (2019) and Morono et al.
(2020).
Qualitative researchers seek to understand the perspective of an
individual who experienced the phenomenon. Case studies are used in the
social sciences to explore the groups’ reaction to the phenomenon in a
meaningful way (see Ingham-Broomfield, 2015). Multiple exploratory case
study was the methodology for the current study because it allowed me to
gain insight and knowledge about real-world subjects related to the
phenomenon (see Ingham-Broomfield, 2015). This methodology was used to
analyze the real-life experiences of the case participants through stories
documented within secondary sources.
Role of the Researcher
This study required me to gather, analyze, interpret, and reflect on the
gathered data. I gathered data related to the case participants’ child and adult
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia from secondary sources including
journals, books, public records, and documentaries. These sources provided
insight into the case participants’ thoughts, actions, and behaviors. The data
were coded to include specific words or phrases to identify themes. Data
were not gathered through direct interviews or observations of the offenders,
victims, witnesses, or investigators.
Qualitative research has the risk of being influenced by researcher
bias. This bias can result from viewing data from a subjective perspective.
Another risk is misinterpretation and omission by a single reviewer. The
topics addressed in the current study may have been challenging to review
because of the horrible pain inflicted on others. The researcher’s role is
essential to mitigate personal biases related to different world perspectives
(Costa et al., 2016). It is through the personal lens that the researcher
interprets and reflects on the behaviors of others. I reflected on personal
reactions, emotions, and beliefs related to the data to avoid potential bias. I
limited researcher bias to increase the analyzed data’s accuracy by
completing thorough documentation and routinely checking personal bias.
The process of verifying biases was done through an organized and
structured process.
Data were entered and stored in NVivo 12 software to provide the
study’s structure and reduce the possibility of human error. This software
provided the ability to organize and store digital data. The software assisted
me in documenting codes, analyzing coded data, and identifying themes.
Additional ways to sort through massive amounts of data included typing
notes and memos related to the study (see Walliman, 2017).
As the researcher, I was responsible for identifying and addressing
ethical obligations related to the study and selected participants. The ethical
standards must be met to identify and avoid the potential for harm through
this study’s use or results (Walliman, 2017). Even though I did not directly
work with participants, sensitive data about the offenders and victims were
reviewed and handled appropriately. It was essential to protect the privacy of
those involved with these participants to avoid causing additional trauma.
Methodology
When conducting a qualitative study, the researcher can identify and
select the case participants. It is essential to recognize that the data can be
applied to real-world experience during the selection process. I used
nonprobability sample because it allowed me to explore the phenomenon
and identify themes related to child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia in serial sexual murders. This process relied on my perspective
regarding selecting the case participants who fell into these perspectives.
When the study mirrors the real world, there is an indication that there is
internal and external validity (see Walliman, 2017).
I relied on a specific phenomenon to answer the research questions
and focused on the most appropriate selection method for the case
participants. The multiple exploratory case study included a homogenous
group. I selected 12 U.S. male case participants who met the FBI’s definition
of serial murder and sexual crime. The case participants described their
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia. Because each participant met the
selection criteria, 12 participants were expected to satisfy the saturation
strategy.
The case participants were selected from those identified as a serial
sexual murderers based on the FBI’s definition of sexual murder. The case
participants included serial sexual murderers who resided in the United
States. I excluded female case participants and offenders who committed
crimes toward children. I used the serial sexual murderers’ criteria to explore
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia statements.
The research was conducted through a search of serial sexual
murderers within the Radford University database. This database contained
4,743 U.S. and international serial killers. A second database created by Dr.
Eric Hickey was used to identify the case participants further. Hickey
compiled data regarding 500 serial sexual murderers. These databases
provided critical data regarding the offenders’ childhood, criminal histories,
relationships, employment history, and an outline of the crimes committed.
These databases helped me determine the participant selection based on the
details provided. Instrumentation
Qualitative research involves the researcher as the instrument for
gathering data. The researcher is responsible for reviewing the data, creating
codes, and analyzing data gathered from available sources. Data gathered
may include verbal statements, media posts, documentaries, and journal
articles. These types of sources were essential in the current study because
in-person interviews were not conducted. While examining the data, I
considered Hickey’s TCM and RPA theoretical foundations. Once the data
were gathered, they were entered and stored in NVivo 12 software.
Instruments
Qualitative research does not require specific instruments to gather
data. I served as the sole instrument for the study. Researcher bias was
challenging to avoid because the I could have influenced the collection and
analysis of data. To prevent this from occurring, each case was coded and
analyzed consistently. Coding was completed multiple times to increase the
accuracy of the findings.
I reviewed and coded the descriptions of child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia used by the case participants. As the
researcher, I included the same data related to trauma and relationships
based on the theoretical frameworks. It was essential to use multiple sources
to assemble data to answer the three research questions. Using multiple
sources and conducting multiple rounds of coding helped me prevent
researcher bias.
Data Collection
Data were gathered from multiple secondary sources. These included
archived records, transcripts, peer-reviewed journal articles, and biographies.
Selected sources focused on 12 male serial sexual murders who resided in
the United States. A careful review of the data revealed ideas, themes, and
patterns. Categories were created and linked with themes. The findings may
lead to the development of explanations regarding how sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia influence serial sexual murderers.
Research Question 1
Secondary source data were related to the descriptions of childhood
sexual fantasies of serial sexual murderers. The data gathered from these
sources were reviewed, coded, and analyzed to explore the role of childhood
sexual fantasies involving serial sexual murderers. Theoretical foundations
of trauma and relationships were used to analyze the data.
Research Question 2
Secondary source data were related to the descriptions of adult sexual
fantasies of serial sexual murderers. The data gathered from these sources
were reviewed, coded, and analyzed to explore the role of adult sexual
fantasies involving serial sexual murderers.Theoretical foundations of
trauma and relationships were used to analyze the data.
Research Question 3
Secondary source data were related to the descriptions of criminal
paraphilia of serial sexual murderers. The data gathered from these sources
were reviewed, coded, and analyzed to explore the role of criminal
paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers. Theoretical foundations of
trauma and relationships were used to analyze the data.
Microsoft Word and Excel documents were used to create a log and
master codebook. Compiled data were entered into NVivo. This software
helped me organize the data within the identified codes and analyze the data
to identify patterns, prospective explanations, and answers to the research
questions. The data were reviewed many times so the findings would be
accurately reflected.
Data Analysis
Thematic analysis is flexible and useful to gather different
perspectives from each case participant related to the phenomenon and
themes. I gathered and analyzed the data simultaneously during this
qualitative study (see Costa et al., 2016). Completing a thematic analysis
involved a deductive approach because the theoretical foundation drove the
development of categories and linked patterns (see Costa et al., 2016). Using
this type of analysis enabled me to identify, organize, describe, and report
themes from the data. I used NVivo software to store, organize, and analyze
the data gathered from secondary sources.
Secondary sources included biographies, transcripts, peer-reviewed
journals, and documentaries. When researching the case participants’ data, I
endeavored to reach a saturation point, which meant there was no longer a
need for additional sampling (see Costa et al., 2016). The analysis were
conducted through multiple phases.
The first phase of the thematic analysis required an in-depth
understanding of the data. The data were reviewed multiple times because
there was not a second reviewer or coder. While reviewing the data, I
documented thoughts related to the theoretical foundation. This process
allowed me to create ideas for coding.
The next phase included creating the initial codes that were identified
by reviewing the data multiple times. Codes enabled me to distinguish
specific characteristics that were identified in the data. A consistent
approach for coding was needed to be maintained throughout the analysis.
Creating a coding framework helped me increase the analysis’s credibility,
which was essential because there was only one coder.
A deductive process was used instead of an inductive process to
establish the initial codes because the initial codes were selected based on
the three research questions. The initial codes included child sexual
fantasies, adult sexual fantasies, and criminal paraphilia. Once the codes
were identified, I began to categorize the codes. The identification and
meaning of the categories were related to the experiences of the case
participants.
The fourth phase of the thematic analysis included reviewing the
themes created from the coding process. Themes began to link the data
through a deductive process. In this phase, the themes were refined and
determined to be a coherent pattern. Validity was ensured through the
accuracy of the reflections of the meanings within the data. As the themes
were reviewed, I determined that some could be collapsed into one theme or
separated to make additional themes. This phase enabled me to identify more
specific themes and how they were linked together if they were not relevant
to the study.
After I revised the themes, I examined if they related to the study.
When creating the names of the themes, I was clear as to what they
described. The creation of themes was never final until all the data had been
reviewed. When all the phases are completed, the findings were described in
the study results section.
Issues of Trustworthiness
Credibility
I used multiple sources to identify patterns that increased the
credibility of the study (Suter, 2014). Creditability was accomplished
through triangulation and saturation with the use of reliable data sources,
multiple theories, and multiple rounds of coding. I used 12 U.S. male case
participants, which fit the definition of a serial murderer per the FBI and
sexual murder. These participants verbalized their child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilic behaviors. As the researcher, I was
responsible to be reflective to avoid researcher bias.
Transferability
When there is evidence to support the generalizations related to the
study’s finding, this is considered transferability (Suter, 2014). As a part of
this research, I used a cross-case comparisons to increase transferability. To
achieve transferability within this study, I needed to ensure that the analysis
and coding were detailed. I conducted to multiple rounds of coding to help
other researchers transfer the outcomes to replicate the study.
Dependability
Dependability is a concept related to the study’s reliability (Suter,
2014). If the study were repeated, research findings should be similar by
completing a thorough review of the sources multiple times, taking notes,
and coding. I created notes on each case to increase the dependability. The
notes identified case participants with similar experiences. To ensure the
process was logical, I retraced the steps I had documented.
Confirmability
I was clear and accurate with the case participants’ words and actions
to create conformability within this study. The findings were reflected
through the conclusion of each step as well as the discussion of the findings.
As the researcher, I was responsible to control personal bias (Suter, 2014). I
remained neutral during all phases of the research. Confirmability was
carried out through self-reflection and exploring the data with the
dissertation committee chair for this researcher, the content expert.
Reviewing the crimes committed by serial rapists and murderers was
difficult. I needed to be mindful and alert for any rise in personal bias to
prevent interference with the data reviewed.
