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Homicide Crime Scene Behaviors in a Finnish Sample of Mentally Ill Offenders

National Bureau of Investigation and University of Helsinki

Taina Laajasalo

University of Helsinki

This study examines whether crime scene behaviors in Finnish homicides are associated with differences in offenders' mental status. Homicide crime scene behaviors were analyzed among five groups of offenders: those with schizophrenia, those with personality disorder, drug addicts, alcoholics, and offenders without a diagnosis (N= 182). The results showed that crime scene behaviors, victim gender, and victim-offender relationship differed between the mentioned groups. In particular, schizophrenic offenders and drug addicts had some unique features in their crime scene behaviors and choice of victims. Schizophrenic offenders were more likely to kill a blood relative, to use a sharp weapon, and to injure the victim's face. Drug addicts more frequently stole from the victim and tried to cover up the body. Results are discussed in terms of their utility to criminal investigation.

Key Words: homicide • mental disorder • crime scene behavior • offender profiling

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