Karla Homolka Child Rapist, Torturer and Killer

Background Born May 4 th 1970 (oldest child of 3) Well adjusted, pretty, smart, popular Received ample love and attention from family and friends Passion for animals Worked at a vet clinic after high school Attended a pet convention in Toronto (17) – met future husband Paul Bernardo (23) Realized they both shared the same sado-masochistic desires Encouraged each other's psychotic behavior

Crimes Accused of Committing *these crimes are all done with (and for) her husband, Paul Homolka CrimeDateVictim Raped and Murdered 1990Sister, Tammy Homolka Drugged and Brutally Raped on Video Jane Drugged, Brutally Raped on Video, Murdered 1991Leslie Mahaffy Brutally Raped and Murdered (Dismembered) 1992Kristen French While in court, she blames all of the crimes on her husband. She says that he forced her to participate, so she is only charged with manslaughter instead of murder. She makes a deal with Canada to get 12 years in jail with parole eligible after 3 years in exchange for his testimony. This deal is known as “one of the worst deals in the history of Canada.” Evidence: Video Tapes Mickey Mouse watch belonging to Kristen French Terms: Dismembered- cut off the limbs of (a person or animal).

Cultural References Movie – Karla (2006) Based on real events, Paul Bernardo and his wife, Karla Homolka, kidnap, sexually abuse, and murder three young girls.

Theory Karla Homolka fits best under the Differential Association Theory, but not exactly. She also fits under Social Control Theory. Like the class example, Jill, Karla had many things that should have kept her from crime. She was well liked and from a well-off family. For Differential Association, she sort of fits because she is influenced by her husband, Paul Bernardo. The reason I don’t put her completely under that theory is because it was not a learned mentality or behavior from him; she had the psychotic thoughts before she had met him. They encouraged each other’s thoughts and behaviors, and strongly supported each other’s criminal actions.