The Ivy League Killer (A True Crime Short)

Dr. Katherine Ramsland

Ivy League Killer 2 no R green

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Released: 04/20/2012

In Brief

While at school, he was socially active and became involved with several beautiful young women.  However, as his relationships failed, he became addicted to violent sexual fantasies that inspired him to become a predator.

Every killer presents a puzzle: Why did he do this? Thus, killers intrigue us. Each is unique, but some have a truly unusual mystique that commands our attention. The media offers simplistic motives for serial lust murder, citing factors such as a head injury or sexual abuse. But what about a gifted young man from a middle-class family who attended an Ivy League university and who was not injured or abused? While at school, he was socially active and became involved with several beautiful young women. He became engaged to one. However, as his relationships failed, along with his dream of the perfect life, he became addicted to violent sexual fantasies that inspired him to become a predator.

Dr. Ramsland, drawing on her extensive expertise in forensic psychology, provides deep insight into a seemingly promising man who hunted down, raped and murdered eight young women. The same character disorder that supported his sense of entitlement prompted him to insist upon his execution, despite the state’s determined efforts to avoid using the death penalty.

Foreword By Marilyn Bardsley

The man at the center of The Ivy League Killer is unique in several ways. Unlike most serial killers, his achievements and IQ were sufficiently impressive for admission to an elite university. Physically and socially attractive, he could entice desirable women into committed relationships — even when he was in prison!

Despite receiving four death sentences, this man took the courts on a twisted ride. Because no one had been executed in this state since 1960, officials were squeamish about the ultimate judgment. This killer of eight young women, who entertained himself by reliving how he’d raped and strangled them, could have stayed in prison for life. So, why did he push so hard to ensure his death? No book has fully addressed this bizarre case, which resulted in New England’s first execution in more than 40 years.

It takes an expert in aberrant psychology and sexual predators like Dr. Ramsland to shine some light into the dark corners of this unique man’s psyche. She takes the reader through the evolution of a self-centered entitled youth from an unhappy family into a college student who tries to dominate his girlfriends and, failing, goes on to dominate and destroy their surrogates.

Dr. Katherine Ramsland has published more than 1,000 articles and 40 books, including The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds, The Human Predator, Inside the Minds of Serial Killers, and the Mind of a Murderer. She holds graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, and philosophy, and teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Ramsland has worked with prominent criminalists, coroners, detectives, and FBI profilers. She speaks internationally about forensic psychology and serial murder, and has appeared on numerous documentaries, as well as The Today Show, 20/20, 48 Hours, Larry King Live and E! True Hollywood Story.

“After reading Katherine Ramsland’s short The Ivy League Killer, a suspenseful psychological study of the pathological narcissist Michael Bruce Ross, you will never want your daughter to walk alone.”       –Caitlin Rother, acclaimed author of Poisoned Love, Dead Reckoning and Body Parts

“Ramsland’s contribution to the law enforcement profession should not be understated.  Her ability to transform the world’s most heinous crimes into interesting, educational stories should be cherished by every practitioner in the profession.

“Yet again, Ramsland’s unique ability to transform the world’s most heinous crimes into interesting, educational stories shines.”     –Joe Pochron, detective and digital crimes investigator, Center Valley, PA

“Katherine Ramsland has made many valuable contributions to the fields of forensic psychology, crime analysis and criminal justice as exemplified in her books The Human Predator and The Mind of a Murderer among others. It is rare to find someone with the breadth and depth of knowledge that Dr. Ramsland commands, even more so for such an individual to also be a gifted teacher and a wise and compassionate human being.”                  –Former FBI profiler, Gregg McCrary

“Ramsland’s books are incisive and thorough, and demonstrate a depth of knowledge not only about criminal behavior, but about human behavior as well. She has the rare ability to explain complex phenomena in simple terms.”      –Dr. Louis Schlesinger, professor of forensic psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

“Dr. Ramsland has the ability to comprehend complex issues, analyze them meticulously, and express her opinions and conclusions in a completely objective manner.”      –Cyril Wecht, Past President, American Academy of Forensic Sciences

