Friday, researchers at the University of Connecticut stated that they plan to analyze the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter, Adam Lanza’s DNA to search for possible biological clues that may show extreme violence.
Lanza, 20, shot and killed 20 young children and seven adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, CT shortly before Christmas.
Friday, a spokeswoman for the researchers at the University of Connecticut confirmed that they will review Adam Lanza’s DNA. Some experts wondered if the researchers might also look for genetic mutations that are associated with mental illnesses. This is the first time that the DNA of a mass killer is being analyzed.
Some researchers are excited that Adam Lanza’s DNA is being reviewed, while others are more cautious. Some biologists have expressed concern that the research may stigmatize people who have a certain gene, but have never committed a crime.
Dr. Robert Green, a geneticist and neurologist at Harvard Medical School said that there may be several hundred genes associated with extreme violent behavior.
“It is almost inconceivable that there is a common genetic factor" that may be linked to mass murderers.
I think it says more about us that we wish there was something like this. We wish there was an explanation.
Approximately 100 years ago, doctors sterilized mental patients and felons once criminal behavior was shown, according to TwinCities.com.
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Sources: TwinCities.com and Slate
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