Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 Factors That Influence Violence and Homicidal Ideation Among Serial Offenders Jared Matthew Rogers Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Jared Rogers has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Christopher Bass, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Kristen Beyer, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Wayne Wallace, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract Factors That Influence Violence and Homicidal Ideation Among Serial Offenders by Jared Rogers MA of Forensic Psychology, [Walden University], 2017 BS of Psychology, [Argosy University], 2016 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University November 2020 Abstract Many studies have been conducted to identify sources of violence in serial killers, including environmental, biological, and mental disposition factors. However, serial killers’ sexual fantasies had not been explored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was to understand how sexual fantasies influence serial killers’ violent behavior. The theoretical framework consisted of ecological systems theory and social learning theory. Data from previously conducted interviews, serial killers’ manifestos, and historical records were used to conduct a comparative analysis of the behaviors, techniques, and identification signatures of serial killers. Data were coded and categorized to identify the relationship between sexual fantasies and violent behavior. Results indicated that serial killers base their signatures and modus operandi on sexual fantasies developed through childhood traumatic experiences. Findings may be used to improve the profiling of suspects and mitigate the threat of serial killers’ violent behavior resulting in positive social change. Factors That Influence Violence and Homicidal Ideation Among Serial Offenders by Jared Rogers MA of Forensic Psychology, [Walden University], 2017 BS of Psychology, [Argosy University], 2016 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Forensic Psychology Walden University November 2020 Dedication I dedicate this work to my sons, Jagger, Bodhisattva, and Lennon, and my daughter, Lyriss Marie, who motivate me to strive for greatness. I will always be that inspiration for you and will continue to be a positive influence for you all. To my mother, Tena, and father, Randy Rogers, who raised me to always believe in myself and maintain the course. To my brother, Christian, for always looking out for me and pushing me to move forward. To my fiancé and best friend, Amanda, who reminds me daily of my potential and believes in me like no other. And to my friend and mentor, Dr. Christopher Bass, who has stuck with me and guided me throughout my doctoral venture. I truly appreciate each one of you and I dedicate this work to you. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................1 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................11 Research Questions ......................................................................................................13 Framework ...................................................................................................................14 Theoretical Orientation ................................................................................................15 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................16 Possible Types and Sources of Data ............................................................................17 Definitions....................................................................................................................17 Significance..................................................................................................................18 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................20 Serial Killers ................................................................................................................23 Sexual Fantasies ...........................................................................................................28 Sexual Violence ...........................................................................................................29 Fritz Haarmann (The Butcher of Hannover) ................................................................30 Albert Henry DeSalvo (The Boston Strangler) ............................................................31 Edmund Emil Kemper III ............................................................................................32 Andrei Chikatilo (The Russian Ripper) .......................................................................33 i John Edward Robinson (The Slave Master) ................................................................36 Charles Albright (The Eyeball Serial Killer) ...............................................................36 Wesley Allan Dodd (Sadistic Child Killer) .................................................................37 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................39 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................39 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................40 Methodology ................................................................................................................40 Participant Selection Logic ..........................................................................................41 Data Analysis Strategy .................................................................................................42 Instrumentation ............................................................................................................42 Data Collection ............................................................................................................43 Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................44 Ethical Procedures .......................................................................................................44 Summary ......................................................................................................................44 Chapter 4: Findings ............................................................................................................46 Profiling Sexual Fantasies............................................................................................48 Lived Experiences ........................................................................................................52 Signatures and Modus Operandi ..................................................................................62 Summary ......................................................................................................................71 Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ............................................73 Limitations of the Study...............................................................................................75 Recommendations ........................................................................................................77 ii Developed Feelings of Serial Killers Based on Attributes ..........................................78 The Middle Mind (Desires) .........................................................................................79 Implications..................................................................................................................80 References ..........................................................................................................................81 Appendix: Coding Protocol ...............................................................................................88