EAR’s Tactics and Use of Weapons-Experimentation & Learning
Nov 16, 2017 21:45:25 GMT
MJP, mia, and 2 more like this
Post by oldguy on Nov 16, 2017 21:45:25 GMT
Part I
Below I present my analyses based on the publicly known information regarding EAR’s use of weapons and tactics. EAR utilized firearms, edged weapons, and a club to create compliance and to instill terror. My belief is that his early attacks history of use reveals a young man with prior exposure to handling (and shooting) of such weapons, but no prior training with them as implements of tactical control or self-defense. And I include my usual disclaimer...I have never had an original thought in my life.
In the first two known attacks, in June and July 1976, EAR did not display a firearm. It is unknown if he carried one. The first attack was against a lone female and he brandished and referenced a knife. He dramatically inflicted terror by creating a flesh wound on the victim’s temple. (Winters, “Case Files of the EAST AREA Rapist” p 13.)
The second attack involved two young (teen aged) females, and again, he brandished and referenced a knife. “I have a knife and if you don’t shut up I can kill you.” (Ibid, pp 22-23.)
However, in August 1976, EAR pushes the envelope in victim selection and attempts to attack three persons, only one of whom, the 12 year old daughter, might have lacked adult strength and coordination. Always one to calculate risk, EAR jumps through the window brandishing a small snub nose revolver in his left hand, (Winters p. 30 and Crompton “Sudden Terror” p.82) or possibly right hand (Shelby “Hunting a Psychopath” p.96) as well as a foot long club in his other hand- and naked from the waist down (Winters, p.30.) Mom, unimpressed by the weapons’ display as well as EAR’s nakedness, immediately grabs for the (more lethal) gun. There ensues a struggle that literally splashes mom’s blood on the floors and walls of multiple rooms. Apparently, throughout this intense event, he neither fired the handgun, or even referred to it. However, both Shelby and Winters note EAR used both the revolver and club as impact weapons.
Analysis
Simultaneous use of the handgun and the club is intrinsically awkward-it deprives him of the primary use of hands, which is grasping/grappling. In addition, the powerful body movements needed to use the impact weapon increase the likelihood of a negligent discharge (ND) as the gun hand is likely to tighten in sympathy with the opposite hand. An ND is to be avoided-both as it may alert people in adjoining homes, and (much worse from EAR’s perspective) it risks inflicting a leg wound on himself. Use of the revolver as an impact weapon is a desperate measure. He chanced disabling the weapon from a bent ejector rod, or if his thumb was misplaced in the pummeling, popping open the cylinder-and losing the ammunition. (If VR=EAR, this small revolver may have been the stolen Miroku snub revolver which was used to kill professor Snelling-that model weapon (called a “Liberty Chief”) had an exposed ejector rod, and the cylinder rotation impairment from a bent rod may explain the lack of firearms in the next few attacks-and his evolving to semi-autos for an extended time later on.
The unskillful employment of the handgun evidenced a lack of formal instruction and the prolonged struggle with the noncompliant (and apparently untrained,) victim appeared to constitute “on the job” training”. Finally, we note he jumped into the house with the awareness that multiple people had full knowledge of his approach. An overconfidence born of inexperience would account for this foolhardy move.
Attack #4-Having failed badly with victims who had advance notice, and who were motivated/emboldened by family members present, EAR changed tactics in the next attack and initiated a blitz style assault against a lone victim. It is noteworthy, I think, that he did not display or reference a firearm, and that he employed only a small knife and fists. There is some evidence this woman was a sudden target of opportunity, and he may not have had his full “kit.” But the fact remains that he chose to initiate and complete an attack only with a small edged weapon. This knife was more easily wielded than the club and revolver. He likely was confident of successful victim control using only the small knife as he had achieved total surprise and accompanied this with overwhelming physical force.
Analysis
It appears from the radical change in weaponry and m.o. that EAR is experimenting with tactical methods. He is not seeking to perfect a known mode of control or operation, but almost flailing from one extreme to another. This is indicative of a person with no established knowledge base.