Ethical Procedures
Using secondary historical sources, limited ethical concerns related to
the treatment of the case participants. I only used sources that were publicly
available. Walden University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewed
the study proposal to ensure participant safety and well-being.
I did not conduct in person interview or direct observations with the
case participants, victims, or law enforcement involved with the cases.
Confidentiality agreements were not required to be created or signed by the
participants. Since there were not interviews or direct contact with human
participants, there was not a concern regarding power, control, and coercion.
No funding was offered or used to conduct this study.
I created safeguards to protect the data collected for each case
participant. Individuals who were not a part of the study did not have access
to the data. All notes were kept in a secure area, and my computer was
password protected. Finally, as with conformability, I needed to remain
neutral through the process. This data was challenging to review, and my
personal biases had to remain out of the process.
Summary
Chapter 3 provided the rationale for the use of a multiple exploratory
case study. This methodology was chosen because it was determined to be
the best way to address the three research questions. This chapter provided
an overview of my roles and responsibilities which included identifying way
to minimize my biases through triangulation, examination and reflection of
my thoughts and emotions. As the researcher, I was responsible for
identifying and addressing ethical obligations related to the study and case
participants.
Chapter 3 provided criteria for the selection of the case participants. I
selected each participant based on the FBI’s definition of serial murderer and
sexual murderer. A total of 12 participants were selected and satisfied the
saturation level. I gathered the data from public records, biographies, and
documentaries. Using this population could have potential limitation based
on the accuracy of the data gathered from these sources. The truthfulness of
the offender, victims, and witness statements accuracy could not be
validated.
The phenomenon that was studied was child and adult sexual fantasies
and criminal paraphilia of serial sexual murderers. Keywords within the
searchers were used to identify sources provided data on the specific case
participant. I analyzed the data to help answer the three research questions.
As the researcher, I reviewed the data multiple times to help with this
process. There was only one coder for this study.
To gather and analyze data it involved multiple steps. The first step
consisted of coding, which allowed me to connect themes within the data.
Additional themes can be created through mind mapping to review the
primary terms. There was a process to create the study as trustworthy and
ethical. Throughout this process, I monitored personal biases and ensured
that the data gathered was from professional and reliable resources to
maximize the amount of data utilized. As a single reviewer, the reflection on
the personal bias occurred throughout the study. The data was stored within
NVivo 12 software. Using this software helped to prevent human error when
I conducted coding and provided a safe and secure area for storing data.
Case participant selection was systematic and not based on the
researcher’s preferences. This study consisted of 12 U.S. male case
participants who met the criteria of serial murderers based on the FBI’s
definition and met the criteria for sexual crimes.
Selecting 12 case participants was over the recommended number of cases to
meet a case study (see Walliman, 2017) and saturation. Additional data for
the selected cases was based on the theoretical foundation themes of trauma
and relationships.
Chapter four reviews the results of this study. Within this chapter, data
is identified and discussed. An in-depth review of the data, analysis, and
outcomes is provided, including the identified data sources, themes, and
outcomes, and described how the analyzed data answered the research
questions and the study’s trustworthiness.
Chapter 4: Results
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers. I attempted to fill a gap regarding detailed descriptions of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia of serial sexual
murderers. The research method used for this study was a multiple
exploratory case study. Findings may help law enforcement, school staff,
and treatment providers identify risk factors for future violence, profile
potential offenders, and create appropriate treatment modalities.
Researchers have identified childhood trauma as a reason children
develop maladaptive coping mechanisms such as sexual fantasies and
paraphilia (Reid et al., 2019). These coping mechanisms escalate to sexual
violence for the offender to gain power and control. Even though researchers
have identified that serial sexual murderers suffer from child and adult
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia, limited research had been
conducted to understand their role in serial sexual murders.
The central phenomenon of this study was child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. The theoretical foundations helped me
identify the secondary concepts of trauma and social relationships. Recent
research by Reid et al. (2019) and Morono (2020) presented concepts related
to this study. A thematic analysis assisted in answering the three research
questions for this study. The theoretical foundations guided the development
of codes and patterns that were used to identify themes through a deductive
process (see Costa et al., 2016). The following research questions were used
to explore the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
involving serial sexual murderers.
RQ1: What is the role of childhood sexual fantasies involving serial
sexual murderers?
RQ2: What is the role of adult sexual fantasies involving serial sexual
murderers?
RQ3: What is the role of criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers?
This chapter includes a review of the research setting and the
collection of secondary sources. Next, descriptions of the demographics and
characteristics of the selected case participants are presented. Next, I explain
the steps to identify, gather, code, and create themes from data used in this
study. I describe how trustworthiness, credibility, transferability,
dependability, and confirmability were maintained. The chapter concludes
with a summary.
Research Setting
Data regarding case participants were accessible from public records,
biographies, and documentaries. Published books provided biographical and
historical data about offenders’ lives and facilitated understanding of their
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia. These sources
offered insight into the case participants’ thoughts, actions, and behaviors
leading up to and after the sexual murder. Documentaries provided factual
evidence from or related to case participants that included their life
experiences, how they lived, and what they believed compelled them to kill
their victims. Case participants provided descriptions of their child and adult
sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia within these secondary sources.
Demographics
This multiple exploratory case study included a homogenous group.
For this study, the case participants met the qualifications of sexual murder
derived from the FBI’s definition. All serial sexual murderers included in the
case study resided in the United States. I excluded female case participants
and offenders who committed crimes toward children under 15. Because all
participants met the same criteria, I used a sample size of 12 to ensure data
saturation. Documentation included descriptions of child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia as reported by the case participants (see
Table 1). The level of saturation met the maximum quality of the data.
Table 1
Case Participants
Case participant
Case
participant
race
Case
participant
sexuality
# of convicted
murders
Age of
victims
Joel Rifkin White Heterosexual 9 21–39
Ed Kemper White Heterosexual 10 15–72
Gary Ridgeway White Heterosexual 48 15–38
Jerry Brudos White Heterosexual 3 19–23
Keith Jesperson White Heterosexual 8 21–41
Antone Costa White Heterosexual 2 16–25
Richard
Cottingham
White Heterosexual 6 19–29
Bobby Joe Long White Heterosexual 10 18–22
William Suff White Heterosexual 19 23–42
George Russell Jr. Black Heterosexual 3 24–36
Robert Berdella White Homosexual 6 20–30
Robert Hansen White Heterosexual 17 17–41
Data Collection
I identified the case participants by verifying they met the criteria for
the study, which included male perpetrators who killed two or more
individuals ages 15 and above in the United States. I selected serial
murderers from Radford University’s database, which contained 4,743 U.S.
and international serial killers. To identify the case participants, I reviewed
each serial murderer to determine whether they met the criteria for the study.
I cross-referenced these serial sexual murderers using Dr. Eric Hickey’s
database.
I documented all male serial sexual murderers within the United States
and their victims’ age ranges in an Excel worksheet. Documenting the ages
of the serial sexual murderers’ victims assisted me in determining the final
12 case participants because the criteria for this study focused on case
participants whose victims were age 15 and above. Serial sexual murderers
whose victims were under 15 were excluded due to pedophilia.
Data Analysis
I gathered and analyzed data simultaneously while completing this
qualitative case study. Peer-reviewed journals, videos, and biographical
books provided perspectives on each case participant from the perpetrators,
victims, families, and law enforcement. I reviewed each secondary source a
minimum of two times to maintain accuracy and transferability. Highlighting
passages from journal articles and books within the secondary sources
helped me create codes. In addition, information gathered through video was
transcribed and entered in Excel worksheets for each case participant and
reviewed a minimum of two times to translate the information accurately.
A deductive process directed the thematic analysis in which I gathered
secondary sources to answer the three research questions. I uploaded the
Microsoft Excel worksheets, transcripts, and peer-reviewed journals into
NiVivo 12 software. The initial codes along with 13 more were created from
the review of the sources and were identified as individual nodes within
Nivio 12. I merged the codes that were similar in meaning to create
categories. Finally, the commonalities and differences among the categories
were identified to create the final four themes.
Evidence of Trustworthiness
Credibility
I was the only instrument in collecting and analyzing data in this study
(see Creswell, 2014). For qualitative research to be credible, data must align
with the case participants’ experiences, thoughts, and reactions (Bloomberg
& Volpe, 2019). An exploratory case study was the best method to gain an
in-depth understanding of the perceptions and reactions of the case
participants related to the phenomenon in the three research questions (see
Merriam, 2009). I was responsible for collecting , analyzing, and interpreting
the data to identify themes from the information gathered.
Patterns within the multiple secondary sources increased the study’s
creditability (see Suter, 2014). Triangulation and saturation were ensured by
using reliable data sources, multiple theories, and multiple data coding. To
ensure credibility, I used 12 U.S. male case participants who met the
definition of a serial murderer per the FBI and criteria for a sexual murder.
These participants verbalized their child and adult sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilic behaviors. I was reflective to avoid researcher bias.
Transferability
The information gathered within this study may contribute to the field
of research related to the topic of study (Bloomberg & Volpe, 2019). When
there is evidence to support study’s findings, that will be considered
transferability (see Suter, 2014). I used cross-case comparisons to increase
transferability.
I also employed detailed coding and analysis to ensure transferability
in this study. Using reputable secondary sources regarding the serial sexual
murderers within the United States helped me increase the trustworthiness of
this study. It was important to conduct multiple rounds of coding so that
other researchers could replicate the study and transfer outcomes. I described
the phenomenon and experiences to account for data saturation.
Dependability
Dependability is a concept related to the study’s reliability (Suter,
2014). Findings should be similar for those who may repeat the current
study. The study could be repeated by reviewing the sources multiple times,
taking notes, and coding. Creating notes on each case increased
dependability to identify case participants with similar experiences. This
process was logical and thorough to retrace the documented steps.
To determine conclusions, I created detailed descriptions related to the
collection and understanding of the data. I reviewed the data and created
codes and categories from the passages within the secondary sources. After
multiple rounds of reviewing the data, I created four themes from the
categories. Reviewing the themes multiple times helped me support the
conclusions.
