Mary Fales, Joan Skelton, and others Murdered by John Norman Collins and John (nephew), Michigan, United States
This source-based behavioral analysis does not establish a clinical diagnosis, motive, or legal finding.
John Norman Collins exhibited deep-seated misogyny and sexual anger manifesting in brutal serial killings of young women, many of whom were menstruating at the time of death. His behavior showed escalating violence, manipulative tendencies, and a pattern of symbolic acts at crime scenes.
Collins' relationships with women were marked by hostility, rejection, and aggression. He expressed disgust towards menstruation and body piercings, leading to breakups and social withdrawal. His interactions with female acquaintances included threats and intimidation, reflecting coercive control and emotional abuse.
The pathway to violence involved increasing aggression and brutality, starting with misogynistic attitudes and culminating in serial murders characterized by sexual violence and mutilation. The killer's behavior escalated from verbal hostility to physical violence and symbolic desecration of victims.
Each entry separates the reported behavior or state from the analytical strength of the available narration.
| Behavior / construct | Person / subject | Detailed case context | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jealousy Emotional state | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
John showed intense hostility towards women who were menstruating, breaking up with a girlfriend for this reason and verbally abusing others. This jealousy and hatred likely fueled his violent acts. Context or trigger: Rejection by female acquaintances and disgust towards menstruation Reported expression: Expressed anger and hatred towards women, especially during menstruation |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Emotional abuse Control dynamics | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
John's behavior included rude sexual requests and intimidation, causing fear among female acquaintances. He demonstrated emotional abuse through verbal hostility and controlling attitudes. Context or trigger: Interactions with female friends and girlfriends Reported expression: Repeated degrading and threatening behavior |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Coercive control Control dynamics | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
John threatened a female friend by asking if she was afraid to be his next victim, indicating a pattern of coercive control and intimidation to dominate women. Context or trigger: Threatening female acquaintance about being next victim Reported expression: Intimidation and enforced dependency |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Premeditation and planning Planning or impulsivity | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
The killer planned abductions in quiet areas, transported victims to remote locations for murder and disposal, and returned to crime scenes, indicating premeditation and organized behavior. Context or trigger: Organized murder patterns and body disposal Reported expression: Calculated abduction, murder, and body transport |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: High |
| Anger or resentment Emotional state | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
John was very angry and furious during his trial, which reflected his underlying resentment and hostility, possibly linked to his violent acts. Context or trigger: Courtroom behavior and escalating violence Reported expression: Displayed anger and rage during trial |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Withdrawal or reduced functioning Behavioral pattern | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
During university, John became a lonely person, unable to connect with friendship groups, choosing to buy a motorcycle instead of socializing, indicating social withdrawal. Context or trigger: University social isolation Reported expression: Loneliness and inability to join social groups |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Deception or concealment Behavioral pattern | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
John refused to speak without a lawyer and denied involvement, demonstrating concealment and deception during investigation. Context or trigger: Refusal to confess and lawyer request Reported expression: Silence and denial during police interrogation |
Explicitly reported Confidence: High |
| Victim devaluation Cognitive pattern | John Norman Collins Suspect, Convicted Offender |
John expressed that women who pierced ears or were menstruating were polluting their bodies and deserved to die, showing devaluation of victims. Context or trigger: Statements about women and menstruation Reported expression: Belittling and hostile views towards women |
Narrative-supported psychological state Confidence: High |
Select a stage to expand it; scroll horizontally to follow the full sequence.
John exhibited early signs of misogyny and jealousy, expressing disgust towards menstruation and body piercings, leading to social rejection and hostility.
During university, John became socially isolated, unable to join groups, and sought attention through motorcycling rather than social connections.
John's violence escalated from verbal aggression to brutal murders involving sexual assault, mutilation, and symbolic acts, showing organized planning.
John used intimidation and threats towards female acquaintances, asserting dominance and control, contributing to his violent acts.
John refused to confess, requested legal counsel, and denied involvement, attempting to evade responsibility.
After a lengthy trial with strong forensic evidence and witness testimony, John was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Arrows show the sequence described in the source narrative; they do not prove that one psychological state caused the next event.
Analysis is limited by lack of direct clinical diagnosis and reliance on reported behaviors and statements. The killer's motives remain partially speculative due to absence of confession and incomplete psychological profiling.