In attack #5, one month later, EAR veers away from the tumultuous entry of attack #3 as well as the physical blitz style of attack #4 and returns to the bedroom awakening of previous incidents. He is almost back to attack #1 in style. Again, no firearm is referenced. His knife is now more prominently used-as an instrument of psychological torture. “He held a knife above his head as he walked.” (Winters, p. 45.) He references the knife several times and “…pokes it into her neck.” (Ibid.) This attack was preceded by extensive area surveillance and a prior burglary of the victim’s house. (Ibid p.43.) No firearm is displayed or referenced.
Analysis
This attack is demonstrative of EAR’s psychology and background. He is very careful, almost obsessive in preparation. He is intelligent, and he makes repeated efforts to ascertain the layout of the area, the victim’s home and family schedules. His careful attention to detail pays off. But then in the actual attack, EAR approaches the victim at a fast walk-holding the knife above his head. (Ibid p. 45.)
Holding a knife in this manner is an excellent way to lose your weapon and offers your opponent an opportunity for a take- down: you are giving your opponent a means of leverage against you-and literally removing the blade from the immediate confrontation. The only thing that can be said about this “stance” is that it must have appeared intimidating in a bedroom mirror. Thus- EAR is intelligent, obsessive, arrogant and unschooled.
A general rule: any implement used as a weapon is best retained close to the center of mass of your body: you are strongest there, you present the smallest profile and the concentrated mass aids rapid movement. Even a club, in approaching a standing opponent, is best used from the center of your power in a jabbing motion. Speaking generally again, the knife would be held in front, blade outward, a gun would be held to the rear in a position that allows the use of your slanted body to shield the weapon. (You can grab a gun, but you can’t grab a knife.) As for the element of control through terror, EAR’s repeated use of the knife through poking of the victim’s body and sliding its blade along her skin shows a real and growing sophistication in creating fear-and a strong personal need to do this.
Attack #6 October 1976, a young female alone. EAR employs only a knife and actually begins the assault by grabbing her in bed and sticking the knife point directly into her shoulder. No gun is referenced. In this one case, EAR experimented with a complicated system of ropes tied throughout the house. Presumably these were to delay persons who might be (unknown to him) in other rooms. It was a strange mechanism and perhaps speaks to a lack of confidence in his ability to control, or more likely to his experimentation in means and methods. (I cannot help but wonder if the September 1976 issue of “True Crime” featured the rope system.)
Attack #7. Oct. 18, 1976. EAR, apparently buoyed by his successes in the last three attacks, EAR returns to the bottom half naked form. As in attack #3 he pressed the invasion home despite the knowledge he was detected. (This event involved, however, a less risky target population-the mom was accompanied by two young children rather than teen agers.) EAR also demonstrates a greater finesse in psychological terror. “Do exactly as I Tell you or I’ll kill you, I’ll butcher you all to pieces.” (Ibid, p.64.) He carries an edged weapon, described variously as “..a short, thick knife.” (Ibid p.64.) or as “..large, heavy,…monstrous.” (Crompton, p. 139.) Whatever its size, EAR used the knife to trace intricate patterns on her torso. He clearly was enjoying the very personal terror an edged weapon can induce and experienced this as an expression of rage. This victim, sensing his obsessive need to control and perhaps guessing as to its origins (a guess aided, no doubt by his obvious stuttering) complimented EAR. His response was to voice surprise and gratitude.
(He clearly felt at ease here-even to the point of telling her people laugh at him -presumably in sexual situations.) Unfortunately, EAR was not one to sell access to his interior cheaply, he then brutally raped her vaginally, anally and orally, going so far as ordering her to perform oral sex after anal sex. The brutality may well be his frantic reaction to this brief opening she created to his inner self. No gun is referenced and none certainly, has been needed to accomplish his sick goals.
