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Salfati, C. G. (2000) Profiling Homicide: A Multidimensional Approach. Homicide Studies Vol4, No3, 265-293


Recent literature suggests that different 'styles' of homicide will most appropriately be reflected in the different types of behaviors committed by offenders at a crime scene. These distinctions, it has been proposed (Salfati and Canter 1999, Salfati 2000) can best be understood using an Instrumental and Expressive thematic framework in the way the offender acts at the crime scene.

Multidimensional Analysis was carried out on the crime scene actions derived from 210 Greek single offender, single victim stranger homicides, with the aim to replicate these earlier studies. A multivariate structure resulted, encompassing both hypothesized styles, allowing 63% of the cases to be assigned to dominant styles.

Results are discussed in terms of implications for cross-cultural similarities and differences in the thematic structure of homicide, and explorations regarding future avenues for research.

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