Signature crime
Encyclopedia
A signature crime is a crime
which exhibits characteristics idiosyncratic to specific criminals, known as signature aspects, signature behaviours or signature characteristics. Where a modus operandi
(MO) concerns the practical components of a crime which can also be unique to one suspect, signature aspects fulfill a psychological need and, unlike the MO, does not often change.
Two examples cited in Crime Classification Manual by John Douglas are a bank robber from Michigan
who required tellers to undress during the robbery so he could photograph them, and a rape
case where the perpetrator forced the husband to return home and be humiliated by the event. These characteristics move beyond modus operandi, because they fulfill a psychological need rather than a need of practical execution of the crime.
The 1898 Gatton murders
also exhibited signature aspects. Following the murders, the bodies were re-arranged so their legs crossed over their bodies with the feet pointing west. Ted Bundy
also used a complex series of signature behaviours.
Crime
Crime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction...
which exhibits characteristics idiosyncratic to specific criminals, known as signature aspects, signature behaviours or signature characteristics. Where a modus operandi
Modus operandi
Modus operandi is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "mode of operation". The term is used to describe someone's habits or manner of working, their method of operating or functioning...
(MO) concerns the practical components of a crime which can also be unique to one suspect, signature aspects fulfill a psychological need and, unlike the MO, does not often change.
Two examples cited in Crime Classification Manual by John Douglas are a bank robber from Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
who required tellers to undress during the robbery so he could photograph them, and a rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
case where the perpetrator forced the husband to return home and be humiliated by the event. These characteristics move beyond modus operandi, because they fulfill a psychological need rather than a need of practical execution of the crime.
The 1898 Gatton murders
Gatton murders
The Gatton Murders is the name given to a still unsolved triple homicide that occurred from the town of Gatton, Queensland. Michael Murphy and his younger sisters Norah and Ellen had been beaten to death between 10pm and 4am on 26-27 December 1898 while returning home from a dance...
also exhibited signature aspects. Following the murders, the bodies were re-arranged so their legs crossed over their bodies with the feet pointing west. Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy
Theodore Robert "Ted" Bundy was an American serial killer, rapist, kidnapper, and necrophile who assaulted and murdered numerous young women during the 1970s, and possibly earlier...
also used a complex series of signature behaviours.