Study on the Series of Killings in Kahawatta

Abstract

Introduction From 2008-2015, several murders of women were reported from Kahawatta, Ratnapura. The motive of most killings was not obvious and the attacks were targeted against isolated, elderly women.

Objective To analyze the medico-legal aspects of the series of killing in Kahawatta, Ratnapura.

Methods Data of women who had been killed under similar circumstances in Kahawatta, Ratnapura were collected from 2008,-July to 2015-April.

Results There were 16 female murders. Some bodies were left at the location and some were being moved. The CODs had been sharp force trauma to head (11), blunt force trauma to head (2), ligature strangulation (2) and manual strangulation (1). No eye witness was available. 'Independent' killings showed 'Signature' and 'cooling-off periods'. A serial killer was identified and was diagnosed to be a paraphilic. Another suspect was arrested and he admitted that he committed the case 7 murder for sexual gratification. Case 8and 9 were alleged to be related to drug deal. Case 15 and 16 were due to personal issues. Second and 3rd double murders were alleged to be done by the suspects of 1st double murder to create an alibi. Some suspects later went missing.

Conclusions Burning and surreptitious disposal has been used as methods of eliminating evidence. Death or missing of suspects can affect the trial. There should be 2 or more serial killers in Kahawatta. The ability to "read" the crime scene and recognize the "signature" of an offender can be useful to identify serial killer. Special features found in this series were some killers attempted to mimic serial killings, some appeared to be copycat murders and in other instances appeared to be as an alibi created by the suspects who were in the custody. Therefore, establishment of a National Criminal Investigation Centre to investigate in to such unsolved crimes is reiterated.