Mr. Cruel Jonbenet Ramsey intruder theory and Case Linkage Analysis

>Chapter 16 - Applied Case Linkage Analysis

>Abstract

>Case linkage, also referred to as linkage analysis, is the process of determining whether there are discrete connections, or distinctive behavioral factors, that associate two or more previously unrelated cases by means of crime scene analysis. It involves establishing and comparing the physical evidence, victimology, crime scene characteristics, motivation, modus operandi (MO), and signature behaviors of each of the cases under review. It also requires consideration of both behavioral similarities and dissimilarities. Case linkage is used in two separate and very different contexts: investigative and forensic.

> Case linkage: Offender modus operandi and signature.

> Citation
>Turvey, B. E. (2008). Case linkage: Offender modus operandi and signature. In B. E. Turvey (Ed.), Criminal profiling: An introduction to behavioral evidence analysis (pp. 309-356). San Diego, CA, US: Elsevier Academic Press.
Abstract

>Case linkage or linkage analysis refers to the process of determining whether or not there are discrete connections between two or more previously unrelated cases through crime scene analysis. It involves establishing and comparing the physical evidence, victimology, crime scene characteristics, modus operandi (MO), and signature behaviors between each of the cases under review. It has two purposes: (1) to assist law enforcement with the application of their finite resources by helping to establish where to apply investigative efforts and (2) to assist the court in determining whether or not there is sufficient behavioral evidence to suggest a common scheme or plan in order to address forensic issues, such as whether similar crimes may be tried together or whether uncharged acts may be brought in as evidence. A criminal's modus operandi is composed of learned behaviors that can evolve and develop over time. It can be refined, as an offender becomes more experienced, sophisticated, and confident. It can also become less competent and less skillful over time, decompensating by virtue of an offender's deteriorating mental state or increased used of controlled substances. The concept of signature is used to describe more distinctive behaviors committed by offenders that serve their psychological and emotional needs. Through an analysis and interpretation of a particular offender's signature behaviors, in combination with other elements such as MO and victimology, criminal profilers may link cases and develop an understanding of an offender's motive for committing the crime. It is common for police agencies to use their examinations of offender behavior and informal linkage analysis to assist with their investigations. However, linkage analysis is often used to close unsolved cases and to suggest offender guilt in court in the absence of reliable physical evidence. The use of linkage analysis in a forensic context is problematic at best and can even be irresponsible. This is especially true when analysts suggest that behavioral connections between crime scenes are as certain as DNA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

>Linkage Analysis for Crime

 
>Craig BennellEmail authorJessica WoodhamsRebecca Mugford

>
>Overview

>Police investigators must often determine whether multiple crimes have been committed by the same offender. In ideal situations, this decision is based on an analysis of physical evidence left at crime scenes, such as DNA, fabric fibers, and/or fingerprints. However, despite what is portrayed in the popular media, such evidence is not always available to be processed (Davies 1991). Given this, the police have had to establish alternative methods for linking serial crimes. One of the most commonly used approaches is behavioral linkage analysis.

>When using this form of analysis, an attempt is made to link crimes based on the behaviors that offenders engage in while committing their offenses. Specifically, the goal is to identify patterns of behavior across an offender’s crimes that meet two criteria: behavioral stability and behavioral distinctiveness (Canter 1995). Behavioral stability...