How Montana Pioneered FBI Profiling In The 1970s

The Birth Of FBI Profiling Happened In Montana

Isn't that crazy?  I just found this out and wanted to share the story. It's really interesting.

In 1974 FBI agents Patrick Mullany and Howard Teten started noticing a pattern between mental disorders and crimes committed by people with the disorders. They had never actually profiled anyone. It was all theory until April, 1974.

Everything Changed Because Of 2 Montana Cases, Susie Jaeger and Sandra Smallegan

FBI special agent Pete Dunbar of Montana, went to a criminal psychology seminar by Mullany.

After the seminar Dunbar brought his suspicions to Mullany to see what he thought of the case. Dunbar is said to have had a gut feeling that 2 seemingly unrelated cases in Montana were committed by the same perpetrator. There were bone pieces and fragments found at Lockhart Ranch, one a young girl, another a young woman.

Remember, at this time the terms unsub and serial killer were just being kicked around by Mullany and Teten. This  was all uncharted territory.

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Mullany and Teten Began To Make A Profile Of The Killer

FBI Agent, Dunbar sent the duo all of his information on both cases and the men began to build a likely profile of the killer/kidnapper.

Between the profile and the bravery of the mother of Susie Jaeger, eventually evidence lead to David Meirhofer.

David Meirhofer would eventually plead guilty to killing 3 children and one woman in Montana between 1964 and 1967. Within hours of his confession, Meirhofer was found dead in his cell from suicide. He was never convicted of the crimes.

Meirhofer was the first person actively investigated with a psychological profile.

READ MORE: This Infamous Montana Serial Killer Was Never Charged With A Crime

Sources: A&E, Crime Reads, Most Notorious, Wikipedia