Soul death: a brief study of some familial murderers.

Abstract

Journal of The American Academy of Psychoanalysis, 29(3), 439–456, 2001 © 2001 The American Academy of Psychoanalysis Case 1. Tall, blonde, debonair, industrious, and Princeton educated, Jeffrey MacDonald revealed no physical or emotional characteristics of a brutal murderer. In June 1979, in Raleigh, North Carolina, 91⁄2 years after he beat and stabbed to death his pregnant wife and two young daughters, Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald was tried for the third time and convicted of murdering his family. To this day he claims he and his family were attacked by a band of four drug-crazed hippies. From his prison cell in Texas he directs a campaign of steadfast supporters in his fight for freedom.