Extracts from profile of the so-called "Sheffield Strangler"
...The victims' ages suggest that the suspect is interested in women in their early twenties, and those who are conventionally attractive. They may represent the kind of women he is unable to associate with or make contact with in his daily life. He may have strong feelings of inadequacy with women. The victims may represent women he feels have rejected him in the past...
...Analysis of the crime scene suggests that the railway line presents an important focus for the killer's fantasy. His MO for disposal of the bodies has not been fully established, but the choice of sites does not present an easy or convenient place, nor is it the most public venue for display, though all the bodies so far have been found within twenty-four hours of the victim's death. He clearly wants the bodies to be found - he is seeking recognition and publicity, and probably enjoys the power that the developing atmosphere of fear provides...
...This offender in all probability comes from a dysfunctional or disrupted family. It is possible that he was brought up by a single parent, probably the mother. She may have been violent or neglectful towards him when he was a child, but he may have developed a high degree of dependency upon her...
...His MO behaviour suggests careful planning and methodological execution of his offences. I believe he develops a prior knowledge of the victim's behaviour, routine, lifestyle etc. This could be done either by befriending the victim over a period of time, or by close, covert observation. It is possible he stalks or harasses his victims in some way prior to the attack... I suggest that the closest possible attention be paid to the acquaintances of the victims, particularly the more recent ones...
...age is difficult to determine. The extreme violence of the attacks and their sadistic nature suggests a high level of anger and excitement consistent with someone in their mid-twenties, but the degree of control indicated by the careful planning and timing suggests an older individual, possibly into late thirties or older. This supports my comment above that this person may have had a recent experience that has released previously suppressed or partially suppressed patterns of behaviour...
...almost certainly followed newspaper accounts of the killings, and of the progress of the investigation. He may well feel that he is more intelligent than the police, and will grow more confident over time. This may lead to his becoming careless. This does not mean that he wants to be caught, though he may prefer it if the investigation team think that this is the case.
Despite the recent break in the killer's pattern (no attack at the end of September), this man will kill again, or may already have done so.