Crime and Victimization
Introduction to Criminal Justice
7/28/2013
Crime is an unfortunate part of many people’s lives - both for the victim of the crime and also the suspect. There are many theories as to why crimes happen, who commits the crimes, and why crimes happen to certain people. Not all crimes can be solved, or questions answered but these theories give a peek into the thinking or background behind some crimes that are committed. Social process theory believes that individuals are socially conditioned into or against crime (Siegel, “Social Process Theory”). Negative family relationships, limited education or association with others who have little or not respect for the law, can have a significant impact on a person’s life. The case of Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian, is a perfect example of this theory. Christopher and Channon, both 21, were on a date in January 2007, in Knoxville, Tennessee when they were carjacked and abducted late at night. They were taken to the house of a man named, Lemaricus Davidson where they were tortured and eventually killed. This terrible murder was not only the act of Lemaricus Davidson, but four additional individuals: Letalvis Cobbins, George Thompson, Eric Boyd and Vanessa Coleman (Channon Christian, Christopher Newsom murders). Social process theory believes if a person associates with criminals, they are more likely to engage in criminal activity themselves. Over a period of hours, these five individuals slowly tortured Christopher and Channon. They suspects were all involved in this horrific crime and did not attempt to stop each other. With various local, state and federal organizations/agencies, depending on the crime(s), one or more organization/agency can be involved. A majority of routine traffic stops and arrest and done by local law enforcement. Sometimes, if a pursuit entails, more than one agency may be involved, especially if the
7/28/2013
Crime is an unfortunate part of many people’s lives - both for the victim of the crime and also the suspect. There are many theories as to why crimes happen, who commits the crimes, and why crimes happen to certain people. Not all crimes can be solved, or questions answered but these theories give a peek into the thinking or background behind some crimes that are committed. Social process theory believes that individuals are socially conditioned into or against crime (Siegel, “Social Process Theory”). Negative family relationships, limited education or association with others who have little or not respect for the law, can have a significant impact on a person’s life. The case of Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian, is a perfect example of this theory. Christopher and Channon, both 21, were on a date in January 2007, in Knoxville, Tennessee when they were carjacked and abducted late at night. They were taken to the house of a man named, Lemaricus Davidson where they were tortured and eventually killed. This terrible murder was not only the act of Lemaricus Davidson, but four additional individuals: Letalvis Cobbins, George Thompson, Eric Boyd and Vanessa Coleman (Channon Christian, Christopher Newsom murders). Social process theory believes if a person associates with criminals, they are more likely to engage in criminal activity themselves. Over a period of hours, these five individuals slowly tortured Christopher and Channon. They suspects were all involved in this horrific crime and did not attempt to stop each other. With various local, state and federal organizations/agencies, depending on the crime(s), one or more organization/agency can be involved. A majority of routine traffic stops and arrest and done by local law enforcement. Sometimes, if a pursuit entails, more than one agency may be involved, especially if the
References: Siegel, Larry J. (N.D.) Social Process Theory. www.NCJRS.gov. Retrieved July 27, 2013, from https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=185186 Associated Press. (July 21, 2013) Three Ohio Murders. www.foxnews.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013 from http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/07/21/three-bodies-found-wrapped-in-plastic-in-cleveland/ (February 21, 2013). Aric Alexander Smith. www.wusa9.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013, from http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/244584/256/Aric-Alexander-Smith-Charged-With-Murder-Robbery-In-Shooting-Death-Of-Gregory-Lee-Holley-Sr-In-Woodbridge-Va Siegel and Worrall. 2013. Essentials of Criminal Justice. (N.D.) Channon Christian, Christopher Newsom murders. www.knoxnews.com. Retrieved July 27, 2013, from http://www.knoxnews.com/news/news/local/channon-christian-christopher-newsom-murders/