Dr. Evelyn Rindquest

10/23/99

To Whom it May Concern:

Mr. Liberman contacted me several days ago with information regarding Ally Farson. I want to state here for my own records, if not for your own, that I contacted you through my own volition when I found that you were dealing with a possible female serial killer. As you know must know, females as serial killers is quite rare, and I welcome the opportunity to help you so that I may further my own studies in this matter.

I see no absolutes for Ms. Farson's abuse in her childhood. I don't see any concrete evidence yet. And this may not be important to verify at this time. Although most male serial killers have abusive childhoods, one can almost guarantee that abusive childhoods do not all grow up to be serial killers. What is important is the absence, or the confusion over, her mother.

What we often see with child abuse is not only the undercurrents of learning violence as a defense mechanism, but also the physical problems that may come with undernourishment, injuries to the skull, or deformities from other forms of harsh disciplinarianism. The major byproduct of child abuse is the creation of the lack of love between parent and child. If the child does not learn to bond with its primary caregivers, they develop no skills in life for trusting others.

This leads to one of the most common characteristics of a serial killer as a child: the escape valve of a fantasy world. Most serial killers, as children, have the common problem of the world of daydreams. This enables the child to avoid interaction with their peers, creating a life of domination and control fantasies. This is where Liberman and I agree totally on Farson. She has, in spite of the fact that she knew her victims, managed to avoid developing any compassion for these people. It could have something to do with her passion for film, which flattens people out and makes them symbols rather than living, breathing vessels for humanity.

Farson's family is very interesting. Now, I can only base my observations here on the male serial killer, as I have no common denominator for the female. In the male situation, the father is either missing or extremely abusive of both the child and the mother. the mother is a person of dichotomies. In other words, she is either submissive or domineering, overly sexually active or frigid, smothering in her attention or totally distant.

I believe that several keys to Farson's childhood would be with her family structure. One of the notes that Liberman sent me also is very suspicious: One of the major clues to a serial killer is forced isolation. This, obviously, contributes to the factors of not trusting others. Another factor is the shame involved. When his or her parents shame a child, whether in public or in private, that shame translates into some odd behaviors. It may show up as extreme obsessive-compulsive disorders, or it could become as severe as murder.

And what is serial killing but obsessive-compulsive murder?

Liberman has indicated to me that you will be updating him on any further information you might find regarding Farson's lineage or her behaviors in childhood. From what I've seen so far, she is very typical for major psychological stress. I cannot determine a diagnosis from this material, but I would be extremely pleased if I could also be updated and informed on your progress.

Sincerely,

Dr. Evelyn Rindquest