Larry Breeden - Behaviors and Profile
Breeden seemingly toyed with police. Comparing the description of Breeden with the FBI's Crime Classification Manual shows clear parallels between his behavior and the FBI's "Sexual Homicide” classification. His behaviors also matched some aspects of the “Sexual Homicide, Sadistic” classification. Whether he was a sadist or not, Breeden’s “practicing” behaviors were not novel to law enforcement. Published journal research revealed that “practicing” behaviors are sometimes exhibited by sexual sadists who have an unhealthy dependency on fantasy to obtain sexual stimulation. When the sadistic fantasy is no longer sexually satisfying, a series of progressive “practice runs” will be attempted to enact the fantasy as it is imagined.
Research Summaries & References by Topic
Toying with Law Enforcement? Alicia's gloves were dropped in front of her car. In combination with the information below, this might signal the offender was symbolically “throwing down a gauntlet” (the gloves), and challenging law enforcement to a game of sorts. •Her jacket was dropped on Route 626 in Pratts, Va near a pond, forcing law enforcement to waste time dragging the water for evidence. The meaning of the word “Pratt” which originated from the Old English word prætt or prett, is "trickery," "deception," "a trick," or "prank". One law enforcement official found it no coincidence that, “several police officers lived on Route 626 and regularly parked their marked police cruisers in their driveways. It was almost like Alicia Reynolds abductor was flaunting his act in the face of lawmen.” It was also noted that the tiny road was used as a shortcut by locals and strangers would not know of its existence. •Her remains were found on Dragoon Road, an extremely isolated road deep down a long dead-end rural road. Per Merriam-Webster, the second meaning of the word Dragoon (a military term) is “to force into submission or compliance especially by violent measures.” •He scattered her credit cards throughout the area, with up to three left in the Town of Culpeper and one reportedly on Culpeper Street in Warrenton (22 miles to the north of Culpeper). A crime expert indicated that, “her kidnapper, meanwhile, is probably enjoying the feeling that he is outsmarting the police and commanding widespread media attention.” The credit card he left on Clay Street was found about 1/4 of a mile from the Culpeper Police Station. •Despite meeting the same trooper three times (and presumably knowing the trooper could potentially identify him), Breeden attacked two women (Shomo/Reynolds) in the same areas where he met the trooper, perhaps to let law enforcement know that he had the upper hand. References: Glassner, Greg. “Police Follow Leads in Reynolds Disappearance." The Greene County Record, 21 Mar 1996, pp. 1+. Barr, Derek. “Disappearance Casts a Long Shadow Over a Quiet Little Block in Culpeper.” Daily News Record (Harrisonburg, Va.), 8 Mar 1996, p. 17. Nordin, Barbara. "Cold Case? Alicia Showalter Reynolds & the Fall and Rise of Darrell Rice." Readthehook.net, The Hook, 17 May 2007, https://readthehook.net/85777/cover-cold-case-alicia-showalter-reynolds-fall-and-rise-darrell-rice. Accessed 2 Sep. 2024. Knight, Theresa O'Neil. "FBI Questions Brightwood Man, Police Search Pond." Culpeper News, 14 Mar. 1996. Norman, Susan. "Woman's Body Found in Lignum. Could be Kidnap Victim." Fauquier Times-Democrat, 8 May 1996, p. 1+. Finefrock, Raymond L. "Police Find Reynolds' Parka Near Madison." Culpeper Star-Exponent, 10 Mar. 1996, p. 1+. Neuberger, Christine "Parka Turned in to Police. Missing Woman's Coat Discovered in Madison." Richmond Times-Dispatch, City ed., sec. Area/State, 10 Mar. 1996, p. C-1. Hood, John. “The Family of Alicia Showalter Reynolds Still Looking for Answers 25 Years After Her Death.” 29 News (WHSV), 7 May 2021. https://www.29news.com/2021/05/07/family-alicia-showalter-reynolds-still-looking-answers-years-after-her-death/ Glassner, Greg. "Missing Woman's Parka Found in Madison." The Greene County Record, 14 Mar 1996, p. 3+. Miles, Kathryn and Gabra Zackman. Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders. Unabridged. [New York], Workman Publishing Co., 2022. Dute, Jeffrey. "Police Continue Search for Missing Woman." Culpeper Star-Exponent, 4 Mar. 1996, p. 1.+ O'Brien, Kimberly. "Baltimore Woman Disappears on U.S. 29." Daily Progress (Charlottesville, Virginia), 5 Mar 1996, p. 1+
