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This document introduces a special issue of the journal "Behavioral Sciences & the Law" focused on sexual homicide and the lethal outcome in sexual crimes. It emphasizes the importance of studying sexual homicide despite its low occurrence and discusses the internationalization of research in this field. The special issue includes studies on offender types, victimology issues, and specific aspects of sexual homicide. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of sexual homicide and its contribution to research on homicide, sexual crimes, and criminology. The articles in the special issue cover topics such as child and adolescent victims, foreign object insertion, and elderly sexual violence. The authors come from various institutions in Canada, Switzerland, and the UK. Additionally, there is a list of references for further reading on sexual homicide and criminology, covering topics such as offender motivations, patterns of overkill, sadism, and differences between intimate partner and non-intimate partner sexual homicide. The studies utilize various research methods, providing valuable insights into the complex nature of sexual homicide. [Extracted from the article]

Although most people have heard the terms 'souvenirs', 'trophies', and 'mementos', discussed in books and movies on the true crimes of sexual murderers, limited research has delved into the phenomenon of theft in sexual homicide (SH). Using a sample of 762 SH cases coming from the Sexual Homicide International Database, the current study examines the crime‐commission process of the pre‐crime, crime, and post‐crime phases of sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) who engaged in theft during a SH. Additionally, this study seeks to determine if a specific type of SHO engages in this behaviour over others. Results from the sequential logistic regression indicate that victims who are 16 years or older, were strangers to the SHO, and were sex workers were more likely to be victims of theft. Additionally, results indicate that the presence of sadism made it more likely the SHO would engage in theft from the victim and/or crime scene. Findings suggest there is a group of SHOs who engage in theft not for monetary purposes but due to the paraphilia of the offender. These findings can inform the police investigation of these crimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines Sexual Homicide (SH) cases, analyzing the transition to cold cases through a non‐discretionary lens. Utilizing the SH International Database, it explores the interplay between offender behavior, victim characteristics, and crime context. Advanced methodologies, including sequential logistic regression and Artificial Neural Networks, identify key predictors of case resolution. Results highlight the critical influence of victim intoxication, high‐risk activities, and the location of the victim's body on case solvability. The study also reveals the significant role of offender forensic awareness and the complexity of crime scenes in hindering case resolution. These findings underline the multifaceted nature of SH cases, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuanced interplay between victim, offender, and contextual factors in solving these challenging cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]