Arson

1. Arson The willful use of fire to destroy property or cause bodily harm defraud insurance thrill crime revenge/hate crime murder sex crime Personalities of arsonists vary widely dependent upon motive typically juvenile males

2. Defraud insurance Arson is one way to defraud property insurance maximum effort to hide nature of crime period of financial crisis outdated inventory relocating/renovating business take advantage of government redevelopment incentives false inventory claims Timing of fire---children out of home removal of psychological valuables faked vandalism

3. Thrill Arson Typically perpetrated by male children/juveniles 15-20% females Typically sloppier, more clearly arson, targets may be valueless Accidental arson~~~less likely to do damage fires start in isolated areas �proper instruction� nearly valueless �Angry Child� firesetters typically 7-13 fire set at home or parental property little effort to hide arson conflicted homes?

4. Thrill Arson 2 �Delinquent� firesetter~~~11+ arson to cover up vandalism targets may be abandoned buildings--or revenge targets �Pleasure� arsonist children or juveniles who love fire fantasize about fire most likely group to eventually set fatal fires fantasize and dream of fire stay to watch fire/masturbation sex arsonists as adults

5. Revenge/Hate Crime Targeted specific individuals/groups African-American church burnings abortion clinic firebombings Personalities may mix paranoid, antisocial and passive-aggressive traits may be active, but not accepted in hate groups typically �fringe� individuals low social skills cowardly may have arrest record for trespass/vandalism (less likely for assault

6. Arson as Murder Arson may be used to attempt to hide nature of crime hard to pull off with forensic medicine reflects complete detachment with victim fire may start near/on victims Arson also used to cover up evidence Destroys much forensic evidence may reflect premeditation still demonstrates detachment from victim

7. Arson as Murder 2 Arson as family annihilation almost always male end to a family annihilation mass murder Ft. Lauderdale case example reflects desperate antisocial personality Arson as murder weapon reflects EXTREME hatred of victim high likelihood of intimate/sexual bond sadistic traits to personality used by both males and females Rhode Island case example (Cumberland)