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Abstract
Sexual homicide is a crime that receives much media attention, but one that still has a relatively small research base compared to other crimes. Although the idea of someone deriving sexual gratification from or during the killing of another is an anathema to many, forensic professionals need to understand sexual homicide and the range of circumstances and motivations that lie behind it. This paper explores this complex crime: it illustrates the various definitions and labels used; it suggests that sexual homicide is rare and is committed by individuals who, although having troubled histories, may not differ from other offenders. Then, by examining the various legal and behavioural circumstances in which sexual homicide can occur, this paper illustrates the diversity of sexual homicide and presents it in a more understandable manner. Finally, the paper suggests that knowledge of this diversity is required both for investigative and clinical purposes.
Acknowledgement
The present author is grateful to the editors of this journal, for their useful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.
Notes
1. Although beyond the scope of this paper, readers may be interested to note that under English law an individual is not able to consent to receive an act which will cause them serious bodily harm. The most famous case that decided this was R. v Brown (1994). In this case the House of Lords decided that consent is not a defence to (indecent) assault where the conduct in question causes actual or grievous bodily harm within the meaning of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.