CopyCat Crimes
By Taylor Haney Period: 5 Why did I chose this topic?
I’ve seen examples of copycat crimes on movies and television shows. Thought it would be an interesting topic to learn more about and discuss.
What are copycat crimes?
Mostly Murders committed in a way that was already established by a previous murder committed by another person.
Can be inspired from past criminals, T.V. shows, movies, etc. What is their motive behind doing copycat Copycats thrive on attention given to them by the media and crimes? news. What are they They believe their acts will trying to reward the perpetrator. accomplish? Is it caused from any mental illnesses?
Many psychologists say that the acts seem to lie outside rational analysis and are more in the realm of psychological disorders. “The crimes strike the public as being ‘sick’, but these are Depersonalization: calculated acts by a mind that can see the impact of Criminals seek to copycat others as a way to adopt a its actions. I think when these persona that enables them to be better account for people are apprehended we’ll violent actions. find they are antisocial in many ways.” - Dr. Stanton Mimic their inspiration to reduce their inhibitions Samenow (a clinical psychologist) He refuses to call copycat The Copycat Effect: criminals psychotics
They thrive on attention and publicity gained by original crime and the subsequent attention their acts will undoubtedly receive. Notable CopyCat Crimes:
Tylenol Killer
Natural Born Killers
Zodiac Copycat: Eddie Seda
‘Scream’ copycat
Jack the Ripper copycat: Derek Brown
‘The Matrix’ copycats
‘Dexter’ copycat: Mark Andrew Twitchell
School Shooting Copycats Zodiac Copycat: Eddie Seda
Took place 20 years after original Zodiac Killer.
He began attacks in New York City, murdering victims based on their zodiac sign
He started out by sending cryptic letters to the police and media.
A couple months later he started stalking his victims. He then would shot them with a handgun and left similar notes.
Seda only killed 3 people but was attempting to kill 5 more.
Sentenced to 238 years in prison. ‘Scream’ Copycat Thierry Jaradin
24 years old when he targeted his 15 year old neighbor after she refused romantic advances
He left, changed into the ‘Scream’ costume, grabbed 2 large knives, and stabbed the girl 30 times. Leaving one that closely resembled a wound shown in the movie. ‘Dexter’ Copycat: Mark Andrew Twitchell
Inspired by the T.V. show ‘Dexter’ however Twitchell changed the plot line into his own.
He had a facebook account under the name Dexter Morgan and would always talk about how much he related to the character.
He made an ad on an online dating site, posing as a woman to lure men. Key terms: Primary Source: http://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/30/us/experts-theorize- Copycat Killers: about-copycat-syndrome.html
Motive: Short Answer Criminals: Questions:
1. Do you believe that copycat killers have a psychological disorder? Why or Why not? 2. What are a few of the notable copycat crimes?