Murder Investigations: Locations, Bodies, Scripts, and Arrests

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This thematic panel explores different dimensions of murder investigations. Rossouw, Beauregard, and Chopin examine the connection between offender-victim relationship and the location of a sexual homicide. Their analysis focuses on three phases of the crime process: pre-crime (victim activities and offender approach); crime (weapons and violence); and post-crime (body management). Chai, Rossmo, and Chopin explore factors predicting homicide body disposal location. Delays in the recovery of the victim’s remains hinder forensic analysis and case resolution; however, much still remains unknown about the situational, environmental, and crime characteristics influencing disposal site selection. Using three murder investigations as case studies, Rossmo and Beauregard discuss how crime script analysis can be used to assess the veracity of victim allegations, suspect alibis, and case theories. Phase transition likelihoods can be evaluated to assess crime narrative feasibility. Carroll examines factors affecting homicide clearance, comparing discretionary – within police control – and non-discretionary – outside of police control – variables. Black’s theory of law is used to understand these influences.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 43. Police Strategies, Interventions, and Evaluations

Individual Presentations

• The Stranger You Know: Analyzing Offender Behaviors in Sexual Homicides Based on Crime Location - Zena Rossouw, Texas State University; Eric Beauregard, Simon Fraser University; Julien Chopin, University of Lausanne

• The Final Resting Place: Exploring Factors Predicting Homicide Body Disposal Locations - April Chai, Douglas College; Kim Rossmo, Texas State University; Julien Chopin, University of Lausanne

• Scripting a Murder: Applications of Crime Scripts in Homicide Investigations - Kim Rossmo, Texas State University; Eric Beauregard, Simon Fraser University

• Discretionary and Non-Discretionary Effects on Homicide Arrest Outcomes - Andrew Carroll, Texas State University