The Psychiatrist, The Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling

Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling

by Michael Cannell

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Paperback	:	344 pages
Item Weight	:	1.17 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.98 x 0.78 x 8.74 inches

FREE

In the early 1950s, New York City was terrorized by a series of bombings. The Mad Bomber, as he came to be known, planted bombs in public places, including churches, schools, and transportation hubs. The bombs were often crudely constructed and caused little damage, but they created a climate of fear and anxiety in the city.

The FBI was tasked with catching the Mad Bomber, but they were initially stumped. The bomber was careful not to leave any fingerprints or other identifying evidence at the scenes of his crimes. He also seemed to have no motive, and his targets appeared to be random.

In desperation, the FBI turned to Dr. James Brussel, a psychiatrist who had developed a new technique for creating psychological profiles of criminals. Brussel believed that by studying the patterns of a criminal's behavior, it was possible to develop a profile of their personality and motivations.

Brussel began by examining the Mad Bomber's letters to the police and newspapers. He noted that the letters were full of angry and resentful language, and that the bomber often referred to himself as a "victim" of society.

Brussel also studied the bomber's targets. He noticed that the bomber often targeted places where people were gathered in large numbers, such as churches and schools. This suggested that the bomber was motivated by a desire to cause массовый страх.

Based on his analysis, Brussel developed a profile of the Mad Bomber. He predicted that the bomber would be a white male in his 40s or 50s, who had a history of mental illness and a grudge against society.

The FBI used Brussel's profile to narrow down their list of suspects. They eventually identified George Metesky, a 50-year-old unemployed machinist, as the Mad Bomber.

Metesky was arrested in 1957 and confessed to planting the bombs. He said that he was motivated by a desire to get revenge on Consolidated Edison, the utility company that he believed had cheated him out of money.

The case of the Mad Bomber was a landmark in the development of criminal profiling. It showed that it was possible to use psychological techniques to understand the minds of criminals and to predict their behavior.

Today, criminal profiling is a valuable tool used by law enforcement agencies around the world. It has helped to solve countless crimes and to prevent many more.

The Mad Bomber's Letters

The Mad Bomber wrote a series of letters to the police and newspapers during his bombing campaign. The letters were full of angry and resentful language, and the bomber often referred to himself as a "victim" of society.

Here are some excerpts from the Mad Bomber's letters:

• "I am a victim of Consolidated Edison. They have cheated me out of money and I want revenge."
• "I am going to blow up every Con Edison building in New York City."
• "I am not crazy. I am just a man who has been wronged."
• "I will not stop until Consolidated Edison pays me what I am owed."

The Mad Bomber's letters provide a glimpse into the mind of a disturbed individual. They show that the bomber was motivated by a desire for revenge and that he believed himself to be a victim.

The FBI's Criminal Profile

Dr. James Brussel's criminal profile of the Mad Bomber was based on his analysis of the bomber's letters and his targets.

Brussel predicted that the bomber would be a white male in his 40s or 50s, who had a history of mental illness and a grudge against society.

The FBI used Brussel's profile to narrow down their list of suspects. They eventually identified George Metesky, a 50-year-old unemployed machinist, as the Mad Bomber.

Metesky's profile matched Brussel's predictions in many ways. He was a white male in his 40s who had a history of mental illness. He also had a grudge against Consolidated Edison, the utility company that he believed had cheated him out of money.

The case of the Mad Bomber showed that criminal profiling could be a valuable tool for law enforcement. It helped the FBI to identify and apprehend a dangerous criminal.

The Legacy of the Mad Bomber

The case of the Mad Bomber is a reminder of the importance of mental health. The bomber was a deeply disturbed individual who was motivated by a desire for revenge. He could have been prevented from carrying out his bombings if he had received the help that he needed.

The case of the Mad Bomber also highlights the importance of criminal profiling. Criminal profiling can help law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend criminals before they can commit serious crimes.

Today, criminal profiling is a valuable tool used by law enforcement agencies around the world. It has helped to solve countless crimes and to prevent many more.

Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling

by Michael Cannell

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21915 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Paperback	:	344 pages
Item Weight	:	1.17 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.98 x 0.78 x 8.74 inches

FREE