Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives
"Unlike many investigators, Geberth has paid close attention to the scientific literature on the PCL-R conception of psychopathy and, by integrating it with his own extensive experience and clinical insights, has produce and outstanding chapter on practical applications to criminal investigation. His discussions … are right on the mark, as is his appreciation of the behavior of psychopaths during the investigative process. … Some investigators with the … FBI … and intelligence agencies in North America and several other countries currently are developing their own protocols for applying psychopathy to crime scene analysis, interviewing, and intelligence work. Their efforts are consistent with Geberth's discussions and advice, and there is little doubt that they will derive considerable benefit from his work. Indeed … any investigator who deals with psychopaths in any capacity would do well to become familiar with his work."- Dr. Robert D. Hare, Ph. D."If you're involved with any sort of sexual homicide case, order this book immediately, as it is far and away the most in depth work focused solely on sex-related murder."- PI Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2004"…Vernon's new textbook entitled Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives is an incredible 800-page book that covers a number of subjects far beyond [the author's] Practical Homicide Investigation. His vast investigative experience is evident in the clear explanations he offers regarding how the mind of a sexual predator functions and the most recent technology available to bring these unique and very difficult investigations to a successful conclusion."- New York Post" Vernon Geberth has written a new testament to the "Bible of homicide investigation." The literature in this area has been sparse and difficult to locate at best. In this book Vernon draws together many various disciplines to make a complete resource and reference book for investigators and prosecutors."Several experienced prosecutors in our Violent Crimes division have reviewed this book. All have been impressed with the content but more importantly they have been impressed with the context. They way the material is presented and information woven through the various disciplines has shed new light on the subjects and presented new ways to prosecute and investigate these cases."As the prosecutor in the David Parker Ray case, which is featured in Chapter 12, I wish I had had this book as a reference before that case broke in 1999. Had [we] been so fortunate we, prosecutors and investigators, would have saved ourselves hundreds of man-hours in research, evaluation and investigative time. Our investigation and prosecution would have been more focused and directed. All of us would have had a better understanding of this type of crime and what was going to be needed to see the case through to a successful conclusion. As opposed to trying to re-invent the wheel in a type of case we had never before encountered, we could have followed the road map.It is unfortunate that cases like these are occurring with more and more frequency. However, it is now very fortunate that we have a resource and reference book to draw upon should we encounter these monsters in our jurisdiction. Vernon's new investigative text, Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives draws together countless sources from literature and investigative files into one authoritative source. This book is a "must have" (not just "must read") for any detective or prosecutor who deals with these types of cases."- Jim Yontz, Senior Trial AttorneySecond Judicial District Attorney's OfficeAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87102"This is probably the best book I have ever read in this topic area. …detailed description of terminology, case examples, and references provide the reader with an in-depth knowledge of investigation of sexually-related death."Dr. Henry C. Lee, Chief Emeritus, Department of Public Safety Division of Scientific Services, Connecticut, USA"A virtual A-Z encyclopedia of information covering all aspects of sex-related homocide investigations from the CRIME SCENE to the CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. A necessary tool for law enforcement and related support professionals. A great addition to your personal forensic library."Major Thomas Nye, Warwick Police Department, Warwick, Rhode Island, and Executive Director, Northeast Law Enforcement Officers Association"Vernon has done it again with the definitive tome on violent sexual assault investigations. This comprehensive volume is an incredible compilation that exhausts the subject. Vern's remarkable experience and unmatched expertise have given him unparalleled insight into the investigation of sexually deviant crimes and the psyche of those who perpetrate violent sex related crimes.This book is a must read for every prosecutor and investigator who hopes to gain some insight into the hows and whys of these horrific crimes as well as practical advice as to how to approach these investigations and prosecutions.I'm grateful that the law enforcement community now has this book as a resource to help explain these deviant crimes and as always grateful that Vern continues his vigilant watch against the "forces of darkness." I'm glad that he's on my team working for God. "-Donna Pendergast, Principal Attorney-Homicide Unit, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Michigan"…by far the most detailed and informative resource a homicide and sex crimes investigator could wish for. If I can't have Geberth himself standing next to me at a crime scene, at least I know that his works will never be more than an arm's reach away."Detective Sergeant Eric Schroeder, Michigan State Police Violent Crimes Unit, Michigan, USA"In this 'no excuses' analysis of the psychology of evil, Vernon brings his extensive expertise and knowledge to dissect the thought processes that underlie these sex offenders. By detailing the case histories of specific murders as well as the practical knowledge he has gleaned from thousands of investigations, Vernon provides critical information that can explain the inexplicable at crime scenes. … No police academy, police department, or prosecutor's office should be without this important and informative work. If murder, as Shakespeare suggests, does speak, Vernon has provided all of us with the amplifier through which we will hear its voice."- From the Introduction by Jeanine Pirro, District Attorney, Westchester County District Attorney's Office, White Plains, New York"Vern Geberth …describes the evil of the sexual criminal and outlines the investigative path to that criminal's identification, apprehension and prosecution. … He brings to this publication the same style of common sense, practicality and graphic simplicity that characterized Practical Homicide Investigation. … It is, quite simply, the best and most thorough text on the subject of sex-related homicide I have seen.- From the Foreword by Larry Welch, Director, Kansas Bureau of Investigation"Commander Geberth has succeeded in the impossible task of taking his thirty-five years of experience investigating literally thousands of homicides and consulting nationwide with experts in forensic science and criminal investigation, and making a comprehensive and practical resource text that will serve as an investigative guide and clinical reference. …a "must-buy" for the professional involved with the investigation and prosecution of sex-related homicides."Philip G. Schnelwar, Attorney at Law, White Plains, New York, USA…"the most comprehensive and up-to-date text regarding sexual death investigation that I have come across. This book is a gift to the law enforcement community and a contribution of historical importance."Ronald Turco, M.D., P.C., Past President - The American Academy of Psychoanalysis, Oregon, USA"This 804-page text is a tremendously thorough and well-researched account of the sophisticated investigations necessary to resolve these very important cases. …Sex Related Homicide and Death Investigation is a must for all homicide and sex crimes detectives and investigators, crime scene technicians, uniformed police officers, prosecutors and medical examiner personnel. This book has become the standard and if we are to continue winning the war on violent crime, we must keep current-if we don't, I know that the defense will!"-James M. Gannon, Deputy Chief of Investigations, Morris County (NJ), Prosecutor's Office