Analysis
EAR reveals here a pathetic insecurity. He is, momentarily, humbly grateful for the victim’s compliment, he stutters and stumbles while talking, and demonstrates a fascination with inducing terror with a sharp knife. He issues threats to induce terror, even reaching the point of absurdity-butchering two people to pieces is simply not in the cards. (I can just see this guy mouthing this threat into his bedroom mirror-just before he answers mother’s call to dinner.)
Attack #8 also 10.18.76 (evening). This is interesting as it was: (1) Initiated outside a home in a well lit area, (2) self-aborted by EAR and (3) Contained an explicit reference to a firearm-a topic absent since attack #3. EAR pulled her from her car in front of her house and controlled her via a knife to her throat. Oddly, he took her to a neighboring back yard. This attack appeared to reflect an astute knowledge of her family’s routine (they were expected home in 30 minutes) and very possibly an over estimation of his sexual energy. He had repeatedly raped and ejaculated in a terror-filled attack earlier that day and presumably taxed his sexual limits. Winters guesses (p.79) that he was spent. He left the scene by stealing the victim’s car and driving it a short distance away, parking it near the scene of multiple earlier attacks. As with Winters, my thought is he drove the car to beak a scent trail and parked within a short distance of his house. (He probably did not miss more than a minute of his favorite 11:30 TV show.) EAR did attempt to impart control by advising the victim he would shoot her if she moved, (mimicking the sound of gunfire) but no firearm was produced and the victim doubted he carried one. This sounds like a weak attempt to “ice the cake.” In controlling her.
Analysis
Most likely, this event reflects the overconfidence of a young offender who is still exploring his limits and experimenting with methods. Attacking at 11:00 PM in a well-lighted area is very risky. In our “typical suburban development” late evening dog walkers are just completing their rounds-and other neighbors let their dog out into the yard before calling them in at 11:30.
Attack #9 11.10.76. An early evening (7PM) home invasion, followed by an abduction to the outside. This and the prior attack are very similar-both involve abductions from the house, and both attacks are aborted by EAR. EAR leads her down a canal to an apparently prepared spot. Here he makes the now routine knife to the victim’s throat movement to ensure compliance. Before leaving on the abduction, he staged the victim’s house to make it appear she left on her own volition. He does this so successfully it fools her parents when they return. (Winters, p.86. ) Coinciding with the sophistication of preparation are several almost humorously juvenile touches: (1) he finds cutting the victims jeans off oh so complicated and plaintively mutters. “This is not working right.” (Crompton, p. 154 and Winters P.84.); (2) several times after ominous threats he attempts to impress his invulnerability on her by exclaiming he will “be gone in the night” and one time stating “I’ll be off in the dark. I’ll be gone in the dark and you’ll be silent forever.” (Winters, p.87.) and (3) he makes reference to having to wait for his parents to leave so he can return home. No gun is displayed or referenced. The victim (for the first time in these attacks) remarks on his markedly foul body odor.
Analysis
Here we see EAR, for the second time, furthering his exploration with the outside abduction plan. And for the second time, he aborts the attack. He clearly is not comfortable with the outdoors as a secondary crime scene. Not only does he not initiate a sexual attack, he refrains from his now favored edged weapon body tracing psychological torture. There is a fascinating possible linkage between EAR’s accomplished home staging, his foul odor, and the remark regarding his parents. (Though it must be said the victim questioned the validity of his statement.) The fascinating thought: is it possible EAR’s parental figures have banished him from their abode-and EAR, temporarily living in a car or makeshift camp has let his hygiene slide? And… if he goes home at the right time he can shower, stage the house to cover his appearance and “be gone in the night.” The foul body odor issue that arises here will be seen again in the near future.
Finally, there is the almost comical struggle to cut her jeans off…and the nervous issuance of small talk to fill the time. He asked if they knew each other, did she go to the local college etc. At least he did not ask for her astrological sign or God forbid “do you come here often?” Once again EAR evidences an odd combination of sophistication created by obsessive preparation, and a woeful social maladroitness.
This is a young man with a limited experiential horizon…..he is literally juvenile in fantasies and interpersonal ability-but these may simply reflect social limitations imposed by several co-ocurring personality disorders. His chronological age probably exceeds his juvenile ideation.
