Dr. Jesse J. Norris
Dr. Jesse J. Norris had an article published in the journal Psychiatry, Psychology and Law.
Dr. Norris, an associate professor of Criminal Justice at SUNY Fredonia’s article, “Homicides associated with psychedelic use: Psychiatric features, risk factors and sentencing outcomes.” The article, which was co-authored with psychiatrist Dr. Brian Holoyda provides case studies of 22 offenders under the influence of psychedelic drugs like LSD or psilocybin who committed homicide.
Norris noted that in most of the cases, psychedelic-induced psychosis — that is, delusional beliefs triggered by psychedelic use — appeared to provide the sole motivation for the offense. He added that most offenders had no known history of psychosis, though a few had prior instances of substance-induced psychosis. Norris hopes the article will help raise awareness about the existence of these homicides, and encourage people to exercise caution, for example by avoiding these drugs after having an unusual reaction and by ensuring users do not have access to weapons or vehicles while taking the drugs. He added that such measures might prevent some tragic incidents such as the homicides documented in the article.
