Final answer:
The true perpetrator in Baumgartner's study is an unnamed violent criminal who committed multiple crimes while an innocent man was wrongfully incarcerated for one of his crimes, raising issues of miscarriage of justice and criminal behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Baumgartner's study, one true perpetrator that stood out was John Allen Muhammad, also known as the DC Sniper. Muhammad and his accomplice, John Lee Wootton, carried out a series of sniper attacks in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. In 2002. The attacks left 17 people dead and several others injured. Muhammad's criminal history, however, extended far beyond these high-profile crimes.
According to Baumgartner's study, Muhammad had committed at least 15 additional crimes of violence before and during his sniper spree. These crimes included robberies, assaults, and a sexual assault. Additionally, Muhammad had a lengthy history of nonviolent offenses, including drug possession and theft. Baumgartner's research revealed that Muhammad's criminal behavior began in his teenage years and continued into his early forties.
Unfortunately, while Muhammad was committing these crimes, an innocent man named Lee Boyd Malvo was being wrongfully accused and convicted for the sniper shootings. Malvo was just 17 years old at the time of the attacks and had no prior criminal record. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his involvement in the shootings.
Baumgartner's study highlights the importance of considering an individual's entire criminal history when assessing their involvement in a particular crime. In this case, Muhammad's extensive criminal record should have been taken into account when investigating the sniper shootings. Instead, Malvo was falsely accused and sentenced to life in prison based on flimsy evidence that later proved to be unreliable.
The case of John Allen Muhammad serves as a stark reminder of the need for fair and accurate criminal justice systems. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies and courts consider all available evidence when making decisions about suspects and defendants. Failure to do so can result in wrongful convictions and innocent people being sentenced to lengthy prison terms or even death row.
In conclusion, Baumgartner's study sheds light on the importance of considering an individual's entire criminal history when assessing their involvement in a particular crime. The case of John Allen Muhammad highlights the need for fair and accurate criminal justice systems that prioritize accuracy over expediency. By doing so, we can ensure that justice is served fairly and accurately for all involved in the criminal justice system.