Police create profile of teen-ager's killer

Web posted August 24, 2000

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  Killer's profile unveiled by police

By Greg Rickabaugh
South Carolina Bureau

AIKEN - Jessica Carpenter's killer is probably reading this.

At least that's what police think.

Aiken police say the person who killed the 17-year-old might even discuss the article with friends, family and associates. The killer also could be suffering from anxiety and may have noticeable changes in sleeping and eating habits.

Nearly three weeks after Jessica was found slain in her Crosland Park home, the Aiken Department of Public Safety released a profile of the killer and appealed to the public for help in solving the case.

The profile was developed after research from the Behavioral Science Unit at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

``Their experience and research indicates that immediately following the murder, the offender would be preoccupied with discovery: His primary goal would be to distance himself from the scene, get to a safe place and collect his thoughts,'' Capt. Tom Galardi said Wednesday in a prepared statement.

``There would also be behavioral changes in the individual to the extent that it would be noticeable to those who are close to him. These changes may include anxiety, differences in consumption of food, alcohol, drugs and changes in sleeping habits.''

In addition to releasing the profile Wednesday, Capt. Galardi announced that Aiken investigators have processed more than 115 leads and interviewed more than 200 people. There are five detectives, three special operation officers and several others assigned to the case, the captain said.

In the next few days, officers will begin a third canvass of the Crosland Park neighborhood to gather more information.

``It is the intention of the Aiken Department of Public Safety to use every possible resource and follow every possible lead to obtain a successful conclusion to this case,'' Capt. Galardi said.

Jessica was discovered dead inside her home on Brentwood Place on Aug. 4. An autopsy revealed the cause of her death as lack of oxygen and internal bleeding. Further testing is expected to show whether she was sexually assaulted, but police continue seeking a motive.

According to the killer's profile, the offender will follow the investigation closely by taking an interest in media accounts of the crime, when in the past he took little, if any, interest in the local news. He also may show an interest in rumors and theories of why the slaying occurred and could inject a few theories of his own.

``He may talk about the murder himself,'' Capt. Galardi wrote in the profile. ``His comments most likely would be noncommittal, offering explanations such as `it wasn't supposed to happen,' or blaming the victim in some manner.''

Experience has shown that in these types of crimes, there is someone close to the killer who may suspect their family member or friend is the one responsible for the slaying, the captain said.

``The Aiken Department of Public Safety is appealing to this person to come forward with any information regarding this offender,'' Capt. Galardi said. ``Making the telephone call is understandably difficult; however, we want this person to know that they may be the only one in a position to help further prevent another individual from being killed.''

Anyone who may have information is asked to call (803) 642-7620 and speak to one of the detectives working on the case.

Reach Greg Rickabaugh at (803) 279-6895.