The development of a murderous personality has its roots in family neglect during childhood, says journalist and writer Ullisses Campbell, author of the book “Park Maniac”. In an interview with CNN Brazil Campbell detailed how the traumatic childhood of Francisco de Assis Pereira, known as the Maníaco do Parque, contributed to shaping his criminal nature.
Francisco de Assis Pereira was convicted of the murder of seven women and the rape of more than a dozen young women, in a case that shocked Brazil in the 1990s. Campbell’s book, which is already among the country’s best-sellers, seeks to understand what lies behind individuals who commit such barbaric crimes.
The beginning of a murderous personality
According to Campbell, family neglect played a crucial role in shaping Pereira’s personality. “These killers, they are not born overnight, they start with family neglect in childhood,” explains the author.
Campbell reveals a disturbing episode from Pereira’s childhood: “When his mother was pregnant, a grandfather who was a follower of Satanism told her that she would be carrying the devil’s baby and, from that information, she began to neglect him”.
The author describes how Pereira’s mother moved from São José do Rio Preto to São Paulo with two of her children, leaving Francisco behind with his grandfather. “It is from childhood that Francisco’s murderous personality begins to form,” says Campbell.
Campbell’s book focuses not on the crimes themselves, but on the formation of Pereira’s personality, offering a unique perspective on the genesis of a serial killer. This approach seeks to shed light on the psychological and social factors that may contribute to the development of extreme criminal behavior.
Campbell’s work joins a series of cultural productions that explore notorious criminal cases, such as that of Suzane von Richthofen, which has also been adapted for film. These narratives not only capture the public’s attention, but also raise important debates about mental health, family structure and the prevention of violent crimes in Brazilian society.
Check out the full interview
This content was originally published in Construction of a murderous personality begins with family neglect, says Campbell on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil

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