Date of Award
Winter 2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biology
Additional Department
Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Dr. Thomas Mrozla
Second Advisor
Dr. BreAnne Danzi
Third Advisor
Dr. Rachel Corsello
Keywords
biosocial criminology, serial homicide, gene-environment interaction, neurobiology and violence, endocrinology and violence, epigenetics and crime, childhood trauma and violence, psychobiological pathways to violence, epigenetics and serial murder
Subject Categories
Behavioral Neurobiology | Biological Psychology | Criminology | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Endocrinology | Genetics | Molecular Biology
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in public fascination with serial killers, however current criminological explanations continue to focus on social and psychological factors, lacking commentary on potential biological implications. This thesis addresses a gap in the literature by examining how biological processes, specifically epigenetic, neurobiological, and endocrinological mechanisms, interact with environmental stressors to shape serial homicidal behavior. The goal is to determine whether serial murder can be more effectively understood through a biosocial framework that integrates biological vulnerability with lived experience, rather than relying on singular explanatory models.
Using a qualitative multiple-case study methodology, this research analyzes the lives and crimes of two well-documented serial killers, Jeffrey Dahmer and Aileen Wuornos. Secondary sources, including court records, psychological evaluations, peer-reviewed literature, documentaries, and biographical accounts, are analyzed through the lens of contemporary biological science. Although biological samples are unavailable, inferential comparisons are made between documented developmental histories and established findings in epigenetics, neurobiology, and endocrinology.
The analysis indicates that both offenders followed distinct yet convergent biosocial pathways to violence. Severe early-life trauma likely contributed to lasting biological alterations affecting impulse control and emotional processing. Existing neurobiological literature further supports the role of prefrontal cortex dysfunction and neurotransmitter dysregulation in facilitating violent behavior. While the specific mechanisms differ between cases, the findings suggest that serial homicide emerges from the dynamic interaction of biological susceptibility and environmental adversity. This research supports the advancement of biosocial criminology and highlights the importance of integrating biological considerations into criminal justice research and policy.
Recommended Citation
Jal, Dori W., "Nature, Nurture, and Serial Murder: A Biocriminological Analysis of Jeffrey Dahmer and Aileen Wuornos" (2025). Honors Thesis. 403.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/403
Included in
Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Biological Psychology Commons, Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Endocrinology Commons, Genetics Commons, Molecular Biology Commons