True Crime Friday: Hybristophilia
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Hybristophilia is sexual interest in and attraction to those who commit crimes. There are certain types of hybristophilia, they are as follows: Passive Hybristophilia is an attraction to the image of notoriety of a criminal without direct involvement in the crimes. This is mostly common amongst women who write love letters, send fan mail, or visit notorious inmates in prison. Aggressive Hybristophilia rare yet more dangerous than passive. The Aggressive Hybristophilia is attracted to an individual and actively participates in or helps facilitate their partner's criminal and violent acts.
Then there's the notion of the perfect boyfriend or girlfriend. Because they know where they are in prison and are more than likely to think about them. They can claim they are loved and never have to endure the day-to-day issues involved in most relationships. There's no laundry to do, no cooking, and no accountability. Such individuals cannot find love in normal ways. Most of the individuals that go down this path are smart, educated, wealthy and attractive.
Tim McDonald and Teresa Deion Smith Harris have never lived together but they recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. McDonald is a 50-year-old retired airline pilot. Harris, 34, is a convicted killer, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the Tennessee Prison for Women in Nashville.
Jennifer Hyatte fell in love with an inmate at the prison where she worked as a nurse. In August 2004, she was fired from her job as a licensed nurse practitioner at Tennessee's Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville for having an inappropriate relationship with inmate George Hyatte. She married Hyatte while he was in prison. When he went to court for his case, she broke him out at the courthouse, and they went on the run. A deputy was shot and the couple was eventually captured, and Jennifer was sentenced to life in prison while George was returned to prison with additional charges.
Possible Root Causes of Hybristophilia
I can change him/her Rescue Fantasy. A deep-seated desire to save a troubled individual, believing love can reform them. I can love them from a distance, Control and Safety Fantasy. An incarcerated partner offers a controlled dynamic. The person on the outside dictates the terms of communication, visits, and emotional investment while remaining physically safe from the offender. Childhood Trauma can lead to unhealthy emotional bonding, drawing individuals toward unavailable or dangerous figures. Fame and Attention Fantasy. The association with a high-profile criminal can bring media notoriety or attention to the admirer.Then there's the notion of the perfect boyfriend or girlfriend. Because they know where they are in prison and are more than likely to think about them. They can claim they are loved and never have to endure the day-to-day issues involved in most relationships. There's no laundry to do, no cooking, and no accountability. Such individuals cannot find love in normal ways. Most of the individuals that go down this path are smart, educated, wealthy and attractive.
The Killers and their Lovers
Theodore Bundy, Richard Ramirez and so many other killers have adoring fans and have even married some of them. Why do men and women fall in love with such evil people? Susan Smith the infamous killer of her two sons has received numerous love letters from men. She has received proposals and of course money to support her in prison. With a record 2.1 million people in U.S. jails and prisons, it's not surprising that thousands of American men and women have spouses or romantic partners in prison. The people becoming involved with inmates are from a variety of backgrounds and professions.Tim McDonald and Teresa Deion Smith Harris have never lived together but they recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. McDonald is a 50-year-old retired airline pilot. Harris, 34, is a convicted killer, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at the Tennessee Prison for Women in Nashville.
Jennifer Hyatte fell in love with an inmate at the prison where she worked as a nurse. In August 2004, she was fired from her job as a licensed nurse practitioner at Tennessee's Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville for having an inappropriate relationship with inmate George Hyatte. She married Hyatte while he was in prison. When he went to court for his case, she broke him out at the courthouse, and they went on the run. A deputy was shot and the couple was eventually captured, and Jennifer was sentenced to life in prison while George was returned to prison with additional charges.