An examination of thwarted mass homicide plots and threateners. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarteschi, Christine M.
• Is Part Of: Aggression and violent behavior. Volume 30(2016)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Averted mass homicide -- Foiled mass homicide -- Attempted mass homicide -- Mass homicide threats -- Explicit threats; Aggressiveness -- Periodicals; Violence -- Periodicals; Violent offenders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 302.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2016.06.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1789

Abstract

Abstract: Thwarted mass homicide events derived primarily from news media sources were examined. This study describes who was responsible for uncovering these near-acts of violence, the intended targets, planning details, weapons, outcomes (legal or other) and the accompanying demographic factors associated with each event. Cases were divided into two groups: high-credibility and low-credibility. The majority of cases, across both groups, were characterized by threateners who were male, acting alone, in their mid to late twenties, and who targeted academic institutions. When compared to threateners in the low-credibility group, high-credibility threateners were more likely to have mental health problems and to have created materials suggesting the premeditation of a planned mass homicide event. Plots were most commonly discovered by two groups: (1) friends, family and acquaintances of threateners and (2) members of the general public. The findings of this study suggest that some threats should be taken more seriously than others and in the absence of a reliable early-warning system, tips from friends, family members, acquaintances of threateners and the general public, could serve as a valuable asset in the prevention of mass homicide.