Homicide: Motivation for Murder

Why does one person decide to murder another? Certainly, murder varies according to the motivations (e.g., the reasons for), the strategies (e.g., how the [Page 227]murder is carried out), and the situational context of the crime (e.g., where, when, against whom, and under what circumstances). The main factor that must occur in the killer's mind prior to the murder, if even momentarily, is that the victim(s) is/are objectified and dehumanized. This pattern of thought allows murderers to rationalize, minimize, deny, or otherwise internally justify their homicidal actions. Still, what is the motivation underlying such an extreme act?

Motive is an inner drive that causes, or compels, one to act. It is that which incites us to behave in the manner we do. Motive can be related ...