Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Gruenewald, Jeffrey A.

Committee Member

Allison, Kayla

Second Committee Member

Hershberger, Margaret

Third Committee Member

Odabaei, Milad

Abstract

Bias-motivated violence has emerged as an increasingly urgent social problem in the United States, with recent years witnessing significant rises in hate crimes against multiple marginalized groups. Although prior research has recognized that bias crimes are not motivated by a single factor, gaps remain in understanding how motivational circumstances relate to fatal outcomes and how situational factors differ between types of bias attacks. Using descriptive and bivariate analyses of cases from the Bias Homicide Database (2015-2022), this study examines the relationship between motivation, fatal outcomes, and incident characteristics in bias-motivated murders and attempted murders. Findings show that while predatory motivations were more prevalent overall, they did not significantly increase the likelihood of a fatal outcome compared to responsive motivations. However, important differences emerged between predatory and responsive attacks in terms of victim group, weapon type, and number of deaths. These results challenge traditional typologies that portray offender motivations as rigid or universally predictive, highlighting the need for greater attention to the fluid and complex nature of bias violence. By improving understanding of these nuances, the study offers insights for researchers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and policymakers seeking to more effectively identify, prevent, and respond to violent bias crime.

Keywords

bias crime; offender typology; motivational circumstances; responsive versus predatory violence; fatal outcome; situational factors

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