The Human Equation

Serial killers, self-reliance, and everything in between

Joni E Johnston Psy.D.

Hell on Wheels

Cars have long been used as weapons. But a recently arrested alleged serial murderer used his car to kill. Is he the first?

My Cult Made Me Do It

The ability to tell the difference between religious fanaticism and mental illness may determine a defendant's valid insanity plea or the death penalty.

Extreme Beliefs or Religious Delusions?

Where is the line between delusions and extreme religious beliefs? The answer to that question may help investigators solve the mystery of three dead adults and two missing children.

The Tragedy of Murder-Suicides

Eleven murder-suicides are committed every week. Here's what we know about why those tragedies occur.

Lisa Snyder and the Deaths of Conner and Brinley

Lisa Snyder says her 8-year-old son committed a murder-suicide because he was bullied and depressed. Prosecutors say she killed them both. But what does the research tell us?

Adoption Scams, Continued

Adoption scams are rare, but they happen. Don't let them keep you from the joy of a child. Just know what to look for so it doesn't happen to you.

Adoption Scams

From the adoption fraudster who promised made-up babies to the Arizona attorney who's accused of baby trafficking, adoptive parents can be scammed. Here's how.

Serial Murder and Serial Killers

From the hit show Mind Hunter to documentaries about Ted Bundy; there was a lot of buzz about serial killers in 2019. But what happened in real life? Take a look at five trends.

To Catch a Predator?

New evidence suggests that sexual assault perpetrators don't fit into neat categories. The date that rapes a naive college student could be the next neighborhood serial rapist.

Confessed Serial Killer Jollyamma Joseph

Police say a wife and mother killed 6 people over 14 years. Did disbelief that a woman could do this help her get away with it, even when her husband's body contained cyanide?

The Most Disturbing Red Flag of Domestic Violence

When someone is in an abusive relationship, it's hard to know just how dangerous the situation is. One question can tell us a lot.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

We often think of a place of worship as a safe haven and look to our religious leaders for guidance. But what if s/he is looking at you as prey?

Narcissism, Rage, and Murder

Many prosecutors in recent murder cases have called the accused a narcissist. But is this true? Is there a link between narcissism and violence?

Rolling the Dice with Other People's Lives

For those who stand in the way of pathological gamblers' compulsion, the results can occasionally be deadly.

We Need to Talk About Kevin... and Harry and Aaron

Being diagnosed as a psychopath can only happen once someone is 18. How should we handle teenagers who look and act like their grown-up counterparts?

Dark Ambitions

What do serial killers and wannabe killers have in common? New research finds surprising similarities that may help us catch them sooner.

Poisoning at the Office

While managers and employees are aware of the potential for workplace violence, few think of it in terms of a coworker dying from an intentional poisoning. But it happens.

Is Jussie Smollett Crying Wolf?

Hate crimes hurt the victims, terrify similar others, and—sometimes—are met with skepticism, defensiveness, and doubt. So why would anyone make one up?

The Case of Serial Killer Dellen Millard

Is there such a thing as too much love? Maybe not, but in serial killer Dellen Millard's case, there was too much of something.

Now Dasher, Now Dancer, Now Danger?

It's common knowledge that domestic violence and holiday stress go together. But the real danger for domestic violence victims may not be what you think it is.

Bad to the Bone

Over 100 years ago, Charles Spearman identified a general factor of intelligence. Today, researchers say there is a general factor for evil, a dark core of personality traits.

Alleged Serial Killer Considering the Insanity Plea

With all the planning and covering up that is typical of serial killers, can one truly be insane? Here's what history says.

Kidnap-Proof Your College Student

Mollie Tibbetts was a beautiful young college student abducted and killed while out for a jog. Let's honor her memory by keeping our own college kids safe.

"She Would Never Kill Herself"

If someone you loved killed her or himself, would you believe it? A psychological autopsy can help death investigators figure out which ones are genuine and which are murder.

The Path to Payback

Why do revenge murderers often kill innocent victims? Perhaps it's not a person he's trying to kill.

What We Know (and Don't Know) About Female Psychopaths

Is Kelly Cochran a female psychopath or was she the victim of an abusive boyfriend? She'll have a long time to think about it.

Innocent People Don’t Confess And They Don’t Plead Guilty

Is it possible for a serial killer to be innocent? The case of the Lipstick Killer, William Heirens, shows how complicated a confession can be.

Identity Theft and Murder

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime. Recently, some victims have lost more than money when they were targeted by a lookalike criminal looking to start a new life.

The Road to Rage

Few of us worry about being shot to death when we get behind the wheel of a car. But news headlines and recent statistics show road rage is happening more often and can be deadly.

Five Myths About Female Serial Killers

Stereotypes about women and violence have allowed female serial killers to get away with murder far longer—and more often—than you might think.

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