ABSTRACT
Sexual homicides by juveniles are rare and complex criminal behaviors with biopsy-chosocial etiologies. Management of such offenders by the judicial system is also a challenge because no effective treatment strategies have been identified, yet a significant proportion of these offenders will be released back into society at some point. This chapter begins by addressing the incidence of this type of murder over the past few decades. It then provides an overview of juvenile sexual homicide (JSH) with an emphasis on the clinical aspects of these offenders. Case examples are included to illustrate important aspects of this behavior and investigative considerations. The typical demographic profiles, criminal characteristics, and psychopathological traits of these offenders are presented in some depth. In addition, this chapter discusses treatment approaches and recidivism statistics pertaining to juvenile sexual homicide offenders (JSHOs).
