Muddy waters: critiquing the historical criminology method in the investigation of the Smiley Face murders theory

Article

Bleakley, P. 2021. Muddy waters: critiquing the historical criminology method in the investigation of the Smiley Face murders theory. Homicide Studies. 25 (3), pp. 273-292. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767920948571
TypeArticle
TitleMuddy waters: critiquing the historical criminology method in the investigation of the Smiley Face murders theory
AuthorsBleakley, P.
Abstract

As an emerging trans-disciplinary field, the operational use of historical criminology is a largely under-studied area. Examination of the use of archival research in studying cases connected to Gannon and Gilbertson’s Smiley Face murders theory indicates that there is clear potential for historical criminology to be used to revisit closed or cold investigations to determine if the official findings of the case are consistent with the evidence. In the case of the Smiley Face murders theory, taking a historical criminology approach has failed to prove the hypothesis of researchers; nevertheless, use of historical research methods has had some success in forcing a re-evaluation of several cases, and should be considered an important tool in future investigations of this nature.

Keywordshistorical criminology; murder; research; archival; methodology; policing
Sustainable Development Goals16 Peace, justice and strong institutions
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
PublisherSAGE Publications
JournalHomicide Studies
ISSN1088-7679
Electronic1552-6720
Publication dates
Online08 Aug 2020
Print01 Aug 2021
Publication process dates
Accepted28 Jul 2020
Deposited25 Sep 2020
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

Bleakley P., Muddy Waters: Critiquing the Historical Criminology Method in the Investigation of the Smiley Face Murders Theory, Homicide Studies. 2021;25(3):273-292. Copyright © 2020 (Author(s)). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767920948571

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767920948571
LanguageEnglish
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