Criminal cannibalism: An examination of patterns and styles

• Published in: Aggression and violent behavior 2021-01, Vol.56, p.101531, Article 101531
• Main Authors: Petreca, Victor G., Brucato, Gary, Burgess, Ann W., Dixon, Elisa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cannibalism; Crime; Dismemberment; Forensic psychiatry; Motives; Mutilation; Offenders; Pattern analysis; Perpetrators; Psychosis; Sadism; Serial crime; Serial murders; Victims; Violent behavior
• ISSN: 1359-1789; 1873-6335
• DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2020.101531

Cannibalism is a practice that has been present in numerous cultures. Personal cause or criminal cannibalism is arguably one of the most unfathomable acts which an individual might perpetrate. This study examined the patterns of those who engage in cannibalism in comparison to those who posthumously dismember or mutilate their victims but do not consume their flesh. Cases were extracted from the Serial Killer Database, as well as media sources, and assessed for characteristics of the perpetrators. An informational form was developed and used to establish quantitative parameters and objectively extract pertinent information that could be used for comparison and pattern analysis. Variables including motives, styles, and level of organization during the crime were examined for each case. The majority of the cannibalism cases were consistent with an offensive style (56.7%), while cases in the dismemberment-only group were marked by a defensive style (66.7%). Whereas the majority of dismemberment/mutilation cases have the ultimate goal of disposing of evidence, the dataset demonstrated that cannibal cases are primarily planned, organized and driven by sadism. The findings support two primary patterns among cannibalistic offenders: ‘psychosis-driven, disorganized and aggressive’ and ‘sadism-driven, organized and offensive’.