Classification of Dietz for Mass, Serial and Sensational Homicides

 

Mass Murderers

 

Features of mass murderer:

(1) multiple victims (5 or more persons) killed intentionally

(2) 3 or more persons killed by a single offender in a single temporal incident, regardless of distance or location (typically within 24 hours)

(3) usually perpetrator suffers from paranoia

 

Subtypes of mass murderers:

(1) familial annihilator

(2) pseudocommando

(3) set-and-run killer

 

Familial annhiliator:

(1) depressed, paranoid and/or intoxicated

(2) kills all family members present, even pets

(3) may commit suicide or force the police to kill him

 

Pseudocommando:

(1) preoccupied with firearms and martial arts

(2) episodes carefully prepared

(3) may commit suicide or force the police to kill him

 

Set-and-run killer:

(1) in general leave a means of escape

(2) may practice arson, poisoning or bombing

(3) may target one or more specific victims but also may kill bystanders if this may improve the chances for escape

(4) motivated by anger, desire for revenge, ideology or desire to commit fraud

 

Serial Killers

 

Features of serial killers:

(1) multiple victims killed on multiple occasions (5 or more victims on 5 or more occasions), often with periods of time or great distances separating the murders

(2) most victims are strangled, beaten or knived

(3) may be interested in police-related activities and are familiar with police methods

(4) often pursue occupations or hobbies where they have some control over others (ambulance driver, correctional officer, chronic care facilities, etc.)

(5) may have a financial incentive

 

Subtypes of serial killers:

(1) psychopathic sexual sadists

(2) crime spree killers

(3) functionaries of organized criminal operations

(4) custodial poisoners and asphyxiators

(5) supposed psychotics

 

Psychopathic sexual sadist:

(1) usually male

(2) usually has an antisocial personality disorder

(3) enjoys sexual sadism

 

Crime spree killer:

(1) series of crimes motivated by pursuit of excitement, money or valuables

 

Functionaries of organized crime operations:

(1) use murder as an integral part of policy

 

Custodial poisoners and asphyxiators:

(1) caretaker of debilitated, elderly or children

(2) may pursue "mercy" killing

(3) resort to drugs, poisons or asphyxiation to mask the crimes

 

Supposed psychotics:

(1) may be psychotic, but true psychotics find it difficult to evade detection

(2) those who attempt to appear psychotic

 

Sensational Murderers

 

Features of sensational murderers:

(1) commit crimes that appear motivated by the desire to appear in tabloids or the sensational press

(2) may mutilate the victims

(3) may pursue a celebrity figure or politician

(4) if the body is not found, may return to the site of the crime or take other actions to make sure that the body is found