Wade Frankum

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Wade Frankum was a 33 year old mass murderer who killed seven people in Australia in 1991 in what is known as the Strathfield Massacre.

His parents were very strict and young Frankum was reportedly bullied at exclusive private school Newington College for being overweight. Frequently he would skip lessons and sit in the library, reading books, or just not bother showing up for school at all. He was expelled at sixteen for poor attendance. Eventually he got a job at a clothing store and by most accounts was a good worker, albeit not particularly sociable.

The massacre ended when Frankum shot himself in the head (fatally). A copy of the controversial novel American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis was found in his belongings. The misogynist violence contained therein has been apportioned some of the blame for his actions. Frankum also owned a copy of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. The case of Wade Frankum has been used in debates relating to censorship, and the link between violent art and violence itself.

[edit] References

Milton, R (1993). Profile of a Mass Killer : Wade Frankum at Strathfield Plaza. Blackstone Press, Bondi Junction, NSW. ISBN 1-875114-26-2.