Modus Operandi by Mauro Corvasce (universal ebook reader txt) 📕

offender will sometimes kill at the conclusion of his sexual assault, usually by some form of strangulation. He may even kill as part of his sexual gratification. This is done in many ways during his assault upon the victim. The sex offender may cause additional mutilation after the killing—vampirism, cannibalism and physical probes of the victim are not uncommon. Souvenirs are sometimes taken, in-

cluding photographs, videotapes or articles of clothing. Multiple stab wounds and bite marks around the breasts and genitalia are also common.

This type of behavior is the signature aspect of a crime. These criminals will repeat a certain behavior at each crime scene. By acting out their personal fantasies, the killing becomes almost ritualistic as the crimes continue. However, as time goes on, these signatures may expand to more gruesome mutilations postmortem.

When dealing with sadistic or ritualistic criminals, it is important to consider their psychological behavior. The ritualistic or sadistic killer performs to satisfy his mental needs. One of these needs may be to strike fear into the general public, and he wants the world to know that he is the one committing these terrible crimes. To stimulate his own personal fantasies and achieve notoriety, he will incorporate a signature into the killings.

Serial Killers

It is not uncommon for multiple or serial killers to leave a taunting bit of evidence for the police, usually referred to as a calling card. These calling cards are intended to direct police to the suspect or to new victims.

Very violent homicides can be brought on by sexual fantasies manifested by the killer. These fantasies become uncontrollable, causing the suspect to act out his fantasies, slowly at first, but eventually with a growing frenzy. Sexual abuse may occur pre- or postmortem. Serial killers often attack only a particular type of person. His fantasies dictate the victim including hair color and/or length, facial features, body type, age, nationality, or a resemblance to someone from his past.

Sexual assault plays only one part in the modus operandi of serial killers. Some kill because they enjoy the victim's fear and the act of killing. On occasion, serial killers kill the victim in front of family members to gain a sense of domination.

To gain control over victims, a serial killer will use a number of different methods. He may coax a prostitute into his vehicle on the premise of using her services. He may coax a victim into his vehicle by asking directions or offering a ride. He may even ask for assistance in repairing his vehicle or locating a lost animal.

Once inside the vehicle, control is the first objective. This is done through physical force and/or possession of a weapon. When young people are the victims, verbal threats are used. Another method is to say that they won't be harmed but will be used for a particular situation, such as to gain entry into a building.

These types of homicides usually are performed on victims who are social outcasts. The victims are not involved with family members and are likely to not be reported as missing. Secondly, the criminal wrongly believes when they are reported missing, because they are social outcasts, police will not pursue the case as efficiently.

The victim allows himself to become a victim by being in situations and locations where few people will observe an abduction. One example is a prostitute who stands on street corners in undesirable areas and has no problems with getting into a stranger's vehicle.

Some homicide scenes will be left in such a way that it is shocking or disturbing when they are discovered. Other killers will insert spoons or pieces of wood in the victim's genitals. This is done mainly for curiosity's sake and usually points to a younger male with little or no sexual experience. Mutilation of the victim's genitals usually points to a sexual sadist.

The suspects will, during the course of the crime, have the victim perform certain functions in an attempt to hinder detection by destroying evidence. The victim may be made to shower or wash up after sexual acts. The victim may also be made to clean up areas where the suspect feels evidence might be obtained.

When suspects know the victim prior to killing them, it is not uncommon for the suspect to actively assist the police in an attempt to steer them away from the crime. They will even comfort family members and render assistance to them. This behavior is overly cooperative but can be very distracting to the investigators.

Contract Killing

Contract killings are used by gangs — organized or otherwise—to rid themselves of a member who is perceived as disloyal, a screw-up, or a danger to the gang. La Cosa Nostra, the most notorious organized crime gang of the twentieth century, will usually hire an outsider. They often choose Irish mobsters known as The Westies, because they live predominately on the west side of New York City, and who are calculated, cold-blooded killers who will kill at any time and any place. Their weapon of choice and usual killing method is a shot from a small caliber handgun to the head.

Other contract killings are done by outlaw biker gangs called the 1 percenters. The 1 percenters were given this name in a speech by the president of the American Motorcycle Association. In this speech he stated only 1 percent of all motorcyclists in the United States belong to outlaw biker gangs. The 1 percenters biker colors include the club's emblem, gang name, chapter number and/ or chapter location.

Organized crime members like to use the 1 percenters and the Westies because of their vicious nature and their loyalties. They will not divulge to law enforcement the circumstances involved. These contract killings can be as simple as placing an explosive device under the front seat of the target's vehicle. This device is activated when the car is started or by a remote-control device. Other hits could be in the workplace, a sidewalk, a restaurant or any other place where one can easily kill the target.

An assassination could take