Confirmability
Confirmability relates to the researcher’s ability to reflect the case
participants’ experiences, thoughts, and behaviors accurately. I was clear and
accurate with the case participants’ words and actions to create
confirmability in this study. Throughout the study, I needed to remember
that researcher bias could be a potential barrier due to me being the only
researcher (see Suter, 2014). Throughout the study, I strove to remain neutral
through all phases. Confirmability was ensured through self-reflection and
exploring the data with a content expert. Reviewing the crimes committed by
serial sexual murderers was difficult. However, taking the time to review the
data and allowing time between reading about a new case participant was
helpful. I was mindful and alert for any indication of researcher bias to
prevent interference in the data reviewed.
Results
The data analysis indicated themes related to the three research
questions based on a homogenous group of 12 male U.S. case participants.
Table 2 provides an overview of the codes, categories, and themes identified
in this study based on the data gathered from secondary sources. Hickey’s
TCM and RPA were the theoretical frameworks used to analyze the data.
Table 2
Codes, Categories, and Themes
Code Category Theme
Adult sexual fantasies
Fascination with victims
Harbor immense rage
Ability to harness internal
anger Gain a sense of
relief
Motivation for
possession,
control, and
release
Masturbated over trophies
Memories of the murder
Satisfy needs
Childhood abuse
Childhood sexual fantasies
Avoid feelings of
abandonment Release
feelings of resentment
Escape feelings
of abandonment
Domineering parent
Fetish
Criminal paraphilia
Obtain a sense of control
to
Pleasure from inflicting
pain Sex with corpses
Teased/bullied by peers
avoid rejection
Internalized feelings of
inadequacies and
helplessness
The use of
objects and
violent actions
to gain
satisfaction
Create a false
sense
Feeling lonely
Rejected
of relationships
Research Question 1
Using secondary sources, I reviewed, coded, categorized, and
analyzed the role of child sexual fantasies involving serial sexual murderers.
The initial code identified within the first research question was childhood
sexual fantasies. Additional codes were created and included domineering
parent and child abuse. The categories labeled as avoid feelings of
abandonment and release feelings of resent originated from the codes. The
final stage was identifying the theme escape feelings of abandonment.
Research Question 2
Using secondary sources, I reviewed, coded, categorized, and
analyzed the role of adult sexual fantasies involving serial sexual murderers.
The initial code identified within the second research question was adult
sexual fantasies. After reviewing the secondary resources, additional codes
were identified as fascination with victims, harbor immense rage, and
masturbate over trophies. The categories labeled ability to harness inner rage
and gain a sense of relief originated from the codes. The final stage was
identifying the theme motivation for possession, control, and release.
Research Question 3
Using secondary sources, I reviewed, coded, categorized, and
analyzed the role of criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers.
The initial code identified within the third research question was criminal
paraphilia. After reviewing the secondary resources, additional codes from
the passages included pleasure through inflicting pain, sex with corpses,
teased or bullied by peers, feeling lonely, and rejected. The categories
originated from the codes were labeled as obtain a sense of control to avoid
rejection, internalized feelings of inadequacies, and helplessness. The final
stage was identifying the themes that created a false sense of a relationship
and the use of objects and violent actions to gain sexual satisfaction.
Case Participant: Ed Kemper
Ed Kemper, also known as the co-ed killer, murdered eight victims
between 1972 and 1973 in Santa Cruz, California (Murderpedia, 2017c;
Radford University, 2006b). In 1964, he was convicted of killing his
grandparents. Kemper started life with a troubled childhood. His parents
divorced when he was 12, but prior to the divorce, the marriage was
unstable. Kemper felt rejected by both parents. He developed a deep hatred
for his mother. During his childhood, he pretended to play “gas chamber”
with his sister
(Schuster, 2017a). She reported that he would felt that was where he would
end up (Burke, 2021). As a teenager, Kemper moved in with his
grandparents after his mother did not want him and his father could no
longer afford to take care of him. Kemper became very angry with his
grandmother, who reminded him of his overbearing mother. He then
murdered his grandparents. Kemper was convicted of their murders and sent
to juvenile hall.
When he was released from juvenile hall, Kemper moved back to his
mother’s home. They would continue to argue, and his killing spree began.
Kemper preferred to pick up young college girls who were hitchhiking. He
became strategic as to how he dismembered and disposed of the bodies. His
hatred for his mother progressed to the point where he killed her and her best
friend. Kemper turned himself in and was convicted of eight murders. He is
still serving his sentence at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA
(Radford University, 2006b).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Beginning at age four, Kemper remembered fantasizing about a
mother and father who loved and cared for their children together (Edmund
Kemper Stories, 2020). While he was in school, teachers labeled him as a
constant daydreamer. By the age of 10, he started having sexual fantasies
that revolved around death and violently hurting others (Burke, 2021).
Kemper found that fantasies allowed him to escape his reality and find a
sense of security. In an interview, Kemper stated, “well, people were still
around, but they were inanimate they could not affect me it could not hurt
me” (Schuster, 2017). According to his sister, she could see the changes in
Kemper’s behavior because of being rejected by his father (Burke, 2021).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Kemper saw his victims as possessions. He confessed that “I wanted
the girls for myself-as possessions.” (Cheney,1976, p. 150). After they were
dead, Kemper could do whatever he wanted to the bodies. He said, “Taking
life away from them, a living human being, and having possession of
everything that used to be theirs” (Cheney,1976, p. 45). Kemper ate pieces
of his victims to possess them fully (Burke, 2021). His mother’s murder
provided a sense of relief. Kemper humiliated her by having sex with her
head, yelling at her, and shutting her up by putting her larynx into the
garbage disposal (Schuster, 2017a).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Kemper became attached to his victims and reported, “With
strangulation, there seemed to be intimacy with it” (Schuster, 2017a). He
would bury the heads in a shallow grave so he could go back and visit. By
killing his victims, Kemper established a relationship with them; otherwise,
women were distant and unwilling to share (Cheney,1976). During an
interview, Kemper stated, “I was scared to death of a male/female
relationship.” (Schuster, 2017a)
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Kemper would become excited as he hunted for his victims. He
became sexually satisfied while having sex with one of his victims while she
died (Cheney,1976). After Kemper killed his victims, he would take them to
his bedroom. Kemper fondled and admired the dead bodies for some time
and then photographed the victims at different stages of the dismemberment.
He reported a sexual thrill that came from decapitating the bodies. Before he
would dispose of the body parts, Kemper would have sex with the victims’
corpses (Cheney,1976). Kemper reported, “I would eat the bodies. Cut
pieces off. Parts of the thighs. It was just little chunks” (Burke, 2021).
Saving the body pieces for him to eat was erotic, and he thought it would
help keep him from committing more murders (Burke, 2021).
Case Participant: Joel Rifkin
During the 1990s, Joel Rifkin committed 17 murders in New York
City, NY. He struggled during his childhood to develop friends
(Murderpedia, 2017g; Radford University, 2005d). As a result, Rifkin
retreated into his fantasies. As he grew into adulthood, Rifkin became
obsessed with prostitutes. He would work to pay for his addiction to
prostitutes. Rifkin murdered his first victim in 1989 by beating her to death.
He did not feel like she gave him the attention he wanted. It was another
year before he committed his subsequent murder. After that, the murders
happened closer together. Rifkin was arrested in 1993 after two state
troopers pulled him over for not having a license plate. While being
interrogated for eight hours, he admitted to committing 17 murders. Rifkin
pleaded not guilty and went to trial. The jurors took little time to determine
he was guilty and sentenced him to 186 years in prison. Rifkin attempted to
appeal his sentence but was denied. He serves his time in Clinton
Correctional Facility in NY (Murderpedia, 2017g; Radford University,
2005d ).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Rifkin’s birth mother gave him up for adoption at three weeks old. He
was raised by good parents, but eventually, he failed to meet his father’s
expectations (Kat Wounded Cougar, 2015; Rosewood & Lo, 2018). Rifkin’s
father let him know that he was disappointed. He experienced abuse and
mistreatment daily from his peers. Rifkin confessed, “Anyone looking to
make a reputation as a local hood, I was one of the first kids they looked for”
(Jesusmalaarki, 2012). He began hiding in places where he could not be
found and developed a fantasy life. Rifkin stated in an interview, “I
developed certain avoidance habits” (Jesusmalaarki, 2012). He would often
retreat to his bedroom, where he felt safe.
Rifkin’s fantasy life began to overpower his reality. The sexual
fantasies became graphic and violent. He would have fantasies of women
being dominated, abused, and gladiatorial fantasies of women fighting over
him (Kat Wounded Cougar, 2015). Rifkin also fantasized about raping and
stabbing girls (Rosewood & Lo, 2018).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
As an adult, his sexual fantasies of raping and stabbing women
continued. Rifkin became infatuated and preoccupied with prostitutes. He
learned that he could pay a prostitute $20 to keep their full attention and
avoid rejection (Jesusmalaarki, 2012). Rifkin confessed, “self-esteem wise
as long as you had the price of admission, that was it, there was no rejection”
(Jesusmalaarki, 2012). His fantasies progressed to strangling prostitutes,
which soon became a reality (Rosewood & Lo, 2018). Killing enabled him
to manipulate and control his victims. By having supreme control over their
lives, he began to see himself as God-like (Miladinich, 2001).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Rifkin struggled to engage in relationships with women. Relationships
for him were bound by fantasy, not reality. As he became obsessed with
prostitutes, they were engaged in a fantasy affair in his mind (Rosewood &
Lo, 2018). He became addicted to wanting and looking at prostitutes. Rifkin
stated, “It would feel a lot less lonely” (Kat Wounded Cougar, 2015). Rifkin
imagined the encounter as a conventional date. He became frustrated when
the prostitute did not show interest in him. He would then become violent
and commented, “strangling was intimate” (Kat Wounded Cougar, 2015)
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
As time passed, Rifkin’s lust for sex grew more robust. He never saw
his victims as people, just as objects to sexually abuse and kill. Capturing his
victims sexually aroused him (Miladinich, 2001). His actions fed into his
fetish for sexual sadism. The lust for sex grew into a greater desire to kill his
victims. Rifkin kept items from his victims so he could relive the murder and
become sexually aroused (Rosewood & Lo, 2018; Kat Wounded Cougar,
2015). These items included jewelry, medications, and identifications.
Case Participant: Gary Ridgway
Gary Ridgway is known as the “Green River Killer.” During the
1980s and 1990s, it is thought that he murdered a total of 71 victims in the
state of Washington (Murderpedia, 2017c; Radford University 2005a).