More to come..at least that's the plan...
Below I present my analyses based on the publicly known information regarding EAR’s use of weapons and tactics. EAR utilized firearms, edged weapons, and a club to create compliance and to instill terror. My belief is that his early attacks history of use reveals a young man with prior exposure to handling (and shooting) of such weapons, but no prior training with them as implements of tactical control or self-defense. And I include my usual disclaimer...I have never had an original thought in my life.
In the first two known attacks, in June and July 1976, EAR did not display a firearm. It is unknown if he carried one. The first attack was against a lone female and he brandished and referenced a knife. He dramatically inflicted terror by creating a flesh wound on the victim’s temple. (Winters, “Case Files of the EAST AREA Rapist” p 13.)
The second attack involved two young (teen aged) females, and again, he brandished and referenced a knife. “I have a knife and if you don’t shut up I can kill you.” (Ibid, pp 22-23.)
However, in August 1976, EAR pushes the envelope in victim selection and attempts to attack three persons, only one of whom, the 12 year old daughter, might have lacked adult strength and coordination. Always one to calculate risk, EAR jumps through the window brandishing a small snub nose revolver in his left hand, (Winters p. 30 and Crompton “Sudden Terror” p.82) or possibly right hand (Shelby “Hunting a Psychopath” p.96) as well as a foot long club in his other hand- and naked from the waist down (Winters, p.30.) Mom, unimpressed by the weapons’ display as well as EAR’s nakedness, immediately grabs for the (more lethal) gun. There ensues a struggle that literally splashes mom’s blood on the floors and walls of multiple rooms. Apparently, throughout this intense event, he neither fired the handgun, or even referred to it. However, both Shelby and Winters note EAR used both the revolver and club as impact weapons.
Analysis
Simultaneous use of the handgun and the club is intrinsically awkward-it deprives him of the primary use of hands, which is grasping/grappling. In addition, the powerful body movements needed to use the impact weapon increase the likelihood of a negligent discharge (ND) as the gun hand is likely to tighten in sympathy with the opposite hand. An ND is to be avoided-both as it may alert people in adjoining homes, and (much worse from EAR’s perspective) it risks inflicting a leg wound on himself. Use of the revolver as an impact weapon is a desperate measure. He chanced disabling the weapon from a bent ejector rod, or if his thumb was misplaced in the pummeling, popping open the cylinder-and losing the ammunition. (If VR=EAR, this small revolver may have been the stolen Miroku snub revolver which was used to kill professor Snelling-that model weapon (called a “Liberty Chief”) had an exposed ejector rod, and the cylinder rotation impairment from a bent rod may explain the lack of firearms in the next few attacks-and his evolving to semi-autos for an extended time later on.
The unskillful employment of the handgun evidenced a lack of formal instruction and the prolonged struggle with the noncompliant (and apparently untrained,) victim appeared to constitute “on the job” training”. Finally, we note he jumped into the house with the awareness that multiple people had full knowledge of his approach. An overconfidence born of inexperience would account for this foolhardy move.
Attack #4-Having failed badly with victims who had advance notice, and who were motivated/emboldened by family members present, EAR changed tactics in the next attack and initiated a blitz style assault against a lone victim. It is noteworthy, I think, that he did not display or reference a firearm, and that he employed only a small knife and fists. There is some evidence this woman was a sudden target of opportunity, and he may not have had his full “kit.” But the fact remains that he chose to initiate and complete an attack only with a small edged weapon. This knife was more easily wielded than the club and revolver. He likely was confident of successful victim control using only the small knife as he had achieved total surprise and accompanied this with overwhelming physical force.
Analysis
It appears from the radical change in weaponry and m.o. that EAR is experimenting with tactical methods. He is not seeking to perfect a known mode of control or operation, but almost flailing from one extreme to another. This is indicative of a person with no established knowledge base.
