Introduction

One of the primary control methods that the EAR used was ligatures -- usually shoelaces. It also seemed to provide sexual gratification, at least when it came to forcing himself into the bound hands of victims.

It's believed that the EAR bought his shoelaces new from the store or from some other source. They were almost always in good shape/new condition, and lab analysis revealed almost nothing about them except the occasional hair. If they were used shoelaces, you'd expect to find a vast array of particles and wear-and-tear.

EAR brought his own ligatures to almost every attack -- he didn't rely exclusively on what was found at the scene. When he did use something at the scene (electrical cord, towel, husband's shoelaces, necktie) it was only to supplement the ligatures that he had brought himself.