Behavioral Profile On November 13, 1996, the Virginia State Police conducted a press conference about Alicia’s case. During the press conference, details were shared about the offender and Alicia’s murder. • The offender had likely killed Alicia by accident, panicking after losing control during a sexual assault gone bad. • A struggle ensued (they refused to explain further) and although he had not intended to kill, he had made plans for it in case things went awry. • He had his victimology down (small, brunette, white women in their twenties) • Had likely spent considerable time in the Culpeper area prior to the murder. • He would back-off if he decided the woman did not match his physical preferences, or on occasion when he realized that two people were in the car. • Some of the women who rode with him reported vague sexual overtones in their conversation that they could not quite pin down. Descriptions of Breeden: • Well spoken. • Sandy hair (sometimes reported as reddish-brown ) which he frequently pushes out of his eyes with his left hand (or flicks off of his forehead). • Probably employed in a blue collar, labor-type job and will be polite, quietly helpful to others and dependable. • Average intelligence. • Probably guarded about his private life and may display inappropriate bursts of anger. • Likely married or living with a woman. The relationship is probably troubled and was especially so at the time of the Reynolds killing. • Likely shy around women he does not know. • No education beyond high school but may have some trade school experience. • Probably has a previous, nonviolent criminal record. The record may include "nuisance" sex crimes, such as stealing laundry or peering into women's windows. Also revealed at the press conference: • On multiple occasions introduced himself as Larry Breeden. • May have a grudge against someone named Larry Breeden. • Told at least one victim that he was from Page County, Virginia. This county, to the west of Culpeper County (but not contiguous) includes the Shenandoah National Park • Deliberately dropped he credit cards and parka to throw off police, likely after killing her (which would suggest she died on the morning of March 2nd, 1996). • Said to be like a lion that tasted blood and would do so after the pressure was off. "The second time is no big deal," an investigator said, "and it's a bigger thrill." • It was during this press conferences that law enforcement announced that “certain proactive strategies” never tried before in Virginia had been used to lure the killer. References: Krishnamurthy, Kiran and Hall, Jim. "Police Pursue Slaying Leads." Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, 15 November 1996, pp. 1+. O'Brien, Kimberly. "Police: Reynolds Was Perfect Victim." Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA), 13 Nov. 1996, p. 1+. Knight, Theresa O'Neil. "Profiler Says Route 29 Stalker 'Likely to Kill Again'." Culpeper News, 14 Nov. 1996, p.1+. Hawes, Spencer and Nordin, Barbara. "Explosive Words." Readthehook.net, The Hook, 18 Apr 2002, https://readthehook.net/98890/explosive-words. Accessed 14 Sep. 2024. "Profile." Winchester Star, 13 Nov 1996, p. 1. Mead, Eileen and Hall, Jim. "Route 29 Stalker Profiled." Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, VA), 13 November 1996, pp. 1+. "Do You Know this Man, Police Ask?" Associated Press, 13 Nov. 1996. Pugh, Kari. "Profiler: Someone Knows Killer." Potomac News, 13 Nov 1996, p. 1. Knight, Theresa O'Neil. "Profiler Says Route 29 Stalker 'Likely to Kill Again'." Culpeper News, 14 Nov. 1996, p.1+. "A Dozen Larry Breedens Questioned." Associated Press, 15 Nov. 1996. Hall, Jim. "Reynolds Link Brings Unwanted Fame." Free Lance-Star, (Fredericksburg, VA), 14 November 1996, p. 1+. Mead, Eileen and Hall, Jim. "Route 29 Stalker Profiled." Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, VA), 13 November 1996, pp. 1+. Neuberger, Christine. "Police Profile Reynolds’ Killer. He Probably Hadn’t Intended to Kill Her." Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA), 13 Nov. 19, p. A-9. Neuberger, Christine. "Police Profile Reynolds’ Killer. He Probably Hadn’t Intended to Kill Her." Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA), 13 Nov. 19, p. A-9. Bradshaw, Vic. "Trooper's Find Launched Showalter Investigation." Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, 2 Mar 1997, p. 1+.
