Sexual Murder - Justicia Forense

• The location of the homicide was close to home base. In the Biblicalpremodern society, people spent time in open spaces, or “in the field,”as opposed to contemporary places of congregation, such as homesor taverns.• There was a conversation prior to the murder, perhaps an argument.The Bible reports that “Cain talked with Abel,” but it does not sayexactly what they spoke about. An angry dispute, however, seemslikely given Cain’s apparent jealousy and discontent.• The offender lied when confronted with the offense. The Lord askedCain where Abel was, and he responded “I know not.”• The question of the victim’s role in the homicide is raised (Wolfgang,1969). Did Abel play any part in bringing about his death or was hejust a totally passive victim of circumstances?Each professional submits a report. The clinical psychologist begins witha description of the homicide as recounted by Cain. It seems that Cain wasunable to recall a lot of details. He did, however, manage to give severalversions of what occurred, all at variance from a statement he gave to thepolice when arrested — a statement which he now claims was forced. Cainfirst told the clinical psychologist that he was provoked; next, that Abel’sdeath was an accident; and finally that he was protecting himself from Abel,who actually threatened him. The forensic psychologist has not yet interviewedCain, so he writes an initial report detailing the eight points he learnedfrom the study of the homicide itself.The following month another person is found dead, a victim of anapparent murder. The same detective calls on the clinical and forensic psychologistsfor assistance in solving the crime. All three professionals nowhave had some experience in homicide. The clinical psychologist, relying onhis evaluation of Cain, says to the detective, “Look for an individual with aborderline personality, low self-esteem, and an impulse control disorder.”The forensic psychologist, relying on what he learned from his study of thehomicide itself, tells the detective that he should look for a family memberor someone who had a close relationship with the victim. He predicts thatthe murder was probably sudden, perhaps triggered by jealousy or anger; theoffender and the victim may have had an argument just before the murder.It is likely that the killing was the result of a direct assault and took placeclose to where victim and offender typically congregate. He continues thatthe offender may not be truthful once he realizes he is a suspect. The forensicpsychologist is not yet certain what role, if any, the victim may have played.The clinical psychological approach to the homicide was of little helpto law enforcement in this case. The suggestion that the murderer is someonewith a borderline personality, low self-esteem, and an impulse control