Hannah Berger
4/20/2022
Journal #1
For my final project, I will be reviewing the Serial Murderer case. I have chosen this case
because I am the most interested in why murder cases occur, so I think it will be interesting to
learn about what makes a serial killer and what their motives are. The scenario I chose discusses
Frank Timmons, a 58-year-old parolee who was convicted of minor crimes and sexual assaults,
and the evidence that links him to serial murders. Among the murders, he also sexually assaulted
the women and was convicted of robberies and abduction. Before the murders, Frank was
convicted with rape, abduction, assault and driving under the influence. Once he served his time
he became a serial murderer and molested younger women and killed around eight murders
during his spree. Within this case, the evidence shows that Frank chose his victims without
motive, and his killing behavior was a result of his own instincts. After reading about Frank, I
have identified a few factors that may have played a role in Franks behavior. He had a rough
upbringing and was abused by his Father and then possibly abused by his older sister. The abuse
came from all areas, and he was also neglected by both of his parents. Abuse of a child can cause
many mental impairments since the child is still developing. This can lead to very serious
personality changes and behavioral disorders. It was also stated that Frank did not graduate
because he had to work to support his family. This likely put a lot of pressure on Frank, because
he had a younger brother to care for and, he could not rely on his parents. Also, people from
lower incomes are more likely to be incarcerated than the upper class because many people turn
to illegal activity to get money quickly. Frank's position in the lower class likely exposed Frank
to crime, making it likely he would also commit crimes. His mother died while he was younger,
which likely affected Frank a lot since he already had a difficult upbringing. As Frank got older,
he began to show some aggression in sports and began committing petty and sexual crimes.
These behaviors reflect his difficult upbringing and his personal experience with being abused as
a child. When children are abused, especially by a trusted adult, they feel this behavior is okay
and acceptable because they are too young to understand. Since Frank and his brother were
abused, they likely grew up thinking this behavior is okay, so it is no surprise that they began to
conduct the behaviors I received.