During his childhood, he witnessed violence between his parents. Ridgway
was a bedwetter up to the age of 13 (Reichert, 2004). His mother humiliated
him and triggered his first emotion of revenge toward women (Reichert,
2004, p. 282). Ridgway’s peers bullied him, and to protect himself, he would
isolate himself from others. As an adult, Ridgway became obsessed with
prostitutes. Even during the time he was married, Ridgway would solicit
prostitutes. He was described as hypersexual to the point that he would
demand sex multiple times per day (Reichert, 2004).
Ridgway would gain the trust of the prostitute and strangle them from
behind after sex. The murders took place at his home, truck, and secluded
places. Detectives arrested Ridgway on November 20, 2001, on suspicion of
four murders (Murderpedia, 2017c). He was found guilty and sentenced to
48 life sentences. However, a plea bargain helped identify the remains of his
victims and saved him from being executed. As a result, Ridgway is serving
his life sentence at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, WA
(Radford University, 2005a).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Ridgway was a chronic bedwetter up to age 13 (Papadopoulos, 2020a;
Reichert, 2004). His mother would embarrass him in front of his siblings and
then wash his genital area. At times she was not fully dressed. His father
would tell stories of an employee caught having sex with a corpse at the
dinner table. These factors greatly influenced Ridgway’s sexual fantasies.
He loved watching his mother sunbathe as he imagined having sex with her.
Ridgway stated in an interview, “She was more just a sex object than a
mother” (Grow With Us 420, 2019). Ridgway added violence to his sexual
fantasies during early adolescence. He would imagine having sex with his
mother and cutting her throat. Ridgway stated “I thought of hurting her so
she would shut up and leave me alone” (Grow With Us 420, 2019).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Ridgway felt that his hate for himself would go away if he were to kill
his mother (Reichert, 2004, p. 274). He learned that if he hurt others and
instilled fear in them, he could remain safe (Poyntz, 2021). Ridgway enjoyed
hunting for his victims. The hunt provided a sense of power and control
(Reichert, 2004). The victims existed to satisfy his needs and would become
his possessions. Ridgway harbored immense rage toward women and
eventually took out on prostitutes (Reichert, 2004). After killing his victims,
he considered the corpses his sexual property (Reichert, 2004).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
As a teenager, Ridgway became aware of whom he desired and
quickly realized that they would not date him. To remain close, he would
stalk the girls (Reichert, 2004). He developed a fixation on prostitutes that
lasted a lifetime. Ridgway later sought prostitutes to create the idea that he
could befriend them (Reichert, 2004). He expected the prostitutes to act and
appear to enjoy sex with him. Ridgway would become enraged if they did
not react as he wanted or rejected him.
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
As Ridgway became an adult, his sexual fantasies remained violent.
He would imagine live women placed on a pole and suffering (Reichert,
2004). Watching them suffer was sexually satisfying. After Ridgway began
murdering his victims, he found that murder was no longer sexually
satisfying (Reichert, 2004). Nor could he have a sexual release with a live
person. Ridgway could only have sex with a warm corpse (Poyntz, 2021).
Case Participant: Jerry Brudos
Jerry Brudos was known as the “The Lust Killer” and “Shoe Fetish
Slayer,” who murdered four females between 1968 and 1969 in Portland,
OR (Murderpedia, 2017f; Radford University, 2005c). Brudos was raised by
a mother who was disappointed he was a boy. His fetish for shoes started at
the early age of five (Rosewood, 2016a). The shoes became taboo because
his mother made him feel like he did something wrong after finding the
hidden shoes (Rosewood, 2016a). As a teenager, Brudos began stealing
women’s shoes and undergarments.
When he became an adult, Brudos began to stalk women and steal
their undergarments. When he murdered his victims, he would dress in their
clothes and masturbate (Rosewood, 2016a). Once the police arrested him,
Brudos pled guilty and sentenced him to life in prison. However, he was
only convicted for three counts of murder, not four, and is still serving his
prison sentence at Oregon State Penitentiary (Radford University, 2005c).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Brudos’s mother admitted that she was disappointed when he was
born because she wanted a girl (Rosewood, 2016a; Schuster, 2017b).
Throughout his childhood, he felt rejected by his mother, who showed
favoritism towards his oldest brother. As a result, he began fantasizing about
kidnapping girls and holding them against their will (Rosewood, 2016a). His
victims would plead for mercy in this fantasy and become sex slaves. The
thought of holding a women captive was sexually exciting (Schuster,
2017b). Brudos’s sexual fantasies became a way for him to seek revenge
against women.
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Brudos liked the feeling of overpowering women. He forced his wife
to walk around the house nude and in high heels while cleaning. Brudos
would break into women’s living areas and steal their undergarments and
shoes. The thought of having these in his possession reinforced that he was
in control (Schuster, 2017b). He continued to have sexual fantasies of
women being his sex slave, and seeing them afraid was sexually stimulating
(Rosewood, 2016a). As Brudos began murdering his victims, he would
choose which one he wanted for his pleasure and believed the victims
belonged to him (Rosewood, 2016a).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Brudos was awkward around girls and struggled to date (Rosewood,
2016a). He would make blind calls to find a date hoping that one would
agree. One female who agreed quickly realized that something was not right
due to his questions. Brudos would pick up a young female and talk to her as
if they were on a date together even though they had just met.
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
As a child, Brudos developed a shoe fetish. He would steal girls’
underwear and shoes for sexual satisfaction (Rosewood, 2016a; Schuster,
201b). Brudos began to fantasize about freezing his murdered victims. His
fantasy became a reality, allowing him to dress the victims and take pictures.
The photographs would bring pleasure for Brudos while he held their
undergarments (Rosewood, 2016a). He would remove the victim’s feet and
place them in the freezer to later dress the foot up with a high heel shoe for
his sexual pleasure (Schuster, 2017b). In addition, Brudos found sexual
satisfaction from violating dead bodies because he could act out his sexual
fantasies (Schuster, 2017b). He could be as brutal as he wanted when his
victims were dead.
Case Participant: Keith Jesperson
Keith Hunter Jesperson, also known as the “Happy Face Killer,” was
born in Canada but moved to the United States during his childhood
(Murderpedia, 2017h; Radford University, 2005e). He killed eight women in
five years across multiple states. Jesperson’s father was abusive and an
alcoholic. He was teased and bullied by his peers. Jesperson felt rejected by
his family and peer group. As a result, he found pleasure in torturing
animals. As early as ten years of age, he began thinking about what it would
be like to kill a human being (Smith, 2016).
Jesperson became a truck driver which provided him the means to
commit his murders. He would rape and strangle his victims. Jesperson
would leave messages regarding his victims signed with a happy face
(Parkes, 2021). On March 30, 1995, detectives arrested Jesperson. However,
they did not have enough evidence to hold him (Murderpedia, 2017h). A
couple of days later, Jesperson would turn himself in and confess to eight
murders. Jesperson was sentenced to life in prison in Oregon and is still
serving his time at Oregon State Penitentiary (Radford University, 2005e).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Jesperson was raised by a controlling alcoholic father and an
extremely religious mother. He was the forgotten middle child. Jesperson
was content to play by himself and created “Keith’s World,” where only he
was allowed (Smith, 2016, p. 12). He saw himself as heroic in his
imagination. If Jesperson were to find a friend, his father would become
angry and stop the friendship. His peers also teased him, which reinforced
that he did not need anyone to be in his life. Jesperson retreated further into
his imagination (Smith, 2016).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Jesperson first realized that he enjoyed the feeling of control when he
killed small animals because he had the power to control whether they lived
or died (Parkes, 2021). Jesperson fantasized about kidnapping,
overpowering, and raping girls to gain a feeling of control to make them his
sex slaves (Smith, 2016). As he moved from fantasy to reality, Jesperson
trapped and raped his victims before killing them. He sat by the victim’s
body and felt a sense of power. Jesperson felt in control by holding the fate
of his victims in his hands. He choked the victims until they were
unconscious and allowed the victims to wake up (Smith, 2016). He repeated
this cycle multiple times before he finally strangled them to death. Jesperson
commented, “I felt so much power” “I then told her she was going to die and
slowly strangled her” (Rieid et al., 2019).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Women frequently rejected Jesperson. He found he could only admire
them from a distance. Jesperson had conflicting thoughts about the way
women should be treated. He thought they deserved to be treated well but
then would fantasize about them becoming his sex slaves (Smith, 2016).
Before having sex with his victims, Jesperson asked them to have sex as if
they were in a real relationship (Smith, 2016). He told another victim that
she would have to prove her love to him (Smith, 2016).
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Jesperson found enjoyment by having sex with a woman while she
slept (Smith, 2016). He would tie women up, which would allow him to
touch their bodies anywhere he wanted. Jesperson became sexually aroused
while abusing his victims (Parkes, 2021). He would have sex with them as
they were begging for mercy. Jesperson held the victim’s fate in his power,
which was sexually gratifying. One of his messages stated, “I beat her, I
raped her, I killed her, and I liked it” (Parkes, 2021).
Case Participant: Richard Cottingham
Richard Cottingham, otherwise known as the “Torso Killer” and the
“New York Ripper,” committed six murders in New York and New Jersey
between 1967 and 1980 (Murderpedia, 2017i; Radford University, 2007a).
Cottingham remained isolated from others during his childhood to avoid his
peers who teased him. However, during adolescence, he began to find big-
breasted women attractive. Unfortunately, the research did not specify what
triggered Cottingham to develop a fetish for big breasts. Cottingham
primarily chose prostitutes as his victims. He would have brutal sex and then
murder them. While the victim was alive, Cottingham would tie them up,
bite, and stab them (Rosewood, 2016b). After they were dead, he would
mutilate their bodies. On one occasion, he attempted to burn the bodies. On
May 22, 1980, Cottingham was arrested and later convicted of murdering six
victims. He is serving over 200 years in prison at the New Jersey State
Prison (Radford University, 2007a).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Cottingham was raised by two loving parents in a middle-class society
(Evans, 2014). He found it difficult to connect with his peers. His peers
thought of him as “odd” (Rosewood, 2016b, p. 3). Cottingham became
comfortable finding activities to do alone. He maintained his solitary activity
through adolescence. Cottingham never had a girlfriend but shared that he
was attracted to women with large breasts (Evans, 2014). He became
obsessed with pornography and bondage.
