Sexually Motivated Homicide

This training provides law enforcement with an overview of sexually motivated homicide (SMH), focusing on offender psychology, crime scene indicators, and investigative strategies. Officers will learn how to define SMH, recognize behavioral and forensic evidence, and understand offender typologies and risk factors.

The course covers offender motivations such as power, control, and sexual gratification; key behavioral manifestations including sexual mutilation, posing, and postmortem acts; and the importance of distinguishing signature behaviors from modus operandi. Investigative sections emphasize forensic evidence collection, linkage across cases, and effective interview techniques with sexually motivated offenders.

Case studies of well-known offenders illustrate psychological drivers, escalation patterns, and investigative lessons learned. The training also highlights the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and the importance of officer wellness when handling graphic, high-impact cases.

By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to recognize sexually motivated homicides, interpret crime scene behavior, and apply investigative approaches tailored to these complex and disturbing cases.