Female Serial Killing Case Study

Bibliography

Frei, A., Völlm, B., Graf, M., & Dittmann, V. (2006). Female Serial Killing: Review and Case Report. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 16(3), 167-176. doi:10.1002/cbm.615

In this article, the authors review published material that addresses female serial killers. They use the relevant literature and evaluate its usefulness to assess an individual within said category. The article was peer-reviewed and published in an established academic journal.

Frei, Völlm, Graf, and Dittmann provided a detailed description of how they located the literature used in their research, gave a detailed case report of their subject, and analyzed their findings. The information in the article was presented in a clear manner and offered up the logical conclusion that more research into this topic needs to be performed and reported upon. The article is useful to my research purposes as female serial killers are the subject of my paper.

Arrigo, B.A., & Griffin, A.

(2004). Serial murder and the case of Aileen Wournos: attachment theory, psycothapy, and predatory aggression. Behavioural Sciences & The Law, 22(3). 375-393. doi: 10.1002/bsl.583

The authors of this article discuss attachment theory, psychopathy, and predatory aggression and relate them to female serial killers. They also present the unique case study of Aileen Wournos as an example of a convicted female serial killer. Prior to publication, the article was peer-reviewed and is a credible

source.
Arrigo and Griffin clearly describe the concepts which they are presenting and efficiently tie them to Wournos and her homicides. The authors point out that one case is insufficient to identify and profile all female serial killers, but insist case studies in general are a valuable way in which to learn more about the phenomenon. My research is enhanced by this article because of the in-depth view into the mind of a female serial killer.
Beasley II, J.O. (2004). Serial murder in America: case studies of seven offenders. Behavioural Sciences & The Law 22(3). 395-414. doi: 10.002/bsl.595
Beasley selected seven men from a sample of 20 subjects who were a part of a related project regarding serial homicide. The men were chosen based on the availability of their case records as well as the fact that all cases featured elements of sexual behavior. He then compared the circumstances and histories of each and concluded that the sample size was quite small yet indicative of expected results.
Beasley explores the motives and backgrounds of each individual and identifies similarities and differences between them. He also includes his opinion that more research and reporting is needed in this area. This article is important to my research as I can glean motives of serial killers in general, not just in regard to women. Beasley's careful research and report was peer-reviewed and published in a scholarly journal.