New reports confirm that only 6% of mass murderers are women, according to a groundbreaking 2024 study examining 1,715 mass killings recorded globally between 1900 and 2019. This shocking statistic underscores the rarity of female mass murderers, making cases like Erin Patterson’s notorious mushroom poisonings in Leongatha, Victoria a topic of intense scrutiny and fascination.
Patterson’s case emerged in 2023 when she invited her former in-laws for a family lunch, serving a deadly beef Wellington infused with death cap mushrooms. This tragic incident led to the deaths of three individuals, with another fighting for their life. Patterson now faces charges of three murders and one attempted murder, captivating both Australia and the world.
Researchers highlight distinct patterns among female mass murderers that differentiate them from their male counterparts. The findings reveal:
1. **Family as Primary Target**: Approximately 75% of women who commit mass killings target family members, a stark contrast to male perpetrators, who do so in less than 50% of cases. These violent acts often occur within domestic settings.
2. **Unconventional Methods**: While firearms are the weapon of choice for male assailants, females are more likely to use poison, asphyxiation, or drugs. A notorious example is Caroline Grills, who was convicted in 1953 for poisoning family members with thallium.
3. **Mental Health Factors**: The study shows that female mass killers frequently exhibit higher rates of psychiatric conditions, with 25% displaying psychotic symptoms and nearly 30% having documented psychiatric or neurological diagnoses—figures significantly higher than those among men.
4. **Suicide Attempts**: More than 50% of female mass murderers either attempt or complete suicide following their crimes, indicating a profound connection to despair.
5. **Connection to Abuse**: Domestic violence often serves as a backdrop to these tragic events. In a review by the Australian Institute of Criminology, over half of the women who killed their partners were found to be long-term victims of abuse.
Despite these commonalities, Erin Patterson’s case defies expectations. Lacking any apparent motive or history of abuse, her actions have left researchers perplexed. This unpredictability adds to the intrigue surrounding female mass killers, highlighting how their crimes challenge societal understandings of violence.
The rarity of female mass murderers ensures that their stories resonate well beyond the crime scene. Each incident forces society to confront preconceived notions about violence, leaving a lasting imprint on collective memory. As investigations continue and more studies emerge, the conversation about the motivations and patterns of female mass murderers is more relevant than ever.
Stay tuned for further developments on this shocking subject that continues to captivate global audiences.