The Connections Among Adoption, Attachment, and Violence

Research regarding the experience and outcomes for adopted children has largely ended upon the individual turning 18 years old and has failed to provide adequate information about how adoption impacts an individual throughout the lifespan. Because of a lack of information gathering from the Department of Justice, there is little information about the incarceration rates of adopted individuals and the reasons for those incarcerations. This qualitative research study seeks to gain a better understanding of those individuals who were adopted and committed murder at some point after they were adopted. Court records, transcripts, motions, and evidence related to the murders committed by 19 individuals who were adopted and later committed murder were reviewed for information. This research identified several common characteristics between these individuals and their situation, including that they were largely male and although there were three cases in which the offender killed someone else, the vast majority of offenders killed one or both of their adoptive parents. Additionally, mental health diagnoses were given to each offender where the information was available, but few received treatment and those who did identified treatment as unhelpful. This research offers additional information to treatment providers and lawmakers who are considering treatment and legal options for adopted individuals.