Philadelphia Inquirer, Sunday, September 3, 2006
In the opinion piece by Dr. Katherine Ramsland, assistant professor of forensic psychology at DeSales and an expert on serial killers, Ramsland writes about John Mark Karr whose sudden confession and obsession with the murder of JonBenet Ramsey has propelled him into the spotlight. According to Ramsland, confessions are common in high-profile cases, as most confessors crave attention and fame. However, forensic psychologists believe that dismissing fantasists is a mistake because they still may be quite dangerous. Ramsland states that most child abusers are adult males and fantasies about children develop around puberty. Some offenders "set a mental blueprint that influences the victim type." They are usually intelligent, compulsive and oblivious to consequences, and commit time, money and energy to their fantasies. Since the Internet grants them anonymity, they can be computer-savvy. Ramsland says that Karr fits the pattern.
Press Release: Grim fantasies could be a sign | Posted on: 9/3/2006
For more info:
Tom McNamara, Executive Director of Communications
DeSales University | 2255 Station Avenue | Center Valley, PA 18034
610.282.1100 x1219 | Tom.McNamara@desales.edu |
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