Welcome to The Official Websleuths Investigative Book Club !

[tricia]

Excited for the zoom call tomorrow

Hey Aspen. Did you get your Zoom link?

 

[NeilC]

Sharing here because I know you all will get it ……. What in the h*ll is wrong with these demon spawns. Seriously 1 perp alone would be shocking. 4 children planning and acting out such a diabolical crime is so shocking. Just had to vent

I had a criminology professor in grad school who followed the theory that “opportunity” was the cause of crime. While he focused mostly on crimes of theft, I thought about how this might apply to this situation…His theory would say that we had at least one “motivated” person, a “vulnerable” target and a lack of protection or guardianship that made the crime one of opportunity. So in Cruel Sacrifice, Melinda and Laurie were motivated, Shanda was the vulnerable target and there was very little supervision for any of the girls in terms of them roaming the streets by themselves, parental supervision, etc. Each one of these conditions is necessary but not sufficient for this crime to have taken place (as the theory goes).

Anyway, this theory doesn’t explain what was going on in the brains and individual consciousness of these girls but gives a framework to teach us how maybe to prevent something like this happening again Also, it made me think of a couple of my criminology professors which I had in the 70s/80s and how they helped me fall in love with criminal justice. Thanks!

 

[tricia]

I had a criminology professor in grad school who followed the theory that “opportunity” was the cause of crime. While he focused mostly on crimes of theft, I thought about how this might apply to this situation…His theory would say that we had at least one “motivated” person, a “vulnerable” target and a lack of protection or guardianship that made the crime one of opportunity. So in Cruel Sacrifice, Melinda and Laurie were motivated, Shanda was the vulnerable target and there was very little supervision for any of the girls in terms of them roaming the streets by themselves, parental supervision, etc. Each one of these conditions is necessary but not sufficient for this crime to have taken place (as the theory goes).

Anyway, this theory doesn’t explain what was going on in the brains and individual consciousness of these girls but gives a framework to teach us how maybe to prevent something like this happening again Also, it made me think of a couple of my criminology professors which I had in the 70s/80s and how they helped me fall in love with criminal justice. Thanks!

Thanks, NeilC. That is an interesting concept, and it makes sense.
When I read how brutal this murder was, I am beyond appalled. I don't know what to say. These girls were all under 18, most under 16. The things they did do, Shanda knocks the breath out of you.

 

[SensibleCrime]

I am looking for the email with the zoom link.

 

[tricia]

I am looking for the email with the zoom link.

Sensible Crime I am so sorry. I did not see this. I will have Stacy email you. I will give you my number so you can text me if you don't have the Zoom link for next time. Again so sorry.

 

[watergirl62]

I enjoyed listening to Aphrodite talk about all she went through to write this book. Thanks Tricia and Stacy for making this happen.

 

[ColdCaseGirl]

Was the next book announced on the Zoom cause I missed it? Thanks

 

[cujenn81]

Yes — I am patiently waiting for the next book announcement, as I unfortunately found this thread too late to participate in the last discussion.

 

[NeilC]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the inaugural book discussion, especially Tricia, Stacy and Aphrodite Jones. It went by so fast! I enjoyed this so much more than being attacked by an owl Thanks y’all!

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the inaugural book discussion, especially Tricia, Stacy and Aphrodite Jones. It went by so fast! I enjoyed this so much more than being attacked by an owl Thanks y’all!

Oh... it really was great,wasn't it? Quite honestly, I don't think I learned anything new or different... but I did love her talking about all her other things --and emotional pains of doing what she does.

I like the new image and background and increased activity with Trish!!! She is a treasure in herself.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Was the next book announced on the Zoom cause I missed it? Thanks

yes it was.
"Confessions of a Serial Killer" by Katheryn Ramsland.

 

[cujenn81]

yes it was.
"Confessions of a Serial Killer" by Katheryn Ramsland.

Does anyone know what I need to do to join the next Zoom discussions for the next book?

 

[watergirl62]

Does anyone know what I need to do to join the next Zoom discussions for the next book?

If you want to join the club, email Stacy your username. [email protected]

I think there may be a new thread per book?

You will be emailed a link to the zoom meeting about a week before it happens.

 

[ColdCaseGirl]

yes it was.
"Confessions of a Serial Killer" by Katheryn Ramsland.

Thanks

 

[passionflower]

Is this where we sign up?

 

[tricia]

Hey Everyone.
YES, we have announced our next book. It is, Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Radar, the BTK Killer by Katherine Ramsland.
If you want to join the book club email [email protected] and tell Stacy your user name on Websleuths. You will receive an email saying you are on the book club list.
CLICK HERE to start discussing our new book by about BTK.