Jerry Brudos' escalation from theft and prowling to murder was driven by his deep-seated sexual fetishes and a desire to exert control over women, leading him to escalate to more violent and lethal acts.
Jerry Brudos disposed of his victims' bodies by tying them to heavy objects like car engines and dumping them in the Long Tom River, often redressing them in stolen clothing before disposal.
The photographs Jerry Brudos took of his victims were significant as they served as a form of control and a way to relive the crimes, often depicting the victims in humiliating and dehumanizing poses.
Jerry Brudos' wife inadvertently contributed to his capture by allowing him to use her car during his crimes, which led to the discovery of evidence linking him to the abductions and murders.
The psychiatric evaluation of Jerry Brudos concluded that he was not psychotic but suffered from anti-social personality disorder, showing no empathy or remorse for his crimes and being fully aware of his actions' criminal nature.
Jerry Brudos refused to reveal the location of Linda Salee's body as a final act of control and power over her family, ensuring they would never have closure or a proper burial for their loved one.
The community, particularly the families of his victims, reacted to Jerry Brudos' death with relief, as it meant they no longer had to fear his potential release on parole and could begin to heal from the trauma he caused.
At first glance, there wasn’t much to the mild and unassuming Jerry Brudos; however, when investigators looked into his background, they discovered several arrests for theft, prowling, and sexual assault. And the more they learned about Brudos’ life, the more certain they became that he was the man they were looking for.
Ultimately, Jerry Brudos was convicted of the murders of Jan Whitney, Karen Sprinker, and Linda Salee and given three life sentences. His capture and incarceration were a big relief to the women of Oregon, but his cooperation with law enforcement and the FBI would prove invaluable as the latter established what would eventually become the Behavioral Analysis Unit.
References
Associated Press. 1969. "Fisherman's grim discovery started search for slayer." Albany Democrat-Herald, June 30: 21.
—. 1969. "Coed provided first lead in murder case." Oregonian, June 4: 11.
Capital Journal. 1969. "Salem student, 19, feared kidnaped." Capital Journal, March 29: 1.
Carbonell, Dan De. 2006. "36 years later, killer's death relieves victims' families." Statesman Journal (Salem Oregon), March 29: 2.
Leibman, Faith H. 1989. "Serial Murderers: Four Case Histories." Federal Probation 41-45.
Long, James. 1969. "Photo found in Brudos' home shows girl hanging by rope." Oregon Daily Journal, June 7: 1.
Morrison, Allen. 1969. "Brudos tells of attacks, killings." *Oregon Statesman *, June 28: 1.
—. 1969. "Indicted in death of Miss Sprinkler." Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon), June 5: 1.
Olmos, Robert. 1969. "Crews widen river search for clues in girls murders." *Oregonian *, May 15: 19.
Oregon Journal. 1968. "2 teen-age girls missing." Oregon Daily Journal, February 6: J7.
Oregonian. 1968. "Help sought in search." Oregonian, December 23: 24.
—. 1969. "Office aide disappears ." Oregonian, April 26: 14.
Painter, John. 1969. "Sudden shift in plea signals end of trial." *Oregonian *, June 28: 1.
—. 1969. "Tests stall state trial of Brudos." Oregonian, June 6: 1.
Roby, Larry. 1969. "Parole agency explains eligibilty of Brudos." Capital Journal (Salem, Oregon), July 2: 15.
—. 1969. "Judge discloses warrant details on Brudos." Capital Journal, June 6: 1.
Rule, Ann. 1983. Lust Killer. New York, NY: Random House.
Statesman Journal. 1969. "Brudos home alleged site of 2 slayings." Staesman Journal (Salem, Oregon), June 18: 1.
Wong, James. 1969. "Somebody probably saw Linda Salee's killer--but will the person speak up?" *Oregon Daily Journal *, May 15: 5.
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