On the basis of the planning and control evidenced at the crime site, murderers were classified as organized (24 with 97 victims) or disorganized (12 with 21 victims). Analysis of data indicates that the organized offenders were more likely to plan, use restraints, commit sexual acts with live victims, display control of victims, use a vehicle, be angry or depressed at the time of the murder, have a precipitating stressor, and change jobs or residence. Conversely, disorganized offenders were more likely to leave a weapon at the scene, position the corpse, and perform sexual acts on the dead victim. They also were more likely to come from unstable homes, be sexually inhibited and ignorant, have been frightened or confused at the time of the murder, have known the victim, lived alone, and committed the crime closer to home. For 83 cases having victim response data, 23 offered no resistance, 26 tried verbal negotiation, 6 refused verbally, 8 screamed, 4 attempted escape, and 16 tried to fight the offender. For these victims, death ensued regardless of resistance or offender type. For survivors, category of offender was not a predictor; rather, chance happenings preserved the victim's life. 14 references. (Author abstract modified)