Dr. Katie Frey, Associate Professor of Criminology at Â鶹Éç, recently appeared in an episode of Investigation Discovery’s Very Scary People, a true crime series produced by Donnie Wahlberg. In the premiere of Season 6, she provides expert analysis on the case of Anthony Sowell, also known as "The Cleveland Strangler."Ìý
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As a criminologist, Dr. Frey provided expert insight into Sowell’s background and the sociological factors that contributed to his crimes.Ìý
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Understanding the Causes of Crime
Dr. Frey’s academic work centers on criminological theory testing—examining why people commit crimes and the societal forces that contribute to criminal behavior. She also researches ways to reduce the stigma associated with criminality, helping former offenders reintegrate into society.
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In her analysis for Very Scary People, she explored the traumatic experiences in Sowell’s childhood and how they shaped his path. “Many serial offenders have histories of severe abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence at a young age, and Sowell was no exception," Dr. Frey explained. "Understanding these factors doesn’t excuse his crimes, but it does help us see how a multitude of factors throughout his life pushed him down this path.â€
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By providing this sociological perspective, Dr. Frey helped audiences understand that crime is rarely the result of a single factor—it is a complex interplay of personal experiences, societal conditions, and systemic failures.Ìý
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Bringing Real-World Criminology to the Classroom
At JCU, Dr. Frey actively integrates crime cases into her teaching, giving students a unique opportunity to explore criminology theories and challenge them to think critically about crime and justice. She believes that studying real cases helps students bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications in criminal justice.
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After her appearance on Very Scary People, she shared the episode with her criminology class, giving students a firsthand look at how experts analyze criminal behavior. "My students were really engaged with the episode, and it sparked some great conversations about what led Anthony Sowell to kill so many women and how important it is to understand these causes."
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At John Carroll, criminology and sociology students don’t just study theories—they see them in action, analyzing real cases, understanding societal influences on criminal behavior, and exploring solutions for systemic challenges. By approaching criminal justice with a critical and empathic lens, they are able to understand not just the actions of offenders but also the broader social structures that influence crime and punishment.Ìý
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Where to Watch and Learn MoreÌý
You can stream Dr. Frey’s expert analysis in Very Scary People on HBO Max or watch a short clip .
Additionally, she recently appearedÌý in a spinoff episode, Very Scary Lovers, which delves into the case of a couple in Ocean City, Maryland, dubbed the “Thrill Kill Couple.â€
To learn more about our innovative student opportunities within the Sociology and Criminology department, we invite you to visit our website.