GEOGRAPHIC PROFILING AND SATANIC CRIMES
What comes to your mind when you think of satanic and cult-related murders? If you ever watched The Exorcist, that movie certainly can leave an unsettling memory. In the movie, Satan took over the body of a young girl. So, what is Satanism? According to the Satanic Bible, Satan is the son of the devil. You might be asking yourself why we are discussing Satan in a class about criminal profiling. How does this fit in with our other topics? Sadly, as a profiler, it is important to have an understanding about human sacrifice, which is often connected not only to Satanism, but other cult-related murders.
There are two types of human sacrifice: blood sacrifice and burning sacrifice. Blood sacrifice is often used in Satanic ceremonies, whereas burning sacrifice is a revenge killing. Although there are not many sacrifices that occur, there are specific clues to help a profiler to determine if that is the case. There are devices that are often used—vestments, symbols, such as 666, and other paraphilia—that might be inadvertently overlooked by a profiler. Depending upon the type of cult, there will be varying evidence. Colors are very important to each individual cult, the formulation of the alter, blood splatters and the specificity of organs that might be removed from the body. The various organs hold different meanings to occults, thus connecting that information is key.
The other important factor to consider in any profiling case is the element of geography. The reason this is important, is based on the fact that every offender must have access to victims in order to victimize them. Travel, makes this possible. As examined earlier, some offenders prefer to stay close to home, whereas others seek to confuse law enforcement and divert attention, thus they may travel thousands of miles to commit a crime. Another factor in geography is that in homicides specifically, the body must be disposed of; therefore, traveling (typically to a remote location) is done. As a criminal profiler, looking at the victims may assist in putting together a geographic profile. This may help tie together information, such as where the victims made contact with the offender. Did they all go jogging at a local park? Did they all go to a bar or different bars in a specific neighborhood? What major highways cross at a specific point? These are all pieces of the puzzle necessary to put together a comprehensive report.
As you begin your weekly reading, pay attention to the nature and considerations section in your text, pertaining to geographic profiling. Specifically, consider what information is provided, such as land use, or neighborhood demographics. This is important, because valuable insight can be gained by details, leading to a more solid geographic analysis. Understanding geographical information is important in any profiling case, including crimes that involve cults and are satanic related. These crime scene elements are often unusual, such as a circle of salt, or specific placement of candles, but necessary in putting together a thorough profile.
Note: Working in a law enforcement venue means often means working on a multidisciplinary approach. Some of the most important work that is done (specifically in sexual assault cases) is corroborating the information. By the time the case is assigned and the victim has made a complaint, it can be days, weeks, months or years later. But that does not mean that the assailant cannot be found. Finding this individual will require diligent detective work.
Be sure to review this week’s resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.
