Homicide with Post-Mortem Dismemberment: The Relationship between Psychiatric Disease of the Killer, Crime Scene Organization, and Corpse Concealment.

• In Event: Homicide in Europe

Abstract

Homicides involving post-mortem corpse dismemberment are uncommon and present unique difficulties for criminologists and investigators. Mental health issues, their associated legal defenses, and persistent stigma usually become the focus in court hearings in these cases. If overlooked during investigations, these factors can markedly sway sentencing outcomes. A deeper scientific understanding of the connections between post-mortem dismemberment, crime scene, and corpse concealment could transform investigative methods and inspire new legal perspectives. It could also provide guidance for jurors during sentencing. This study aims to explore how a killer's mental health, corpse concealment, and crime scene characteristics (based on the FBI's organized/disorganized model) interrelate in cases of post-mortem dismemberment homicides. We conducted an analysis on 11 italian homicide cases using information available in public resources and legal databases. Our goal was to investigate the correlation between killer's mental illness, crime scene organization level, and corpse concealment. Kendall’s tau correlation and linear regression was performed in order to verify any possible association. Our findings suggest that post-mortem dismemberment homicides, when associated with disorganized crime scenes and the absence of corpse concealment, are linked to the mental illness of the perpetrator. These findings can be contextualized within scientific discussion panels, with a recommendation to expand the analysis to include more European data.

Author

• Fabio Delicato, Criminiseriali Association