Learning From Your Neighbours: A Forensic Psychologist Looks at Mass Murder

Four years ago, dozens of family members, a quiet rural community and the entire province of Nova Scotia were traumatized by the mass murder of 22 people. Gabriel Wortman's explosive and violent killing spree was unforeseen to most who knew him; and, to most of us, his crime remains inexplicable.

What makes a mass murderer and what drives such a person to commit such a horrific crime? We will examine what we know about this killer and other mass murderers such as Anders Breivik, Robert Card and Nathaniel Veltman. We will review some research on mass murder and consider your questions on this challenging subject. Care and sensitivity will be used for all affected by these crimes.

Carol Pye is a recently retired psychologist who practiced in Nova Scotia for many years in both clinical and forensic subject areas. She has performed many formal evaluations for the courts in Nova Scotia and testified as an expert in family and civil cases.

Registration is required.