Angel of Mercy (criminology)

Angel Of Mercy (criminology)

An angel of mercy or angel of death is a rare type of criminal offender (often a type of serial killer) who is usually employed as a caregiver and intentionally harms or kills persons under their care. The angel of mercy is often in a position of power and may decide the victim would be better off if they no longer suffered from whatever severe illness is plaguing them. This person then uses their knowledge to manufacture the death of the victim. As time goes on, this behavior escalates to encapsulate the healthy and the easily treated.

One theory to explain this particular type of serial killer is the Neutralization theory. Developed by sociologists Gresham Sykes and David Matza, it explains that criminals understand right from wrong. In order to neutralize their actions, criminals will develop new perceptions to mitigate the circumstances of their crimes. In this case, the killer might claim that he or she was helping the victim by easing their pain.