One
of the most common and gravest mistakes made when it comes to violent crime is
missing or ignoring the warning signs.
 |
| Hannah Anderson |
The
recent kidnapping of Hannah Anderson by Jim DiMaggio is a good case to review.
In one news article, Hannah's grandparents were quoted as saying that there was
no warning - nothing to indicate the evil under the surface of DiMaggio.
However, as you read the articles, there were plenty of warnings.
Perhaps
the most subtle sign was DiMaggio's own past. His father kidnapped a teenage
girl at gunpoint himself. She escaped and he was arrested and years later
committed suicide. It is very unlikely that the kidnapping was the only
domestic violence Jim DiMaggio was exposed to over his life. May stories have
shown that kids raised in an abusive home are more likely to continue that kind
of aggression themselves.
No
one would expect the Andersons to do a background check on a friend, but it is
also hard to imagine that over the years they knew each other there was no
indication of some of the past behavior. It is possible that Jim wove a careful
story to cover up the experiences. However, I'd be surprised.
 |
| James DiMaggio |
More
apparent were some of the present behaviors that could indicate violence. In studies
of those who commit workplace murders, there are some characteristics that
stand out. One of the more common traits was living alone. That shows a
lack of family or social support, especially at DiMaggio's age, which could
mean antisocial conduct.
He
was going through foreclosure, losing his home and was going to have to move
away. That is stressful for anyone and for someone without support or prone to
violence or mental illness it could push them over the age.
The
greatest warning of all came from Hannah herself. She had become uncomfortable
with "Uncle Jim" after he told her he liked her. She had gone on a
week long trip to Hollywood and came home after two days because she was
uncomfortable You have to wonder why she was even traveling alone with a guy
who was not a relative. When she came home early, the parents should have
really questioned why.
Hannah
was apparently not telling her parents about some of the her concerns, not
wanting to ruin the friendship between her dad and Jim. So often in these
cases, the individuals who see the warning signs either do not take them as
seriously as possible or do not tell those that should know.
As
soon as Hannah became uncomfortable with Jim, her family should have been on
high alert. I believe in trusting your instincts; when something does not feel
right or safe, there is most likely a reason that the subconscious mind picked
up on. As a father, I could not imagine letting my family go anywhere with
someone who made my daughter feel that uncomfortable.
This
was a horrible crime. Hopefully, the lessons will be enough to help some other
potential victims notice the red flags and avoid a dangerous individual before
it is too late.
Eric
Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has
extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is
available for staff education and security awareness training as well as
business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more
email eric@businesskarate.com.
