Stephen J. Giannangelo, as a child, was fascinated by horror film genre, but not in the way most kids love horror films. He was not scared and titillated or shocked. He was drawn to the study of extreme abnormal psychology. Stephen would go on to obtain a Masters in forensic psychology from University of Illinois at Springfield. He was never one to remain in the classroom, Stephen wanted to study these criminals up close and personal. He became a special agent for the Illinois Department of Revenue’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and served on task forces with the Illinois state police and the F.B.I. He is currently an adjunct professor at his Alma Mater, the University of Illinois.

Stephen discussed the many aspects of this field. He tells about the collection of murderbelia or artifacts known to have been owned and or used by known serial killers. He himself has some paintings by John Wayne Gacy that he brings into the classroom for use in the study of persons who commit these crimes.

Stephen explains how a serial killer can use an insanity defense. He illustrates the steps a defense lawyer might take to use this defense.

Stephen had published two books on his field of study, the most recent is Real Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murder. His first book, published in 1996, was The Psychopathology of Serial Murder: A Theory of Violence.

 

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