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Psychopathic Self-Denial in Serial Rape and Multiple Homicide

NCJ Number
174384
Journal
Criminologist Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 1998 Pages: 85-94
Author(s)
C Berry-Dee
Date Published
1998
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examines the background, criminal behavior, and attitudes toward self and others of Harvey Louis Carignan, a serial rapist and killer currently residing in Stillwater, a Minnesota correctional facility.
Abstract
Carignan, known as "The Hammer," is one of America's most notorious serial killers. He claims to have been sexually abused by just about every female he ever knew. He committed numerous rapes and attempted rapes, and he murdered some of his victims. Based on the author's 5-year correspondence with Carignan and an interview in March 1995, he draws conclusions about Carignan's mental patterns. Despite having spent the better part of his life behind bars, he is apparently incapable of facing his guilt, even with the evidence being consistently overwhelming in every case of sexual assault, rape, or murder; Carignan is psychologically compelled to apportion most of the blame for his crimes onto his victims. When his distorted recollections are undermined with facts, he falls back on the argument that the police and the justice system have conspired to set him up.