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NCJRS Abstract

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NCJ Number:	122161

Title:	Ritualistic Crime: Are We Dealing With the Devil?

Journal:	State Peace Officers Journal Volume:38 Issue:3 Dated:(1989) Pages:41-45,47-49,53-57,91

Author(s):	L Pilant

Date Published:	1989

Page Count:	14

Type:	Issue Overview

Format:	Article

Language:	English

Country:	United States of America

Annotation:	Ritualistic crime often remains undetected and unsolved because law enforcement officers ignore cult-related evidence, pass off ritualistic crime as a cover for individual deviancy, or believe the media sensationalizes ritualistic incidents.

Abstract:	Ritualistic clues in homicides include missing body parts, certain modes of death, significant dates, location of stab wounds or cuts, presence of poisons, tattooing or branding, signs of religious ceremonies (wax drippings, oil, or incense), presence of human or animal feces, body location and direction, ceremonial clothing or nude body, lack of blood in the body, evidence of sexual abuse, and occultic symbols. Law enforcement officers must understand that there are many different varieties of ritualistic crime. Santeria and Pola Mayombe combine African religions and Catholicism; their practitioners use magic to bring illness, misfortune, or death to an enemy. Although rituals and sacrifices are used, they do not involve humans. Officers expert in the occult maintain there are differences between white and black witches. While white witches are humane and focus on the worship of nature, black witches use animal sacrifices and violence in their rituals. Deviant Satanists pervert the concepts of Judeo-Christian religion; these cults are often involved in drug running, pornography, prostitution, and other criminal activities. Ritual child abuse, involving psychological abuse, brainwashing, guilt, fear, and manipulation, is aimed at separating the child from the family and indoctrinating him into occult activity and money-making schemes. Ritualistic crime investigations should strive to prove premeditation and obtain occult items through a search warrant. Law enforcement officers must be trained to see the signs of the occult and to understand the dynamics of ritualistic crime.

Main Term(s):	Cults; Deviance

Index Term(s):	Child abuse; Investigative techniques



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