In attack #5, one month later, EAR veers away from the tumultuous entry of attack #3 as well as the physical blitz style of attack #4 and returns to the bedroom awakening of previous incidents. He is almost back to attack #1 in style. Again, no firearm is referenced. His knife is now more prominently used-as an instrument of psychological torture. “He held a knife above his head as he walked.” (Winters, p. 45.) He references the knife several times and “…pokes it into her neck.” (Ibid.) This attack was preceded by extensive area surveillance and a prior burglary of the victim’s house. (Ibid p.43.) No firearm is displayed or referenced.
Analysis
This attack is demonstrative of EAR’s psychology and background. He is very careful, almost obsessive in preparation. He is intelligent, and he makes repeated efforts to ascertain the layout of the area, the victim’s home and family schedules. His careful attention to detail pays off. But then in the actual attack, EAR approaches the victim at a fast walk-holding the knife above his head. (Ibid p. 45.)
Holding a knife in this manner is an excellent way to lose your weapon and offers your opponent an opportunity for a take- down: you are giving your opponent a means of leverage against you-and literally removing the blade from the immediate confrontation. The only thing that can be said about this “stance” is that it must have appeared intimidating in a bedroom mirror. Thus- EAR is intelligent, obsessive, arrogant and unschooled.
A general rule: any implement used as a weapon is best retained close to the center of mass of your body: you are strongest there, you present the smallest profile and the concentrated mass aids rapid movement. Even a club, in approaching a standing opponent, is best used from the center of your power in a jabbing motion. Speaking generally again, the knife would be held in front, blade outward, a gun would be held to the rear in a position that allows the use of your slanted body to shield the weapon. (You can grab a gun, but you can’t grab a knife.) As for the element of control through terror, EAR’s repeated use of the knife through poking of the victim’s body and sliding its blade along her skin shows a real and growing sophistication in creating fear-and a strong personal need to do this.
Attack #6 October 1976, a young female alone. EAR employs only a knife and actually begins the assault by grabbing her in bed and sticking the knife point directly into her shoulder. No gun is referenced. In this one case, EAR experimented with a complicated system of ropes tied throughout the house. Presumably these were to delay persons who might be (unknown to him) in other rooms. It was a strange mechanism and perhaps speaks to a lack of confidence in his ability to control, or more likely to his experimentation in means and methods. (I cannot help but wonder if the September 1976 issue of “True Crime” featured the rope system.)
Attack #7. Oct. 18, 1976. EAR, apparently buoyed by his successes in the last three attacks, EAR returns to the bottom half naked form. As in attack #3 he pressed the invasion home despite the knowledge he was detected. (This event involved, however, a less risky target population-the mom was accompanied by two young children rather than teen agers.) EAR also demonstrates a greater finesse in psychological terror. “Do exactly as I Tell you or I’ll kill you, I’ll butcher you all to pieces.” (Ibid, p.64.) He carries an edged weapon, described variously as “..a short, thick knife.” (Ibid p.64.) or as “..large, heavy,…monstrous.” (Crompton, p. 139.) Whatever its size, EAR used the knife to trace intricate patterns on her torso. He clearly was enjoying the very personal terror an edged weapon can induce and experienced this as an expression of rage. This victim, sensing his obsessive need to control and perhaps guessing as to its origins (a guess aided, no doubt by his obvious stuttering) complimented EAR. His response was to voice surprise and gratitude.
(He clearly felt at ease here-even to the point of telling her people laugh at him -presumably in sexual situations.) Unfortunately, EAR was not one to sell access to his interior cheaply, he then brutally raped her vaginally, anally and orally, going so far as ordering her to perform oral sex after anal sex. The brutality may well be his frantic reaction to this brief opening she created to his inner self. No gun is referenced and none certainly, has been needed to accomplish his sick goals.
Analysis
EAR reveals here a pathetic insecurity. He is, momentarily, humbly grateful for the victim’s compliment, he stutters and stumbles while talking, and demonstrates a fascination with inducing terror with a sharp knife. He issues threats to induce terror, even reaching the point of absurdity-butchering two people to pieces is simply not in the cards. (I can just see this guy mouthing this threat into his bedroom mirror-just before he answers mother’s call to dinner.)
