Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on September 21, 2022 in The Human Equation

Serial killer Colin Pitchfork was released from prison after almost thirty years. Two months later, he was back behind bars after violating parole. Did the system work or fail?

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on September 9, 2022 in Modern Minds

From Jack the Ripper to Ted Bundy to current unidentified murderers, we have learned a lot about the psychology of serial killers, but we still keep asking “why?”

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on August 10, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

A sensational 19th-century case shows the impact of cognitive anchoring and expectation when the trial process fails to produce the "right" result.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on July 21, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

Psychological interviews of serial killers reveal the complexities of motivation and suggest the best interview approach.

Robert Bartholomew Ph.D. on July 16, 2022 in It's Catching

What is the deeper psychological significance of the Croydon and Raglan Cat Killer scares?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 23, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

Criminological researchers often miss the psychological nuances of the accomplice's role on murder teams. A typology helps.

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., Ph.D. on June 11, 2022 in Why Bad Looks Good

Hollywood femme fatales are often featured as the stars of blockbuster movies. But research investigates the real danger violent women pose.

Nuala Walsh on May 31, 2022 in Decisions That Matter

Is your career and well-being at risk with a narcissistic boss? Escape their clutches by first understanding the nature of the beast.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on May 9, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

Why some people are so drawn to collecting items associated with killers and their crimes—and where the practice first started.

Coltan Scrivner Ph.D. on May 1, 2022 in Morbid Minds

Why are we intrigued by serial killers? Our ability to mentally simulate experiences and our evolutionary relationship with predators may be to blame.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on March 31, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

Reluctant accomplices on killing teams might suppress their normal feelings to comply, but there's hope for their eventual recovery.

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on March 20, 2022 in Wicked Deeds

Experiencing horror in a safe and non-lethal environment can be very appealing, exciting, and serve the purpose of managing fear for many people.

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 1, 2022 in The Human Equation

Of the 65 percent of serial killers' victims who are women, 76 percent are sex workers. But is that who they are or what they've done?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 23, 2022 in The Human Equation

Why do so many predators target the homeless, sex workers, or others on the margins of society? Looking at the most vulnerable victims may say something about all of us.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on February 14, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

Sets of brothers who separately become violent raise questions about bad seeds vs. family dynamics and abusive role models.

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on February 7, 2022 in Wicked Deeds

By his own admission, Rader developed fantasies about domination, bondage and torture at a very early age—while still in grade school.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on February 1, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

A new book documents the earliest full FBI behavioral profile as a strategic portrait that defied traditional notions about offenders.

Jean Kim M.D. on January 31, 2022 in Culture Shrink

From the Macbeths to the Byrdes, when people with sociopathic traits combine forces within power-hungry couples, their particular dynamics can put others in danger.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on January 24, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

The efforts that experts have undertaken to get confessions and life details from serial killers has collectively yielded tips for future interviews with others.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on January 7, 2022 in Shadow Boxing

As I talk about my work with the "BTK" serial killer Dennis Rader, I hear the same two questions over and over. The answer to both is complicated.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on December 29, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

With the passing of several key figures in the forensic world, I'm posting a list of those who influenced my work in forensic psychology and crime writing.

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on October 10, 2021 in Wicked Deeds

Unlike comfort/gain serial killers, professional hit men kill because it is their job to do so.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on October 5, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

A suicide in France last week solved a series of cold cases and raised questions about killers who go uncaught.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on September 3, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

Emotional investment and certain mindsets can set up moral meltdown.

Robert J. King Ph.D. on August 16, 2021 in Hive Mind

What can biology offer to help us understand (and prevent) tragedies like the recent slayings in Plymouth?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on July 19, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

Homicide detective Robert Keppel, recently deceased, used what he knew from his dealings with serial killer Ted Bundy to advance the discipline of homicide investigation.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 30, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

Some women survived encounters with Ted Bundy, but not all of the reports are credible. A new book critically examines several such narratives.

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 17, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

In recent weeks, two investigations turned up multiple human remains in the homes and yards of serial killers. Similar past cases illuminate potential motives.

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on June 8, 2021 in The Human Equation

Just as Lori Vallow is finally facing murder charges, a psychologist says she is not competent to stand trial. But is she really similar to other incompetent defendants?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on June 4, 2021 in Shadow Boxing

In a post-conviction appeal, Ted Bundy used psychiatric experts to try to erase his mistake and get a do-over.