To provide a more detailed account, an in-depth case study approach was taken to analyse the behaviours of Dennis Rader and Lonnie Franklin Jr., two well-known American serial killers, throughout their criminal career and identify patterns in their dormancy periods between murders. Research in this area typically analyses aggregate, large-scale data however, this can often miss the idiosyncratic, specific details that are needed in real-word cases. Analysing the behaviours of serial killers between each homicide may give insight into when or if they will kill again, as well as informing definition criteria of what constitutes a serial killer as opposed to mass or spree killing. Reprinted from the winter edition of FGCU’s Pinnacle magazine, cooling-off periods is an important step towards conceptualising life course events of serial killers, between their murders. Professor Dobbert believes that the database will lead to statistical models that will prove invaluable in developing new ways to understand serial killers and “will also be immensely valuable in assisting law enforcement in delineating suspect groups.” When he testifies as an expert witness in trials, for example, rather than basing recommendations strictly on his extensive experience, he hopes eventually to be able to use data to predict whether a particular person will kill again. “The research and application potential from this database is immeasurable,” says Professor Dobbert. They can search the site by the name of the murderer or victim, or by dozens of criteria such as victim preference, location, method, sexual orientation and whether the person had a history of cruelty to animals (often a precursor). Access to the system is strictly limited to those conducting research from an accredited university or a law enforcement agency.

Elink- Schuurman-Laura’s husband, Brian, who handled the computer coding, they created what’s now known as the Radford/ FGCU Serial Killer Database, a searchable repository that includes information on more than 3,200 serial killers, mass murderers, spree killers and others.Īdditions to the meticulously kept database must include documentation and are reviewed by a committee to ensure accuracy. Elink-Schuurman-Laura and Duane Dobbert, an FGCU forensic studies professor, saw an opportunity for FGCU to broaden access to the database and help it grow.

Radford university serial killer data