The Buller-Mcginnis Model
Volume 3, Issue 1, 2009
The Buller-McGinnis Model of Serial Homicidal Behavior: An Integrated Approach
Georgie Ann Weatherby, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Gonzaga University, weatherb@gonzaga.edu
Danielle M. Buller,Gonzaga University Criminal Justice/Biology Graduate, dmbuller4@gmail.com
Katelyn McGinnis, Gonzaga University Criminal Justice Graduate, kmcginni@gonzaga.edu
Abstract
The seemingly random and motiveless natures of serial homicides make identifying and capturing serial killers nearly impossible. Theories of violent behavior and models exploring the etiology of serial murderers fail to provide an accurate method of predicting serial homicidal tendencies. The present paper seeks to construct …show more content…
The authors will propose the
Buller-McGinnis Model of Serial Homicide to evaluate and document patterns between the killers.
Literature Review
Definition of Serial Homicide
Serial homicide lacks a standard definition; consequently, the numbers of definitions for the phenomenon are vast and they vary in degree of specificity. In fact, the statistical frequency of serial killings fluctuates dramatically at times depending on which definition of serial homicide is employed (Ferguson, White, Cherry, Lorenz & Bhimani, 2003). A challenge is presented when constructing a definition of serial murder that addresses the complexities of serial
homicide and the ambiguousness of murderer motivations, while remaining broad enough to incorporate all serial homicidal cases. Unfortunately, the definitions oftentimes become too broad, thereby incorporating cases not typically considered as serial homicide.
Hickey (1997) introduced a broadened definition of serial homicide, incorporating “all offenders who through premeditation killed three or more victims over a period of days, weeks, months or years…” (Hickey, 1997: …show more content…
Unfortunately, emotions and memories connected with the event inevitably surface later in life causing the individual to relive the traumatization. Facilitators, such as pornography, alcohol, or drugs, may or may not be causal factors in the serial homicide process, but Hickey (2002) stresses that such a claim is not conclusively supported by empirical data. Research, however, does suggest facilitators influence the individual’s behavior. Alcohol, for example, decreases inhibitions, thereby potentially influencing an individual’s actions. In addition, serial killers, such as Ted Bundy, claim that pornography molded them into the murderers they became.
Fantasy plays a pivotal role in Hickey’s trauma-control model. The individual becomes consumed by a violent fantasy and desires to act it out (Hickey, 2002). Often, these fantasies involve the torture, degradation and control of the victim. According to Hickey:
It is during the sexual assault, torture, and degradation that fantasies of the original childhood trauma may manifest themselves in acts of violence… During the time elapsed between the traumatic event(s) and the homicides,
The Buller-McGinnis Model of Serial Homicidal Behavior: An Integrated Approach
Georgie Ann Weatherby, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Gonzaga University, weatherb@gonzaga.edu
Danielle M. Buller,Gonzaga University Criminal Justice/Biology Graduate, dmbuller4@gmail.com
Katelyn McGinnis, Gonzaga University Criminal Justice Graduate, kmcginni@gonzaga.edu
Abstract
The seemingly random and motiveless natures of serial homicides make identifying and capturing serial killers nearly impossible. Theories of violent behavior and models exploring the etiology of serial murderers fail to provide an accurate method of predicting serial homicidal tendencies. The present paper seeks to construct …show more content…
The authors will propose the
Buller-McGinnis Model of Serial Homicide to evaluate and document patterns between the killers.
Literature Review
Definition of Serial Homicide
Serial homicide lacks a standard definition; consequently, the numbers of definitions for the phenomenon are vast and they vary in degree of specificity. In fact, the statistical frequency of serial killings fluctuates dramatically at times depending on which definition of serial homicide is employed (Ferguson, White, Cherry, Lorenz & Bhimani, 2003). A challenge is presented when constructing a definition of serial murder that addresses the complexities of serial
homicide and the ambiguousness of murderer motivations, while remaining broad enough to incorporate all serial homicidal cases. Unfortunately, the definitions oftentimes become too broad, thereby incorporating cases not typically considered as serial homicide.
Hickey (1997) introduced a broadened definition of serial homicide, incorporating “all offenders who through premeditation killed three or more victims over a period of days, weeks, months or years…” (Hickey, 1997: …show more content…
Unfortunately, emotions and memories connected with the event inevitably surface later in life causing the individual to relive the traumatization. Facilitators, such as pornography, alcohol, or drugs, may or may not be causal factors in the serial homicide process, but Hickey (2002) stresses that such a claim is not conclusively supported by empirical data. Research, however, does suggest facilitators influence the individual’s behavior. Alcohol, for example, decreases inhibitions, thereby potentially influencing an individual’s actions. In addition, serial killers, such as Ted Bundy, claim that pornography molded them into the murderers they became.
Fantasy plays a pivotal role in Hickey’s trauma-control model. The individual becomes consumed by a violent fantasy and desires to act it out (Hickey, 2002). Often, these fantasies involve the torture, degradation and control of the victim. According to Hickey:
It is during the sexual assault, torture, and degradation that fantasies of the original childhood trauma may manifest themselves in acts of violence… During the time elapsed between the traumatic event(s) and the homicides,