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Cottingham gained pleasure in controlling others. He commented, “I
can make people believe what I want them to believe” (Crime Scene
Database, 2013). He liked the rush of adrenaline when he held a victim’s
fate in his hands. Cottingham confessed, “It is Godlike” (Crime Scene
Database, 2013). The control over women became sexually arousing. His
victims were at his mercy and were used to fulfill his sadistic desires
(Rosewood, 2016b).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Cottingham did not establish intimate relationships with women
(Evans, 2014). He struggled to understand the basics of human relationships.
Cottingham confused a man’s fantasy with what women would want from a
relationship (Rosewood, 2016b). He only wanted to be with a prostitute
because they would call him master and comply with his sexual request.
Interactions with prostitutes were labeled as a “date” (Rosewood, 2016b, p.
33).
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Cottingham developed a fetish for large breasts during childhood. His
fetish continued into adulthood, along with sadistic sex. He would fantasize
about torturing women who were at his mercy (Evans, 2014). As
Cottingham began to murder his victims, he would leave savage bite marks
on their breasts. Autopsy reports indicated victims had blood on their vagina,
rectum, breasts, face, and mouth (Evans, 2014). Cottingham would force his
victims to experience pain and humiliation. If they died before he was fully
sexually satisfied, Cottingham would defile the bodies in horrific ways
(Rosewood, 2016b). Torture was his true motivation, not the murder.
Case Participant: Dayton Leroy Rogers
Dayton Leroy Rogers, or the “Molalla Forest Killer,” was convicted
of seven murders during 1987 in Oregon (Murderpedia, 2017b). He was
raised by both of his biological parents. However, they adopted additional
children, making him angry. Rogers then retreated into his fantasies and
began committing criminal acts. As a teenager, he and his friends would
shoot at cars and attempt to break into vehicles (Parkes, 2021). At 18, he was
convicted of second-degree assault for stabbing a 15-year-old girl in the
stomach and sent to a mental facility for sex offenders (Parkes, 2021).
As an adult, Rogers would solicit prostitutes and used the name
“Steve the Gambler” (King, 2011, p.51). His suffering would be relieved by
watching other people suffer. Rogers was identified after his last victim
escaped in Denny’s parking lot, and a witness ran over to help the victim. He
was found guilty and sentenced to the death penalty. Rogers is still serving
his time at Oregon State Penitentiary.
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Rogers grew up with an abusive father who beat him regularly (King,
2011, p. 156). His father moved the family frequently to find work, making
it difficult for Rogers to develop friendships. During these times, the family
would sleep in close quarters, and he stared at his sister’s feet while the
family slept. Rogers developed a fetish towards his sister’s feet. He
masturbated at night, thinking about, or looking at his sister’s feet when his
family slept (King, 2011). His fantasies escalated to violence, and he would
imagine creating a torture chamber (King, 2011).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Rogers found that he enjoyed his sexual fantasies more than actual sex
because he was in complete control. Fantasies allowed him to have control
of the here-and-now (King, 2011). When he fantasized about bondage,
Rogers imagined the tremendous amount of power he possessed over women
who were incapacitated (King, 2011). Rogers would demonstrate his power
when he captured his victims by restraining and killing them (Parkes, 2021).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
During late adolescence, Rogers attacked a 15-year-old girl with a
knife because he felt that she had rejected him (King, 2011). He would tell
his victims that he hated women. If his victims attempted to escape, Rogers
considered this a rejection (King, 2011). He would thank his victims for
going out with him and tell them he had the best time after assaulting them
(King, 2011).
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Rogers bound his victims’ hands together and gnawed on their feet
while masturbating (King, 2011). He enjoyed the victims’ wild display of
fear and experienced intense sexual pleasure from the prolonged agony
experienced by the victims (King, 2011). Rogers wanted his victims to resist
because it was sexually arousing to him. The sight of blood caused Rogers to
have an erection, and torture became a sexual thrill (King, 2011; Parkes,
2021).
Case Participant: William Suff
William Suff committed 13 murders between 1974 to 1991 in Texas and
California. He was given the names “The Riverside Prostitute Killer” and
“The Lake Elsinore Killer” (Murderpedia, 2017i; Radford University,
2005g). Suff grew up in an abusive home. He always strived to do things for
others. Suff wanted approval from his peers and would do things that he
thought gained attention.
Suff led two different lives. During the day, he went to work and
appeared reasonably normal. After work, he raped, tortured, and murdered
his victims. Once the victims died, he would have sex with the corpse
(Tucker, 2016). Suff would cut off the victim’s breast and save the meat to
eat later (Tucker, 2016). The police arrested him after pulling him over for
driving a stolen vehicle. Investigators gathered forensic evidence for two of
his murders from the vehicle. He later admitted to killing ten other victims
and was found guilty of 12 counts of first-degree murder. Suff was
sentenced to death. He is still on death row at San Quentin State Prison in
California (Weller, 2016).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Suff grew up watching his father abuse his mother, and later his father
abandoned his family. His mother was controlling and domineering. Suff
isolated himself from others but strived to gain attention from his peers.
Growing up, he was considered awkward and never had a girlfriend. He
created a world where he would want to live.
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Suff learned how to manipulate people to gain control. He saw women
as objects he could possess (Weller, 2016). He considered himself a
woman’s master and wanted them to become his love slaves. Suff would
stalk females and find the hunt more exciting than the murder. Once he
identified his victim, Suff would hear a voice inside his head that would tell
him she was the one he wanted (Tucker, 2016). These women would become
his sex slave within his fantasies and reality, making him feel Godlike
(Tucker, 2016).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Suff had no attachment or bonds with a woman (Weller, 2016). At the
same time, he held his victim’s captive and would ask them if they loved
him. Suff expected the victims to respond by saying “yes” and repeating “I
love you back” (Tucker, 2016, p. 690). If they did not return his affection,
Suff would become angry. However, once his victims were dead, he found
that he could communicate the best (Tucker, 2016). First, Suff would ask his
dead victims if they were dreaming about him even in death (Tucker, 2016).
Then, he would confess his love while having sex with the dead body
(Tucker,
2016).
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Suff enjoyed torturing his victims. He would brutally rape them and
mutilate their bodies while they were still alive. For example, Suff mutilated
his victim’s breasts and tossed them like they were trash (Weller, 2016). He
would continue to have sex with the victim after they were dead. The
coroner found an intact light bulb in a victim’s vagina (Parkes, 2020). The
breast removed from his victims were frozen and later used in meals. Some
say that he used the breast meat to make his award-winning chili, but that
has never been proven.
Case Participant: George Russell Jr.
George Russell Jr. committed three murders in 1990 by brutally
beating and rapping his victims. The murders were completed in Seattle,
Washington, and he was named “The Charmer,” “The Eastside Killer,” and
“The Bellevue Killer” (Murderpedia, 2017e; Radford University, 2005b).
Russell’s mother remarried when he was young. As a result, they relocated
to Washington state. When he was 16, Russell was abandoned by his
mother. His stepfather raised him even though he began acting out and
committing minor crimes. Russell eventually quit school and moved out due
to his stepfather’s new wife, whom he hated.
Russell was considered charming, which helped him stay with
multiple friends. He hardly worked but was able to have money. At 21,
Russell began going to different clubs where he selected his victim. Once he
captured them, Russell would viciously beat, pose, and place different items,
such as a gun or a vibrator, within the victims’ orifices (Saffran, 2021). His
friends assisted law enforcement to convict Russell of the three murders. He
was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Russell serves his time at
the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen, Washington (Radford
University, 2005b).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
He never knew his biological father and was raised by his stepfather
after his mother left. Russell fantasized he had a family within the police
department, where he spent much time (Olsen, 2018). However, Russell
created this imaginary family while he committed minor crimes. He was
very secretive about his home life and would communicate what he thought
others wanted to hear (Olsen, 2018). Russell’s mother moved back to
Maryland when he was 16 years old. His mother chose to take his sister with
her. His stepfather attempted to help, but Russell wanted nothing to do with
the stepfather’s structure and his new stepmother.
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
He wanted to be known as superman. Russell believed women had no
value and wanted to control their reactions (Olsen, 2018). Therefore, Russell
would befriend younger individuals. He found that young teenage girls were
easy to manipulate for sex. Russell did not torture them, but he felt a sense
of control since they would comply with his manipulations.
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Russell would create friendships based on lies. Those who knew him
best were aware of his hate towards women and obsession with sex. When
Russell turned 21, he went to the local bars and surrounded himself with
women who annoyed him (Olsen, 2018). He was described as very charming
and frequently watched certain women through the evening. Russell’s
victims became his way of getting revenge on his mother and stepmother.
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Each of Russell’s victims were posed explicitly in different ways
(Saffran, 2021; Olsen, 2018). Victims were raped with a blunt object, bitten,
stabbed, and beat postmortem (Saffran, 2021). In addition, autopsy reports
found evidence that objects were rammed into his victims’ anus (Olsen,
2018).
Case Participant: Robert Berdella
Robert Berdella, or the “The Butcher of Kansas City,” was a
homosexual killer who murdered six victims in Kansas City, MO
(Murderpedia, 2017j; Radford University, 2007b). He committed murders
between 1984 to 1987. As a child Berdella’s peers did not accept him, and to
cope with the rejection, he would isolate and become known as a loner. His
father died when he was a teenager. Berdella began identifying as a
homosexual and started to have sexual fantasies of capturing victims to
become his sex slaves during his teens.
Berdella chose drug addicts and male prostitutes for his victims. He
would offer to assist them financially and provide a room to live. The
victims were unaware that Berdella wanted to bring his fantasy into reality
by creating a sex slave. He would torture his victims for weeks or however
long they could survive. Berdella would rape, sodomize, electrocute, and
poison his victims (Rosewood, 2015). When his last victim escaped, the
police arrested Berdella. (Rosewood, 2015). When the police searched his
home, they found all the evidence to charge him with the murders. Berdella
pled guilty and was sentenced to life. However, he died of natural causes
after four years of incarceration.
