Homicide and Criminological Theory: Case Studies of Murders
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 148
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Chapter 1 Introduction to Criminological Theory
Theory
Types of Homicide
Structure of the Book
References
Chapter 2 Why Do We Need Theory?
How Is a Theory Developed?
How to Analyze a Theory
What Is a Case Study?
Theory Is Fun
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 3 Social Learning and Differential Association Theories
Social Learning Theory
Differential Association Theory
Differential Reinforcement Theory
Recent Research on Social Learning and Differential Association Theories
Case Study—Henry Lee Lucas
Social Learning Theories and Henry Lee Lucas
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 4 Choice and Victimization Theories
The Classical School
Deterrence Theory
Rational Choice Theory
Lifestyle Approach Theory
Routine Activities Theory
Recent Research on Classical Criminology
Case Study—Gary Ridgway “The Green River Killer”
Choice and Victimization Theories and Gary Ridgway
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 5 Social Bonding Theory
Introduction
Hirschi’s Social Bonding Theory
Measurements of Social Bonding Theory
Social Bonding Theory and Homicide
Case Study—Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy and the Social Bonding Theory
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 6 Self-Control and Homicide
Introduction
A General Theory of Crime
Measures of Self-Control
Self-Control and Victimology
Case Study—Dennis Rader (BTK)
BTK and Self-Control
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 7 Emile Durkheim, Anomie, and Development
Emile Durkheim and Anomie
Development Theories
Recent Research on Durkheim, Anomie, and Development
Case Study—Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
Durkheim, Anomie, Development, and al-Zarqawi
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 8 Strain Theories
Strain Theory
General Strain Theory
Differential Opportunity Theory
Institutional Anomie Theory
Recent Research on Strain Theories
Case Study—Aileen Wuornos
Strain Theories and Aileen Wuornos
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 9 Critical Theories
What Are Critical Theories?
Conflict Theory
Marxist Criminology
Recent Research on Critical Theories
Case Study—Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán
Critical Theories and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 10 Social Disorganization Theory
Social Disorganization Theory
Urban Ecology and the Chicago School
The Development of Social Disorganization Theory
Recent Developments in Social Disorganization Theory
Case Study—Jeffrey Dahmer
Social Disorganization Theory and Jeffrey Dahmer
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 11 Subcultural Theory
Subcultural Theory
The Development of Subculture
Case Study—Albert “Lord High Executioner” Anastasia
Subcultural Theory and Albert Anastasia
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 12 Life-Course Theory and Homicide
Introduction
Developmental Taxonomy
Risk Factors and Protective Factors
Turning Points
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Life-Course Perspective and Homicide
Challenges with Life-Course Theory
Homicide Offending Across the Life-Course
Implications for Prevention and Policy
Case Study—Richard Allen Davis
Life-Course Theories and Richard Allen Davis
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 13 Psychopathy
Introduction
The Psychopathy Checklist—Revised
Emotional and Interpersonal Traits
Lifestyle Characteristics
Other Measurements of Psychopathy
Case Study—The Coed Killer
Psychopathy and Homicide in the Literature
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 14 Mass Killers
Introduction
Definitional Issues
Mass Shooter Typologies
Trends
Case Study—Columbine
Typologies and the Columbine Shooters
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 15 Homicidal Ideation
Introduction
Homicidal Ideation in the Literature
Case Study—Seung-Hui Cho and the Virginia Tech Massacre
Homicidal Ideation and Seung-Hui Cho
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 16 Law Enforcement Officers and Homicide
Introduction
Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted
Law Enforcement, Use of Force, and Justifiable Homicide
Case Study—Ferguson, Missouri
The Ferguson Effect
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 17 Family Annihilators
What We Know about Family Annihilation
Family Annihilator Types
Case Study—Chris Watts
Family Annihilation and Chris Watts
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References
Chapter 18 How to Evaluate Criminological Theory
How to Assess a Theory
Summing the Key Findings from the Case Studies that Can be Applied to Theory
Conclusion
Mark H. Heirigs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Montana. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Iowa State University. His research includes multiple areas such as psychopathy, recidivism, homicide, and suicide.
Matthew D. Moore is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology at the University of Central Arkansas. He earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. His research focuses on cross-national criminology, social capital, and suicide, and he has published extensively on these topics.