Praise for The Unknown Darkness

“This is a must-read for true crime fans. A beautifully written expert analysis of high profile killers.”
−Ann Rule, New York Times bestselling true crime author

“One of the most immensely readable and gripping accounts of serial murder I have ever read.”    –Colin Wilson, bestselling author of Serial Killers

Praise for The Forensic Science of CSI

 “With the mind of a true investigator, Ramsland demystifies the world of forensics with authentic and vivid detail.”
− John Douglas, Former FBI profiler and BSU chief

“Fascinating…a must for anyone who wonders how the real crime solvers do it.”
–Michael Palmer, New York Times bestselling medical novelist

Praise for Piercing the Darkness: Undercover with Vampires in America Today         

“A riveting read, a model of engaged journalism.”      —Publisher’s Weekly

 Praise for Inside the Minds of Serial Killers

“In the area of psychological research on serial killers, Dr. Katherine Ramsland has distinguished herself as a unique thinker with a fascinating approach to case analysis. Anyone who takes this subject seriously should read this book.”
− Robert K. Ressler, Former FBI profiler

 Praise for The Mind of a Murderer

“Dr. Ramsland writes with a clarity of prose and elegance of style that makes her the envy of forensic commentators and establishes her as a genuine authority in her field.”
− Host of Most Evil, Dr. Michael Stone

“Quirky and insightful…an original contribution to criminology.”     –Gregg McCrary, former FBI profiler

 Praise for Inside the Minds of Healthcare Serial Killers

“Timely and riveting…”       —  Beatrice Yorker, Dean, College of Healthcare and Human Services, Cal State, LA

Praise for Beating the Devil’s Game

“Once again Katherine Ramsland has brilliantly captured the insights and drama of some fascinating cases.”
− Dr. Henry C. Lee,

Praise for The Real Life of a Forensic Scientist

“… strongly recommended for every practitioner, student, and devotee of this exciting profession.”

–Dr. Cyril Wecht, past president of American Academy of Forensic Sciences

“A must read for the CSI crowd.”       –Dr. Michael Baden, former chief medical examiner, NYC

Praise for Ghost: Investigating the Other Side:

“The best book of its kind I’ve ever read.”       –Dean Koontz, New York Times bestselling author

“Ramsland is a master of foreboding.”        —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Snap! Seizing our Aha! Moments

“Both motivational and informative, Snap is a treat to read! Katherine Ramsland will singlehandedly increase the number of bright ideas to be born in the coming decade!”         –Shelley Carson, author, Your Creative Brain

“I’ve always said intuition is the highest form of knowledge. SNAP shows me why I might be right. This is a fascinating exploration of the mind when it’s in hyperdrive, as illuminating as it is fun to read. Ms. Ramsland reveals the science and psychology of the aha! moment in vivid detail, with intriguing examples, while being wise enough to leave room for the consideration of a mystical element to human consciousness. Highly recommended.”

–Dean Koontz, New York Times bestselling author

“Of course, someone who had so much insight into the human mind – who had worked as a therapist, who had a graduate degree in clinical psychology – would be able not only to explain the troubled mind, but would also be able to explore what’s best and smartest about the way we think.           –Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Deborah Blum, Author of The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

Praise for The Heat Seekers

 “Katherine Ramsland is a marvelous novelist, who approaches her subject with chilling, fascinating inner knowledge. The Heat Seekers is a gem.”        –Whitley Strieber, New York Times bestselling novelist

About Dr. Katherine Ramsland

Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has published more than 1,000 articles and 40 books, including The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds, The Human Predator, Inside the Minds of Serial Killers, and the Mind of a Murderer. She holds graduate degrees in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, criminal justice, and philosophy, and teaches forensic psychology and criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Ramsland has worked with prominent criminalists, coroners, detectives, and FBI profilers. She speaks internationally about forensic psychology and serial murder, and has appeared on numerous documentaries, as well as The Today Show, 20/20, 48 Hours, Larry King Live and E! True Hollywood Story.

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