ABSTRACT
When a killer successfully hides or destroys the body of their victim, they gain possession of a secret; they are the only ones who know what happened to the body. This chapter explores how killers have strategically used this secret to extort cash from authorities, negotiate plea bargains, or obtain special treatment in prison. Destruction of the victim’s body can also work against the killer. If they are unable to reveal the body, it can negatively impact parole eligibility. Knowledge of secret of what happened to the victim’s body is a valuable possession that can be used either by the killer or accomplices.