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
During his childhood, Berdella’s peers bullied him. He retreated to
become a loner. Berdella’s father died when he was a teenager, and at the
same time, he realized that he was a homosexual. When his mother
remarried, he felt rejected because he was no longer a part of her current life
and was only part of her past (Becker, 2021; Papadopoulos, 2020b). After
Berdella watched, the movie, “The Collector,” he developed deviant sexual
fantasies about capturing and torturing victims (Becker, 2021, p. 17).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Berdella developed a fetish towards taking prisoners (Rosewood,
2015). He became sexually excited, thinking of confinement and control of
young men. Berdella’s prisoners were for his sexual gratification. The goal
was to make a permanent prisoner where he no longer had to fear them
trying to escape or fight back (Rosewood, 2015). He would have total
control of his captives (Papadopoulos, 2020b). Berdella branded one of his
victims, indicating that he was Berdella’s property (Papadopoulos, 2020b).
He kept detailed documentation of his torture, which allowed him to
remember the sense of power he got through torturing his victims
(Papadopoulos, 2020b; Rosewood, 2015, p. 15).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Berdella would engage with drug addicts and young male prostitutes
but was repeatedly taken advantage of (Rosewood, 2015). In his mind, he
thought he could help them. However, if he were attracted to the victims, he
wanted to keep them as his slave. Berdella found that torturing young boys
was more intimate (Becker, 2021).
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Berdella would masturbate to his sexual fantasies of bondage and
inflicting pain. Once he fulfilled his fantasy of capturing his victims, he
experimented with different torture methods to keep them as his sex slave.
The torture included sodomizing an unconscious man, crushing the bones in
the victims’ hands while stroking his erection, and injecting them with
poisonous liquids (Rosewood, 2015). Berdella’s sexual enjoyment increased
the more creative he was with his torture methods. The motive was to cause
pain and push the human body to its extremes (Papadopoulos, 2020b). He
called his victims his “play toys” to satisfy him (Becker, 2021, p.62;
Rosewood, 2015, p. 31). Berdella kept a detailed log and photographs to
help him monitor how to keep his sex slaves alive but also relive the torture
(Papadopoulos, 2020b).
Case Participant: Robert Hansen
Robert Hansen, otherwise known as the “Alaska’s Serial Killer,”
committed 17 to 21 murders between 1973 and 1983 in Alaska
(Murderpedia, 2017k; Radford University, 2005f). He grew up with a father
who made him feel worthless and peers would bully him. Hansen was shy
and rejected by girls. As a result, he began to fantasize about getting
revenge.
Hansen would select prostitutes as his victims. He would kidnap and
take them to his cabin, which he could only get to by plane. The victims
were forced to act out his fantasies and would need to comply to survive. A
few victims were hunted like animals. After his last victim escaped, the
police arrested him. Hansen confessed to law enforcement and helped them
locate the victims. He was found guilty of four murders and sentenced to 461
years in prison. Hansen died at the age of 74 while still incarcerated at
Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska (Radford University,
2005f).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Hansen grew up with a dominating father who made him feel
worthless. During childhood, he developed a stutter in which his peers
teased him (Ortiz, 2021). Hansen stated in an interview, “I looked like a
freak, and I sounded like one” (Emslie, 2021). Hansen felt that girls were the
worst bullies. As a result of not being accepted at home or in school, the
loneliness caused him to become interested in isolating activities such as
hunting. In addition, Henson created revenge fantasies to hurt the girls who
rejected him (Ortiz, 2021).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
To feel “masculine and powerful,” Hansen would blindfold his
victims and take them to his cabin (Emslie, 2021). Hansen found there were
times he felt he was not in control of situations, specifically if a woman gave
him a “quicky” (Ortiz, 2021). To maintain control over his victims, Hansen
would humiliate and degrade them. He felt a sense of power when he took
his victims to an isolated cabin and hunted them.
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Hansen desired to relate to females but feared rejection. According to
Hansen, “I wanted a relationship, a good close friendship” (Emslie, 2021).
Hansen wanted a good girl interested in him and not one who just wanted
money. He would “date” prostitutes to act out his revenge fantasies (Ortiz,
2021, p. 16). When he was with a prostitute, he would demand them to say
specific things. One example was, “tell me you want it” (Emslie, 2021). At
first, he would appear to be friendly and purchase their services but would
soon turn evil. Hansen would tell his victims that he would treat them special
if they liked him.
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Hansen stated, that watching prostitutes walking the streets, “give me
a sexual blow-up charge” (Emslie, 2021). Hansen handcuffed and raped his
victims. He wanted them to fight back because that was part of the fun.
Hansen stated, “She had to make, I guess, play out my fantasy. She had to
come out and say we can do it, but it will cost you some money” (Emslie,
2021). Hansen made sure he was in charge and would force his victims to do
humiliating things like flashing other drivers while riding in a car (Ortiz,
2021). When angered, Hansen became violent. What excited him the most
was getting away with a crime which would cause him to near ejaculate
(Ortiz, 2021).
Case Participant: Antone “Tony” Costa
Antone “Tony” Costa was convicted of killing four victims between
1968 and 1969 in Massachusetts (Murderpedia, 2017a; Radford University
2006a). His mother raised him after his father died while serving in the
Navy. However, his mother did remarry and had another child. At the age of
seven, Costa became fascinated by death (Rodman &Jordan, 2021). He
purchased a taxidermy kit even though he did not know how to use it
appropriately. Costa would kill and dismember small animals to practice
taxidermy. He attempted to capture a neighbor girl and tie her up during his
teens. Costa later broke into her room and fondled her while she slept
(Rodman & Jordan, 2021). When Costa was 18, he married a 14-year-old
girl. He began to explore bondage and other deviant sexual activities with
his wife. She grew tired of the sexual acts and stopped having sex with him.
Years later, he raped her, but she did not consider it rape since they were
married (Rodman & Jordan, 2021). He was unhappy in his marriage and
began moving around and spending time with different women. These
women began to disappear, and he was questioned about his involvement
because they were last seen with him. Costa denied he murdered the victims
but was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Four years into his
incarceration, Costa committed suicide (Weller, 2014).
Emergent Theme: Escape Feelings of Abandonment
Costa was an infant when his father died. As a child, he became
obsessed with death (Rodman & Jordan, 2021; Weller, 2014). Costa told his
mother that his father visited at night. He became very interested in
taxidermy and would kill animals for further practice. Costa was standoffish,
sat in the back of the bus away from his peers, and preferred to stay alone
(Weller, 2014).
Emergent Theme: Motivation for Possession, Control, and Release
Costa married a young girl who was only 14 (Rodman & Jordan,
2021). Marrying a young teenager made him feel like she was dependent,
and he had control. He was looking for someone who would be submissive
(Weller, 2014). Costa established friendships with others who were much
younger, and he would use his intelligence to influence them. Costa would
get very upset if someone challenged or accused him of being wrong
(Weller, 2014).
Emergent Theme: Create a False Sense of Relationships
Costa did not allow individuals to get emotionally close. No one could
console him if he were upset (Rodman & Jordan, 2021). Costa would
become very angry with people if they mocked or rejected him.
Emergent Theme: Use of Objects and Violent Actions to Gain Satisfaction
Costa started his sadistic sexual practices with his wife. He burned and
bruised her while having sex (Rodman & Jordan, 2021). One time, Costa
wanted her to beat him while he masturbated. During sex with his wife, he
would drug her so that he could have sex with her while she was sleeping
(Rodman & Jordan, 2021). He tried other methods, such as tying her up or
suffocating her with a plastic bag. Costa’s sadistic practices were later
inflicted on his victims. Autopsy reports indicated his victims’ bodies had
cigarette burns. Costa admitted to being fascinated with dismembering his
victim’s bodies (Rodman & Jordan, 2021). He cut out the sexual organs and
removed the nipples (Weller, 2014). Then, Costa sexually assaulted the
victim’s bodies postmortem.
Summary
This study examined the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers. A thematic analysis
assisted to analyze the data gathered for 12 U. S. male serial sexual
offenders. The phenomenon within the three research questions provided the
first three initial codes. Additionally, 13 more codes were identified from the
passages within the secondary sources. Categories were created by breaking
similar codes into groups. The thematic analysis resulted in four final
themes.
The first research question examined the role of child sexual fantasies
involving serial sexual murderers. The initial code created for this question
was childhood sexual fantasies. The secondary sources provided additional
codes which were linked together to create categories. The categories
included childhood abuse and authoritarian parenting. escape feelings of
abandonment was the theme created and connected to the first research
question.
The second research question examined the role of adult sexual
fantasies involving serial sexual murderers. The initial code created for this
question was adult sexual fantasies. The secondary sources provided
additional passages to identify codes. Categories that derived from the codes
included the ability to get revenge, relive the sexual murder, release inner
rage, and feel a sense of relief. The theme created from the thematic analysis
was motivation for possession, control, and release.
The final research question explored the criminal paraphilia involving
serial sexual murderers. The initial code created for this question was
criminal paraphilia. According to the passages within the secondary sources,
the case participants indicated they would find sexual pleasure using
behaviors that included inflicting pain, sex with corpses, and sexual arousal
from specific objects such as feet or shoes. In addition, the case participants
had experienced rejection from their peers and would struggle to develop
healthy relationships with women. Two themes were created from the
thematic analysis, which included creating a false sense of a relationship and
using objects and violent behaviors to gain sexual satisfaction.
Chapter five reviews the outcomes of this study, the nature of the
study, and the purpose as to why this study was conducted. In addition, the
findings are summarized regarding the roles of childhood and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers. The
limitations and implications of this study will be reviewed in more detail.
Recommendations for future research and how this study may impact social
change will be discussed.
Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Researchers have recognized how childhood traumatic events shape beliefs,
cognitive processes, and behaviors throughout a person’s lifespan.
Maladaptive coping mechanisms help soothe negative feelings and lead to
sexual fantasies and paraphilia. As the urgency for sexual fantasies and
paraphilia increases, the person begins to contemplate how to bring them
into reality. Previous research indicated factors that impact offenders
becoming sexually violent and characteristics that determine differences
between sexual offending, sexual murders, and serial sexual murderers. The
current study was intended to fill a gap in the literature regarding the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia in serial sexual
murders.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of child
and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers. An exploratory multiple case study method was selected to
explore the perspectives of the serial sexual murderers, victims, families, and
law enforcement. I selected 12 U.S. male case participants based on the FBI
definition of serial murders and sexual murders. Each participant described
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia. The following
research questions were used to explore the role of child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers.