Attack #8 also 10.18.76 (evening). This is interesting as it was: (1) Initiated outside a home in a well lit area, (2) self-aborted by EAR and (3) Contained an explicit reference to a firearm-a topic absent since attack #3. EAR pulled her from her car in front of her house and controlled her via a knife to her throat. Oddly, he took her to a neighboring back yard. This attack appeared to reflect an astute knowledge of her family’s routine (they were expected home in 30 minutes) and very possibly an over estimation of his sexual energy. He had repeatedly raped and ejaculated in a terror-filled attack earlier that day and presumably taxed his sexual limits. Winters guesses (p.79) that he was spent. He left the scene by stealing the victim’s car and driving it a short distance away, parking it near the scene of multiple earlier attacks. As with Winters, my thought is he drove the car to beak a scent trail and parked within a short distance of his house. (He probably did not miss more than a minute of his favorite 11:30 TV show.) EAR did attempt to impart control by advising the victim he would shoot her if she moved, (mimicking the sound of gunfire) but no firearm was produced and the victim doubted he carried one. This sounds like a weak attempt to “ice the cake.” In controlling her.
Analysis
Most likely, this event reflects the overconfidence of a young offender who is still exploring his limits and experimenting with methods. Attacking at 11:00 PM in a well-lighted area is very risky. In our “typical suburban development” late evening dog walkers are just completing their rounds-and other neighbors let their dog out into the yard before calling them in at 11:30.
Attack #9 11.10.76. An early evening (7PM) home invasion, followed by an abduction to the outside. This and the prior attack are very similar-both involve abductions from the house, and both attacks are aborted by EAR. EAR leads her down a canal to an apparently prepared spot. Here he makes the now routine knife to the victim’s throat movement to ensure compliance. Before leaving on the abduction, he staged the victim’s house to make it appear she left on her own volition. He does this so successfully it fools her parents when they return. (Winters, p.86. ) Coinciding with the sophistication of preparation are several almost humorously juvenile touches: (1) he finds cutting the victims jeans off oh so complicated and plaintively mutters. “This is not working right.” (Crompton, p. 154 and Winters P.84.); (2) several times after ominous threats he attempts to impress his invulnerability on her by exclaiming he will “be gone in the night” and one time stating “I’ll be off in the dark. I’ll be gone in the dark and you’ll be silent forever.” (Winters, p.87.) and (3) he makes reference to having to wait for his parents to leave so he can return home. No gun is displayed or referenced. The victim (for the first time in these attacks) remarks on his markedly foul body odor.
Analysis
Here we see EAR, for the second time, furthering his exploration with the outside abduction plan. And for the second time, he aborts the attack. He clearly is not comfortable with the outdoors as a secondary crime scene. Not only does he not initiate a sexual attack, he refrains from his now favored edged weapon body tracing psychological torture. There is a fascinating possible linkage between EAR’s accomplished home staging, his foul odor, and the remark regarding his parents. (Though it must be said the victim questioned the validity of his statement.) The fascinating thought: is it possible EAR’s parental figures have banished him from their abode-and EAR, temporarily living in a car or makeshift camp has let his hygiene slide? And… if he goes home at the right time he can shower, stage the house to cover his appearance and “be gone in the night.” The foul body odor issue that arises here will be seen again in the near future.
Finally, there is the almost comical struggle to cut her jeans off…and the nervous issuance of small talk to fill the time. He asked if they knew each other, did she go to the local college etc. At least he did not ask for her astrological sign or God forbid “do you come here often?” Once again EAR evidences an odd combination of sophistication created by obsessive preparation, and a woeful social maladroitness.
This is a young man with a limited experiential horizon…..he is literally juvenile in fantasies and interpersonal ability-but these may simply reflect social limitations imposed by several co-ocurring personality disorders. His chronological age probably exceeds his juvenile ideation.
More to come..at least that's the plan...