“He must have had a bad childhood…”
Who are they and why do they kill?
The Case of Gary Gilmore Revisited
Alena Severin
Dr. Robert Cowser, Faculty Mentor
McNair Summer 2005 Research
Most murderers have a history of child abuse and neglect which has made a lasting impact on their lives. There are various consequences of child abuse which can lead one on the path of destruction through violence. People who murdered were once innocent children. They once witnessed and were victims of abuse and in adulthood, they became violent criminals. Research has indicated that there is no direct link between abuse in childhood and adult criminal behavior. This research recognizes that child abuse and neglect is not an excuse for murder, but it is a contributing factor as to why these men and women become who they are. Throughout this research, Gary Gilmore, an executed murderer, is used as a single case study in examining such contributing factors.