Homicides with Mutilation of the Victim’s Body
Abstract: In the 10-year sample, there were 13 cases of homicide with mutilation of the victim’s body (2.2 percent); all involved 1 victim. Eight of the 13 cases (61.5 percent) were classified as "defensive" mutilation, i.e., the offender was attempting to eliminate evidence of the offender's identity. Two of the mutilations were offensive, i.e., the offender inflicted the mutilation in the course of the attack. Three cases (23 percent) were classified as psychotic mutilation due to the offenders being diagnosed with schizophrenia and delusions at the time of the killing and mutilation. None of the victims were strangers to the offenders, and nearly half were partners or family members. Compared to homicides without victim mutilation, homicides with mutilation were more likely to involve multiple offenders, movement of the victim from the homicide scene, sexual behavior toward the victim, and the use of a sharp instrument. At the time ...