FBI Crime Classification Manual During the November 1996 press conference, law enforcement indicated that the offender had fantasized for months about sexually assaulting women and then began practicing, approaching women along Route 29 and offering them rides. They also indicated that the offender had likely killed Alicia by accident, panicking after losing control during a sexual assault gone bad. The FBI’s Crime Classification Manual classifies violent offenses. The manual provides a detailed description of Sexual Homicide (classification number 130) and a subset, Sexual Homicide, Organized (number 131) and a further subset, Sadistic (number 134). What is known about Alicia’s murder matches some characteristics of sexual homicide. - A focus on victims who are white, female adults and strangers (Alicia and Breeden’s other victims were white). - Socially adept, he often uses verbal means (the con) to capture the victim (Breeden’s ruse was to report phony mechanical issues to the women he pulled over). - Victims are chosen through systematic stalking and surveillance and approached under a pretext such as requesting or offering assistance (Breeden offered assistance). - Secluded sites are selected well in advance (possible indications of this: Alicia’s remains may have been recovered from a man-made depression; the meaning of the word “Dragoon” may be significant it is possible that Breeden selected the location in advance and prepared it for the crime). - Often a police buff who possesses paraphernalia, literature, and weapon collections (There were some indications Breeden may have been toying with police). - Likely to have a well-maintained vehicle since excessive driving (many women reported the vehicle appeared to be brand new). - May return to the scene to determine if the body has been discovered or to check on the progress of the investigation (someone matching Breeden's description was spotted in the Lignum logging field on 4/24/1996). References: O'Brien, Kimberly. "Police: Reynolds Was Perfect Victim." Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA), 13 Nov. 1996, p. 1+. Nolan, Eric. "Police Release 'Route 29 Stalker' Profile." Culpeper Star-Exponent, 13 Nov 1996, p. 1+. Douglas, J. E., Burgess, A. W., Burgess, A. G., & Ressler, R. K. (1992). Crime Classification Manual. A Standard System for Investigating and Classifying Violent Crimes. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Research on "Practicing" Behaviors Published journal research indicates that “practicing” behaviors are sometimes exhibited by sexual sadists, who have an unhealthy dependency on fantasy to obtain sexual stimulation. When the sadistic fantasy is no longer sexually satisfying, a series of progressive “practice runs” will be attempted to enact the fantasy as it is imagined. One study found the more practice trials were rehearsed, the more power they acquired. Although Breeden’s practice runs on the highway seemed novel to the public, they weren’t new to law enforcement. About seventeen years before he used this approach, two sexual sadists (Bittaker and Norris) working as a team used the same technique in California, driving up and down the Pacific Coast highway for months, picking up over 20 female hitchhikers for the sole purpose of determining what they would need to say or do to convince them to join them in their van; none were threatened or harmed. Once comfortable with their approach, they violently murdered four teenagers. References: Prentky, R.A., Burgess, A.W., Rokous, F., Lee, A. Hartman, C. and Ressler, R., et al. "The Presumptive Role of Fantasy in Serial Sexual Homicide." American Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 146, no. 7, American Psychiatric Publishing, Jul. 1989, p. 887–891. Https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/ajp.146.7.887 Markman, Ronald and Bosco, Dominick. Alone with the Devil. Famous Cases of a Courtroom Psychiatrist. New York : Doubleday, 1989.