RQ1: What is the role of childhood sexual fantasies involving serial
sexual murderers?
RQ2: What is the role of adult sexual fantasies involving serial sexual
murderers?
RQ3: What is the role of criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers?
I collected data from multiple secondary sources including peer-
reviewed journals, videos, and biographical books. To explore the role of
child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia, I reviewed, coded,
categorized, and analyzed the data. An Excel worksheet allowed me to
organize the information gathered through videos and biographical books for
each case participant. The data were reviewed a minimum of two times to
ensure the accuracy of the translated information. The Excel worksheets and
peer-reviewed journal articles were uploaded to NVivo 12 to perform the
thematic analysis.
The initial codes for this study consisted of child and adult sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. The theoretical foundations helped me
identify the secondary concepts of trauma and social relationships. I
discovered an additional 13 codes through the review of the secondary
sources. These codes reflected passages from the case participants about
trauma, abuse, relationships, and rejection. Additionally, secondary sources
described each case participant’s emotions and reactions from feeling
rejected and abandoned. Finally, passages from these sources described
behaviors that provided the case participant a sense of relief from their
negative feelings. As a result of the thematic analysis, four main themes
were identified.
Interpretation of Findings
This section includes a discussion of the four themes identified from
the thematic analysis. The findings are connected to previous literature to
identify the relevance of the present study. Secondary sources provided data
related to each case participant. Thematic analysis allowed me to analyze
different perspectives from each case participant regarding their child and
adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia. I identified themes linked to
the three research questions.
Research Question 1
What is the role of childhood sexual fantasies involving serial sexual
murderers? The theme that emerged from the thematic analysis reflecting the
perspective of the case participants in this study was escape feelings of
abandonment. Experiencing trauma during childhood or adolescence may
create feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, fear, anger, anxiety, and
helplessness (Healey et al., 2016). In addition, interpersonal trauma can
affect the development of affect regulation and shape a person’s ability to
cope with overwhelming emotional reactions (Bigras et al., 2017). As a
result, the child will develop maladaptive coping mechanisms such as sexual
fantasies, isolation, chronic masturbation, and violence to feel power and
control (Hickey, 2016).
Previous research suggested that life stressors for sexual murderers
included low attachment, abuse, and parental aggression (Kang et al., 2016).
Karakasi et al. (2017) reported that serial sexual murderers were raised in
more troubled households and had more challenging experiences. The 12
case participants in the current study described traumatic events related to
their parents and peers while growing up and developed maladaptive coping
mechanisms including isolation, sexual fantasies, deviant sexual fantasies,
and paraphilia. These coping mechanisms helped case participants avoid
feeling abandoned by a parental figure, peers, or both.
According to Reid et al. (2019), rejection pushes a child to find ways
to escape their reality. Isolation and solitary activities helped the case
participants create a sense of safety. Suff and Jesperson created their own
world to control who could enter and how others viewed them. Reid et al.
found that 71% of serial sexual murderers in their study were loners and
rejected by peers during adolescence. To soothe the feeling of loneliness, the
murderers engaged in solitary activities. Kemper and Russell retreated into
their imagination to feel safe and secure. Kemper reported that he was a
daydreamer and would imagine having two parents who loved each other
(Edmund Kemper Stories, 2020). Russell would imagine his family were
officers within the police department rather than his real family (Olsen,
2018). Hansen described how hunting became an essential part of his
childhood because he could be alone and not be bothered by his family or
peers.
Another means of escape used by the case participants was through
sexual fantasies. Sexual fantasies offered a sense of power, control, and self-
soothing qualities that encouraged future fantasizing. Reid et al. (2019)
determined that serial sexual murderers reported violent thoughts and
fantasies on a person who appeared to be a parental figure. Adolescents will
retreat into the fantasy to gain feelings of power to negate feelings of
powerlessness.
Reid et al. (2019) identified that 27% of their research sample began
to experience violent fantasies prior to age 18. Nine of the 12 case
participants in the current study reported deviant sexual fantasies during
childhood. Kemper stated that he fantasized about violently hurting others
before age 10 (Burke, 2021). Berdella fantasized about capturing and
torturing victims (Becker, 2021). Other participants reported that their
deviant sexual fantasies were about revenge and hurting others.
Paraphilia is a maladaptive coping mechanism used to alleviate the
pain experienced from a traumatic event. These behaviors occur as intense
sexual arousal triggered by an atypical object or situation (Carsten &
Stevens, 2016; Hickey, 2016) and are reinforced through masturbation. For
example, Rogers and Brudos admitted to developing a foot or shoe fetish
during their childhood. Cottingham had a fetish for largebreasted women
(Evans, 2014). All of the case participants escalated to criminal paraphilia
during adulthood.
Current findings indicated the different maladaptive coping
mechanisms the case participants used during their childhoods to cope with
the pain of the traumatic experiences. The coping mechanisms included
imagination, sexual fantasies, deviant sexual fantasies, isolation, and
paraphilia. Abandonment appeared to be a concern among the case
participants who were left to survive independently and failed to learn how
to connect with others or feel a sense of empathy. Instead, they created
techniques that would protect themselves. I concluded that they would use
these maladaptive coping mechanisms to escape the feeling of abandonment
because it was too overwhelming and painful.
Research Question 2
What is the role of adult sexual fantasies in serial sexual murders? The
theme that emerged from the thematic analysis reflecting the perspective of
the case participants in this study was motivation for possession, control, and
release. An individual may develop a narcissistic personality because they
are self-promoting to the point that they are very grandiose, entitled, and ego
driven (Pajevic et al., 2018). Those who develop narcissism are unable to
develop emotions and empathy. A narcissist will respond to rejection or
criticism as a personal attack and react irrationally, leading to violence.
Petreca et al. (2021) found that sex offenders’ fantasies, sexual desires, and
sadism influenced the use of cannibalism. Stone and Brucato (2019)
indicated that an offender reverts to cannibalism because personality-based
characteristics make a victim a part of them forever. I determined from the
analysis that four case participants wanted to possess their victims. Kemper
went so far as to eat part of the victim’s body to feel he fully possessed them
(Burke, 2021). Kemper would save pieces of the bodies while dismembering
the victims. Other case participants verbalized that a woman was not
anything more than an object. Objects are something that can be possessed
or owned. Ridgeway thought of his victims’ corpses as his sexual property
(Reichert, 2004).
Sexualized behaviors are a means by which the offender seeks a sense
of power and control if they feel disempowered (Levenson & Grady, 2016).
Adult sexual fantasies provided the case participants the ability to gain
control. Sexual fantasies revolved around controlling a victim through
torture. While controlling the victim, the serial sexual murderer believed
they were getting revenge through the pain inflicted on their victims. The
victims were symbolic and related to the case participant’s mother,
profession, or other victim attributes that had a special meaning to the
offender (Keppel & Walter, 1999). Six of the 12 case participants became
obsessed with prostitutes because they knew they were vulnerable
individuals who could be controlled and would accept them.
Violence decreases negative feelings and increases a sense of power
created through sexual fantasies (Levenson & Grady, 2016). Positive
emotions emerge from the violence and become a motivating factor in
committing criminal sexual acts. For example, serial sexual murderers create
deviant fantasies of torturing and humiliating their victims. These deviant
fantasies produce positive emotions to act out the violence and cope with
negative feelings by gaining control and power. Sadistic fantasies are the
gateway to feeling power and sexual gratification (Murray, 2017). Jesperson,
Suff, Cottingham, and Rifkin described the feeling of control over their
victims as God-like. Berdella and Suff had deviant sexual fantasies of
creating sex slaves and keeping them for their sexual pleasure.
Paraphilia, deviant sexual fantasies, and murder helped restore or ease
the psychological discomfort of the case participants during childhood (Reid
et al., 2019). Their childhood sexual fantasies progressed through
adolescence and adulthood. They became more robust, deviant, and provided
a feeling of control. A serial sexual murderer begins to feel entitled and
powerful because they control whether the victims live or die. Holding a
person’s fate in their hands makes them God-like. Once serial sexual
murderers complete their rituals and murders, they feel soothed and calmed
(Reid et al., 2019). However, the cycle starts again when they experience
high stress and emotional turmoil.
Research Question 3
What is the role of criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual
murderers? The themes that emerged from the thematic analysis reflecting
the perspective of the case participants in this study were create a false sense
of relationships and the use of violent actions and objects to gain sexual
satisfaction. All 12 case participants grew up in unsupportive environments
that created a maladaptive schema that they were unlovable and lacked trust
in others, and found ways to avoid threats and unpleasant feelings (Gunst et
al., 2017). These reactions hindered the serial sexual murderers from
developing intimacy, which created an insecure attachment. Decisions to
avoid intimacy and suppress emotions were attempts to protect themselves
from feeling vulnerable and rejected (Cohen et al., 2017).
According to Levenson and Grady (2016), rejection reinforces a
person’s irrational judgment that they are worthless or not good enough. The
case participants created intimacy through stalking, strangling, torturing, or
visiting the victims’ bodies after death. Rejection triggered many case
participants to become angry and act out violently. They expressed hatred
toward their victims but at the same time wanted to feel intimate and close.
If Cottingham’s victim died prior to the completion of sex, he would defile
their body (Rosewood, 2016b). He saw the victim dying as a rejection.
The case participants struggled to develop relationships because they
could not feel empathy and instead felt entitled (Higgs, Carter, Stefanska et
al., 2017). Sexual or paraphilic behaviors, in the offender’s mind, create a
connection with their victims. They believe their victims consent and want to
participate in a sexual act (Hickey, 2016). Ridgeway expected prostitutes to
act as if they enjoyed having sex with him. Suff commented that he felt the
closest to his victim when he sat by their dead bodies. Kemper killed his
victims to establish a relationship with them (Cheney, 1976). Cottingham
believed women had the same sexual fantasies as men. Jesperson and Suff
expected their victims to prove their love for them and tell them they loved
them. Kemper, Rifkin, and Berdella saw strangulation and torture as a means
of intimacy. Costa and Russell provided little information regarding
relationships and rejection. Russell reported deep hatred for women. He used
his victims to get revenge on his mother. Sources described Costa as being
emotionally distant and did not allow anyone to become close to
him.However, if he felt rejected, Costa would become very angry.
