Socio-demographic and Mechanical Profiles of Malaysian Male Murderers: a Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to reveal the socio-demographic and mechanical profiles of Malaysian male murderers. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional methodology was applied using guided self-administered survey among Malaysian male murderers. The present study significantly differs from other studies as the information on murder was obtained from the respective murderer rather than from autopsy reports, official statistics, newspapers, or legal reports. 71 male murderers from 11 Malaysian prisons participated in this study on a voluntary basis. The murderers were queried on various mechanical variables of murder including: motives, methods of killing, weapon usage, targeted body parts, murder settings, murder concealment, relationship with victims, precipitating factors and socio-demographic variables. Results: The emerged profiles were discussed in relation to murder, criminology and victimology contexts. In addition, the Malaysian male murderers profiles were compared with murder profiles from outside of Malaysia. Conclusion: The present study achieved the aim by documenting the socio-demographic and mechanical profiles of male murderers which may be beneficial to scholars, the public and enforcement officials.