True Crime Junkies: Facial features can help solve murders
Physiognomy can be used to help solve murders, for example, if the police have a suspect but not enough evidence, by examining the facial features of the suspect, a profile of his/her modus operandi can be established, and when the police have no suspect but they do have evidence, a facial profile can be constructed based on the evidence.
I have often heard the saying “he doesn’t look like a murderer”. So what does a murderer look like?
We are often shocked when a neighbour, friend, or acquaintance is convicted of horrendous acts, they look so normal. Even though we might not be able to identify killers by their looks, examining certain facial features can explain some of their personality traits, this is called physiognomy.
Physiognomy can be used to help solve murders, for example, if the police have a suspect but not enough evidence, by examining the facial features of the suspect, a profile of his/her modus operandi can be established, and when the police have no suspect but they do have evidence, a facial profile can be constructed based on the evidence.
It is important to note that having a specific facial feature does not make you a killer, it is a combination of many things. I read that the left side of your face resembles your personal life and the right side resembles your work and social life, should you have more wrinkles on your left side, it could indicate that you have more stress in your personal life.
Having a wide nose indicates that you perform better in group settings, like a gang.
A strong chin could indicate an explosive temper, but people tend to push out their chins when they get angry. A strong chin could also indicate strong willpower.
Someone with angular eyebrows indicates that they want to be in control, disagreeing with them will not be tolerated.
A person with a straight forehead will plan their crimes meticulously, or their grocery list. Where someone with a rounded forehead will visualise their crimes and can think quickly on their feet.
Your ears also say a lot about you, if the top of your ears are higher than your eyes it indicates that you are someone who often makes quick and impulsive decisions.
When someone’s eyes are close to their nose it indicates that they are practical and can really focus on something, like an accountant. Eyes that are wider apart indicate a more realistic and worldly person, like an artist.
We are all capable of becoming criminals. We all have some good and some bad inside us and examining someone’s face cannot tell us if they are a criminal but looking at the different facial features can tell us more about their personality.
About the author: Monique Botha is a divorced mother of two and has been living on the South Coast for five years. She completed her higher certificate in criminal justice and is in her final year of completing her bachelor’s degree in criminology. She believes in lifelong learning and is proof that one is never too old to make your dreams a reality.
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