All 12 case participants struggled to engage in relationships. As a
result of traumatic events, the case participants developed an insecure
attachment during childhood that progressed to an avoidant attachment in
adulthood. The case participants wanted to have relationships but would find
ways to keep people at a distance to avoid rejection. Instead, the case
participants used their victims to create romantic relationships. Many of
them described how they became attached after the victim died. They would
choose victims such as prostitutes whom they would pay and would not
reject them. In their mind, they had a relationship with their victims even
when the victim wanted nothing to do with them.
Paraphilia can start during childhood to cope with distressing and
traumatic situations such as child abuse and can intensify into adulthood. For
example, Brudos developed a fetish for shoes by the age of 5 because he
received mixed messages from his mother. Rogers developed a foot fetish,
and Cottingham was obsessed with women who had large breasts. These
fetishes progressed to criminal paraphilia in adulthood.
Two common motivations for sexual homicide are sadism and anger.
Offenders motivated to commit sexual homicide became connected to sexual
gratification gained through sadistic behaviors (Higgs, Carter, Stefanska et
al., 2017). Sexual sadists fantasize about how they will commit their act of
violence, such as by torturing or using whatever sexual practices are most
sexually gratifying. To make their fantasies a reality, the offender will
kidnap, confine, humiliate, and torture their victims (Stefanska et al., 2015).
Hunting victims sexually aroused Hansen, Rifkin, and Ridgeway.
Sexual fantasies may be the driving force behind achieving euphoria
through sadistic behaviors (Chan et al., 2017). The sadistic fantasy provides
psychological gratification. However, when that ends, the individual may
attempt to act out their fantasy (Chan & Beauregard, 2016). For example,
Berdella, Brudos, and Suff fantasized about having sex slaves whom they
attempted to capture as an adult.
All 12 case participants committed sadistic acts on their victims. They
thought of their victims as objects for sexual pleasure rather than humans.
Victims were symbolic, and violence was related to seeking revenge on
those who rejected them. Berdella’s sexual excitement increased the more
creative the torture. Jesperson and Hansen wanted their victims to fight back
and ask for mercy, which intensified their sexual gratification.
Five of the 12 case participants acknowledged they sexually violated
their victim’s corpse. Necrophilia was a means for the serial sexual murderer
to feel intimacy without the fear of being rejected. Brudos was able to act
out his sexual fantasies on his dead victims. After Ridgway began murdering
his victims, he found that murder was no longer sexually satisfying
(Reichert, 2004). Nor could he have a sexual release with a live person.
Ridgway could only have sex with a warm corpse (Poyntz, 2021). Autopsy
reports found Russell raped his victims after death. There was evidence
Russell rammed different objects into the orifices of his victims (Olsen,
2018).
Deviant sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia allowed the case
participants to avenge those who rejected and abandoned them. All 12 case
participants were sadistic and would become even more brutal if they felt
rejected. Berdella was particularly interested in creating a sex slave which he
had fantasized about since childhood. The slave was for his pleasure only.
Brudos would keep the victims’ feet to later place shoes on them to
masturbate. Rogers would bite women’s feet to the point they bled. Sadism
provided the case participant to feel as though they were in control and got
redemption towards those who had hurt them. Sex with corpses reinforced
another means of avoiding rejection but feeling the connection for which,
they strived.
Limitations of the Study
Qualitative research is not consistently recognized as a legitimate
study strategy because of limited protocols (Yazan, 2015). A limitation of
the current study resulted from the limited number of case participants. The
study results cannot be generalized to all serial sexual murderers because
this study used 12 male serial sexual murderers who resided within the
United States I excluded female serial sexual murderers, those who resided
outside of the United States and offenders who murdered children. There are
limited documented cases of women who committed serial sexual murderers.
This study focused on sadism and necrophilia and not pedophilia. Victims
were limited to ages 15 and older because 15 is closer to adulthood.
Case participants were selected based on the availability of
information gathered through secondary sources, which provided
descriptions of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia. This
study collected data from biographical books, documentaries and peer-
reviewed literature provided by the offenders, victims, family members, and
law enforcement personnel. Despite taking every precaution possible to
minimize the collection of wrongful information, it is crucial to keep in mind
that a study focusing on the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers depends on
perspectives and willingness to discuss their experiences within the
secondary sources honestly. I attempted to cross-reference the information
within the secondary sources. However, there is not a way to prove
everything that is written from the perspective of those involved is fully
truthful.
I was the only researcher to collect, code, and analyze the data from
secondary sources. As a result, rater bias may have been presented during
the coding process, particularly when categorizing motives and styles of
cases. Data regarding each case participant was reviewed and coded multiple
times to address and minimize rater bias concerns.
Recommendations
There are several recommendations based on the results of this study.
The first recommendation is to expand participants to include serial sexual
murderers outside the United States to identify similar themes. This study
explored serial sexual murderers whose victims were ages 15 or older. After
selecting the final 12 case participants, I identified many more serial sexual
murderers who murdered children under 15 and resided outside of the
United State.
All 12 case participants developed criminal paraphilia which included
sadism and necrophilia. Sadism was used by each of the case participants
and seven of the 12 admitted to necrophilia. A second recommendation is to
further explore cannibalism and dismemberment involving serial sexual
murderers. Choplin and Beauregard (2021) conducted a study which found
dismembering a body was a sexual deviance. As stated above, Kemper
found this to be a way to feel he could fully possess his victim. However,
research by Petreca et al. (2021) referred to cannibalism as sadistic.
Therefore, further studies about cannibalism and dismemberment could lead
to a deeper understanding of the role these factors have on serial sexual
murderers.
The final recommendation is to study generational trauma. Eleven out
of the 12 case participants were raised by parents who were verbally or
physically abusive. They were also emotionally distant which indicated an
insecure attachment. As reviewed above for the offenders, insecure
attachments develop because of trauma. Understanding how generational
trauma can provide more insight and possibly identification as to those who
could progress to becoming serial sexual murderers.
Implications
This research was unique because it was designed to explore the role
of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia involving serial
sexual murderers. Serial murderers who have experienced childhood abuse
may develop paraphilia, leading to criminal sexual violence (Drury et al.,
2017). Childhood fantasies are an escape to allow the child to feel secure and
in control. As the child moves towards adolescence and adulthood, the
fantasies become stronger and more deviant. Increasing the knowledge of
behaviors developed through child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal
paraphilia can help create preventative measures to reduce the future risk of
harm. Early identification can interfere with the progression of sexual
fantasies and criminal paraphilia. Murray (2017) reported sexual fantasies
develop within childhood, which can be identify earlier if adults involved
with the children understood maladaptive coping mechanisms.
This study provided insight into the traumatic experiences of the 12
case participants and how they attempted to escape the pain. Law
enforcement has the potential to intervene at different stages of a child’s life
because they are in contact with families as it relates to reported abuse and
criminal cases. The officers can refer the child and family to services. In
addition, police can notify schools that provide staff with additional
important information about the living environment, which can impact the
child’s ability to learn.
This study may help law enforcement identify other critical behaviors
and patterns of maladaptive coping mechanisms of serial sexual murderers.
Morono et al. (2020) emphasized the importance of understanding the life
histories and personalities to create an offender profile and provide law
enforcement with a possible reason for the modus operandi. This study
found that learning more about how the victims are symbolic is essential.
The 12 case participants used their victims as a means of revenge and were
selected to avoid rejection. This study showed that the case participants
started with deviant sexual fantasies as a child. These deviant fantasies along
paraphilia escalated through adolescence and adulthood. Sadism was a
means of revenge and necrophilia helped them to avoid rejection while
experiencing intimacy.
This study may help law enforcement develop a deeper understanding
of paraphilia and sexual fantasies used by serial sexual murderers. Law
enforcement examines the victims closely to understand more about the
offender. They have an ability to create a better profile and possible
motivation for the crime by understanding the type of paraphilia used by the
offender. The results of the study indicated that the wounds on the victims
were related to the paraphilia of each serial sexual murderer. For instance,
Jerry Brudos cut off women’s feet to place a stiletto heal on later to
masturbate. Richard Cottingham had a fetish with large breasts, and he left
bite marks on his victims’ breasts. George Russell Jr., brutally beat his
victims and violated the dead bodies. He was seeking revenge towards his
mother and stepmother while killing his victims. Providing law
enforcement with the details of the offenders’ sexual fantasies can help to
gain a deeper understanding of their behavior such as seeking revenge,
selecting symbolic victims, and avoiding rejection.
Conclusions
This study explored the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia involving serial sexual murderers. Four themes were
created from the thematic analysis which include escape feelings of
abandonment, motivation for possession, control, and release, create a false
sense of relationships, and the use of violent actions and objects to gain
sexual satisfaction. This study revealed that the case participants used
maladaptive coping mechanisms, which included sexual fantasies and
criminal paraphilia, to cope with traumatic childhood experiences. They also
provided a sense of control and safety. The participants retreated and created
a world over which they had control, felt satisfaction, and avoided feelings
of abandonment.
This study revealed that the case participants had an upside-down
view of intimacy. The serial sexual murderer strived for intimacy but could
not obtain it because they did not have empathy. Instead, they were
narcissistic, believing they were entitled to sexual acts and inflicting pain.
The case participants used deviant sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia to
create intimacy because they learned these behaviors satisfy their needs.
Serial sexual murderers avoided rejection by creating a false sense of their
relationships with their victims. They avoided the possibility of rejection by
creating a sense of intimacy after the victim died. The case participants felt
as though they could do or act any way without being told no after the victim
was dead.
Finally, serial sexual murderers struggled to feel they had control
within their lives. To regain a sense of control, they fantasized about getting
revenge on those who hurt them. Once the sexual fantasy no longer
produced a soothing feeling, they actted out the fantasy. Criminal paraphilia
such as sadism provided the serial sexual murderer an ability to control their
victims through pain and torture. If the serial sexual murderer felt rejected,
these behaviors would become even more brutal.
It is important to continue to explore the themes which are connected
to the role of child and adult sexual fantasies and criminal paraphilia
involving serial sexual murderers. This information can provide insight to
possible risk factors that lead a child to become a serial sexual murderer.
Earlier interventions and competent school staff, licensed clinicians, and law
enforcement can help to save people from sexual violence and death.
