Serial Killer Expert on Charles Manson

Newswise — As investigators dig for evidence that even more people died at the hands of Charles Manson's killing crime "family," Jack Levin, Northeastern University's serial killer expert and Brudnick Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, is publishing a book on March 18th that offers excerpts from one-on-one interviews that he recently conducted with the notorious killer.

Levin, the Director of Northeastern's Center on Violence and Conflict, is a nationally known expert on violent crime. In this book, titled "Serial Killers and Sadistic Murderers — Up Close and Personal," published by Prometheus Books, Levin offers a glimpse into Manson's mind, who revealed to Levin that he considers himself to be the "most famous person who ever lived."

"Even today, if I ask students in my classes if they've heard of Charles Manson, most of them raise their hands," Levin said.

The author of 28 books on mass murder and hate crimes, said the Manson murders tapped into the psychology of an era poised for revolution and race wars. The brutality of the killings, the slashing and stabbings, which claimed the life of beautiful actress Sharon Tate, has gripped the mindset of the general public for 40 years.

As teams of forensic investigators search for clues about the possibility of more victims, Levin said his book and personal interviews with the killer especially hit home.

About Northeastern

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. The university's distinctive cooperative education program, where students alternate semesters of full-time study with semesters of paid work in fields relevant to their professional interests and major, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions. For more information, please visit http://www.northeastern.edu.