Journal of Forensic Sciences
Volume 47, Issue 4, 2002, Pages 827-830

Newborn kidnapping by cesarean section (Article)

Burgess A.W.* , Baker T. , Nahirny C. , Rabun J.B.
  • a Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Boston College School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
  • b Unversity of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, United States
  • c National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexander, VA, United States
  • d Case Analysis and Support Division, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Alexander, VA, United States

Abstract

A study of 30 cases of violence from a total sample of 199 cases of infant abductions between the years 1983 and 2000 included a subsample of six (or 20%) where the kidnapping was by cesarean section. The six cases are classified by type of crime. Four cases were classified as personal cause homicide, subtype cesarean section homicide, one case classified as personal cause, subtype domestic homicide, and one case classified as a criminal enterprise homicide. The behavioral profiles of the abductors included a confidence style approach to the victim mother, deception, and planning of the cesarean section. The forensic psychodynamics suggest a dual motive to cement a failing partner relationship and to fulfill a childbearing and delivery fantasy. Cesarean section murder suggests a new category of personal cause homicide.

Author Keywords

Forensic science Forensic behavioral science Cesarean section homicide Infant abduction Infant kidnapping Homicide

Index Keywords

fantasy Interpersonal Relations motivation human priority journal Humans homicide Adolescent male Infant, Newborn female forgery pregnancy clinical article Article Retrospective Studies adult Personality childbirth crime cesarean section forensic psychiatry
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0036310597&partnerID=40&md5=d02f80c524531f42bd5f973857318851
ISSN: 00221198
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English