How to get away with murder? Cold cases in sexual homicide

• In Event: Types of homicides: A global perspective

Abstract

Cold cases are characterized as criminal investigations that have been thoroughly investigated without a resolution, remaining open due to insufficient evidence to support prosecution. These investigations can linger indefinitely without resolution, with the potential to be archived and possibly neglected. The phenomenon of cold cases raises pressing concerns about the ability of offenders to elude capture and calls into question the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing serious crimes. Although the issue of cold cases is not new, only a few studies have looked at sexual homicide specifically – a type of homicide particularly challenging to investigate. This study examines sexual homicide cases, considering how some remain unsolved and transition into cold cases using a non-discretionary perspective. Using data from the Sexual Homicide International Database, the research delves into the dynamics between offender actions, victim profiles, and the circumstances surrounding the crime. Using a combination of sequential logistic regression and Artificial Neural Networks, the study pinpoints primary predictors that influence whether a case is solved. The findings highlight the profound impact of factors such as victim intoxication, engagement in high-risk activities, and the discovery site of the victim's body on the likelihood of solving a case. Additionally, insights into the importance of offender forensic awareness and the nature of crime scenes reinforce their contribution to the complexity of sexual homicide case resolutions. This study thus accentuates the intricate web of elements encompassing victim attributes, offender behaviors, and crime context, underscoring their collective significance in the resolution of these serious cases.

Authors

• Eric Beauregard, Simon Fraser University

• Julien Chopin, Simon Fraser University, University of Montreal