Sexual homicide offenders as repeat and nonrepeat offenders

An empirical study of sexual homicide cases in Mainland China

Bibliographic Data

ID21558154
AuthorsHeng Choon Chan (0000-0001-9486-3277, Department of Social Policy, Sociology, and Criminology School of Social Policy University of Birmingham Birmingham UK, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume42
Issue4
Pages249-264
Publication date2024-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBehavioral Sciences & the Law (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0735-3936 • E-ISSN: 1099-0798
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/bsl.2657
PMID38555587
OpenAlexW4393356974
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited49

The comparative examination of different groups of sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) is currently limited. To expand our understanding of Chinese sexual homicides, this study aimed to distinguish between the modus operandi (MO) characteristics of repeat (i.e., with previous arrest and/or conviction) and nonrepeat (i.e., without previous arrest and/or conviction) offenders. Data were gathered from police arrest records, court documents, and published case reports in mainland China, covering a 31‐year period (1988–2018). A sample of 86 male SHOs (31 repeat and 55 nonrepeat offenders) was identified and the offenders' MO characteristics were examined. Compared with nonrepeat offenders, repeat offenders were significantly more likely to commit sexual murder in outdoor locations, approach their victims initially using a non‐surprise approach, engage in nonvaginal penetration of their victims, use a personal weapon to kill their victims, and move their victims' bodies away from the crime scene. However, repeat offenders were less likely to be arrested immediately after committing the murder. The findings have practical implications for police investigative strategies, such as suspect prioritization

Conviction · Criminology · Homicide · Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Poison control · Political science · Sex offense · Sexual abuse · Suicide prevention · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access