Nonfamily Child Abductors who Murder their Victims

Abstract

Nonfamily child abductions have a low rate of occurrence despite the media attention and public hysteria that these types of cases often attract. Although the annual incident rate is low, nonfamily child abductions are emotionally charged crimes that can rapidly overwhelm law enforcement resources. The 24-hour period following an abduction is critical, and law enforcement must be prepared to respond immediately and effectively. The purpose of the present research is to obtain demographic and background history on convicted nonfamily child abductors who have murdered their victims. Data for the study were obtained through interviews of incarcerated offenders and review of case documents. To date, interviews with 25 child abductors who murdered their victims have been conducted within various prison facilities.