by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright October 14, 2002
All Rights Reserved.

arring nerves to the breaking point, the Beltway assassin continues to terrorize the D.C.-area, producing few clues and leaving law enforcement scratching their heads. Toying with police, the sniper claimed his latest victim Oct. 14 in Faifax County, Va., hitting FBI analyst Linda Franklin in the head while loading packages with her husband in the parking lot of Home Depot, raising the death toll to nine with no end in sight. Strangely reminiscent of last year's anthrax attacks, the killer remains camouflaged in suburbia, receding into the dense foliage from Maryland to Virginia. Over a year later, authorities still haven't caught the anthrax killer, hoping to have better luck with the Beltway psycho. Hitting victims from 300-500 yards, the sniper uses a military-type .223 caliber bullet, showing pinpoint marksmanship, though some attribute such accuracy to high-power scopes. But even high-power scopes can't fell victims without crackerjack precision and skill. While law enforcement gropes for a motive, all serial killers offer common clues about intent and personality.

      Responding to a slew of false alarms, Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose acknowledged his community's rattled nerves. "We also admit everyone is edgy. People are hearing things," said Moose, commenting about the deluge of tips and bogus reports clogging the pipeline. Now heading a multi-agency task force, Moose refused to release specifics related to the investigation. "I wish we could give you a name, a mug shot and an address but we're not at that point," Moose told Sunday morning TV talk shows. Without a police composite, the Beltway assassin resembles other serial killers. Unibomber Ted Kazinsky stayed on the lam for nearly 20-years, before his brother finally ratted him out. More than likely, the Beltway assassin is also a misanthrope, whose gratification comes from playing life and death. Assuming that the tarot card, note saying "I am God," and shell casing were real, it suggests the same psychotic mind found with other serial killers.

      Sniping at bystanders engaged in mundane activities like filling gas tanks, loading groceries, watering gardens, or, in the sickest display imaginable, children at play, the Beltway assassin displays a ruthless core, making a statement that anything's fair game. Hitting victims at the most vulnerable times, the killer picks easy targets, like shooting sitting ducks, prompting authorities to call him a coward. Psychopathic killers share the same rage and bereft conscience, compelling the most sadistic acts. With each conquest, the killer swells with omnipotence, deriving perverse gratification from playing God—or Devil, depending on how you look at it. Whether the assassin's motivated by early life abuse, recent losses, failed relationships or intolerable betrayals, the same pathology motivates lethal behavior. Retaliation against real or imagined enemies isn't necessary for serial murders whose killer instincts break loose. Rational people have trouble grasping the psychotic pleasure that drives serial killers.

      Showing uncanny accuracy, the Beltway assassin fells victims with a single shot, leaving some to conclude that the killer either has military sniper training or civilian marksmanship experience. Judging by the caliber of recovered bullet fragments and shell casings, it appears the killer uses a military assault weapon or high-powered hunting rifle. Though some "eyewitnesses" report that a Chevy Astro Van with chrome roof rack left the last crime scene, the vehicle description is by no means definite. "We're just going on the best information provided by witnesses," said Capt. Dean Martin, the patrol commander for the Fredericksburg police, admitting that the police might be drawing blanks. With the intense manhunt now underway, it would be difficult to go undetected in a conspicuous vehicle. One thing's for sure, the Beltway assassin thumbs his nose at law enforcement, much the same way other serial killers leave cryptic clues but gloat at eluding police. Playing hide and seek, the killer shows off his skill at escaping detection.

      A brazen thrill seeker, the Beltway assassin will fall into his own trap, letting his ego get the better of him. Addicted to publicity, the killer should maintain just enough profile to get detected. Psychopathic killers can't perform the perfect crime because they crave attention and eventually make a fatal error. Playing their cards close to the vest, authorities don't want to telegraph clues to the killer. "We don't want to release anything that may cause . . . anyone to think they're a suspect," said Mick Bouchard, an agent for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Entrapping serial killers is a game of cat and mouse, bating them into taking risks, then ambushing them when they least expect it. Blinded by perverted thinking, psychopathic killers usually can't contain self-destructive propensities, eventually leading to detection.

      Pressing his case, the Beltway assassin puts law enforcement on notice that America is indeed vulnerable to terrorist attacks. While unlikely connected with Osama bin Laden, the Beltway sniper displays the same kind of lethal obsession found among the world's most dangerous terrorists. Like a hunter stalking prey, the killer picks his targets, establishes position and patiently waits to pull the trigger. No ordinary gun owner without either military-type sniper training or civilian marksmanship proficiency could kill with such deadly precision. Whether murderers are motivated by politics or insanity, the same cold-blooded preparation and ruthless execution drives the violence. Like a renegade soldier on a murderous binge, he waits patiently to be put out of his misery. Until challenged, he continues his homicidal rampage, proving that his lawlessness goes unpunished. With law enforcement closing in, it's just a matter of time before the Beltway assassin goes down in a blaze of glory.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's a consultant and expert in strategic communication. He's author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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