Getting away with murder: a thematic approach to solved and unsolved sexual homicides using crime scene factors

There is little research examining types of sexual homicides from a perspective that can aid investigators before a suspect has been identified. This study examines crime scene factors of 350 sexual homicides using police data and latent class analyses to determine offense types as they relate to homicide clearance, followed by an in-depth examination of unsolved cases. Results suggest there are three classes of sexual homicide: Sloppy/Reckless; Violent/Sadistic; and Forensically Aware. Specifically within the unsolved sample, there exist two distinct classes: Forensically Aware and Not Forensically Aware (Lucky). Findings are discussed in reference to homicide clearance and practical implications for law enforcement.