Ideas for Further Research

Due to the various differences in defining serial murder and compiling a complete data set it is difficult to establish total serial killer listings. Furthermore the reluctance of the media to identify Race in many of the cases in the news reports adds to the difficulty of establishing the necessary descriptors for clarity. Ideally, a nationwide study could be undertaken by accessing the data in the Violent Apprehension Program (VICAP) and comparing those data with the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) as well as the media reports accessed through Lexis/Nexis to update and verify the total numbers and typologies of serial killers. This would create an important frame of reference and have a value for both investigative and research considerations.

Realistically speaking, serial killers of any race get away with their crimes for longer periods of time because there is no connection between the offender and victim. In most homicides, people kill those with whom they have a relationship. It could be a spouse or friend, an acquaintance. The police concentrate on this probability. In serial sexual homicide cases the killers often target strangers, and many may be prostitutes and/or drug abusers, he said. Prostitutes and drug abusers are easy targets because they have high-risk jobs and they are less likely to be missed by anyone.

This research showed an increase in male Black serial killers, most of whom had a history of rape and/or other sexual assault. These offenders killed to prevent identification.

Investigatively speaking, if you are investigating a series of sex-related homicides in major urban areas and cities with a predominantly Black population you must consider that your serial murder suspect will be Black and not White as most profiles indicate.

The four main criteria used to link murders serial murder are, the physical evidence, offender description, victimology and crime scene behavior. The evaluation of forensic evidence, which may identify the race of the suspect, is paramount in any profile as well as the geographic and the racial make-up of the community where the serial killer is operating.

The research value of this paper is that it represents the most comprehensive compilation of Black sexual serial killers in any current literature. Furthermore, it provides an important frame of reference for the law enforcement community as well as researchers within the criminal justice system to be aware of trends and criminal intelligence so that they can provide effective services.

Data Spreadsheet: Black Sexual Serial Killers