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Jesenia M. Pizarro earned a doctorate in 2005 from Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, and is currently a tenured associate professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in Arizona State University. Her research focus on the importance of understanding the proximal event and situational factors that result in violence (i.e., the who, where, when, and why). In doing this, she examines violence, more notably homicide, through the lens of theories of crime, and how various contextual factors come together in time and place to result in a homicide event. This involves examining how macro, micro and situational factors, when combined, precipitate a homicide. Her research also examines the effect the homicide situational context has on the social reaction of practitioners and other social actors.
While her research focus centers on violence, she also studies the politics of punishment and the criminology of micro places. Her corrections work has focused on the administration and use of administrative segregation units throughout the country's state correctional systems. Her crime and micro places has focused on the distribution of disorders that can impede the development of healthy neighborhoods.
Throughout her career, Pizarro has worked with various police departments throughout the country in joints efforts to curb violence. Her work has appeared in the American Journal of Public Health, Justice Quarterly, Criminal Justice and Behavior, and Homicide Studies.
Homicide, Violence, Criminological Theory, Correcton's Policy
Articles (Peer-Reviewed Journals)
*Denotes Graduate Student
Pizarro, J.M., Zgoba, K.M. & Pelletier, K.R.* Firearm Use in Violent Crime: Examining the Role of Premeditation and Motivation in Weapon Choice. The Journal of Primary Prevention. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-020-00595-z
Pizarro, J. M., Sadler, R. C., Goldstick, J., Turchan, B.*, McGarrell, E. F., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2020). Community-driven disorder reduction: Crime prevention through a clean and green initiative in a legacy city. Urban Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098019892163
Pizarro, J. M., Zgoba, K. M., Salerno, L. M., & Circo, G.* (2020). The Processing of Homicides in the Courts: An Examination of Multiple Case Outcomes. Race and Justice, 10(4), 400–423. https://doi.org/10.1177/2153368718759401
Zgoba, K. M., Pizarro, J. M., & Salerno, L. M. (2020). Assessing the Impact of Restrictive Housing on Inmate Post-Release Criminal Behavior. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45(1), 102-125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-019-09496-2
Pizarro, J. M., Terrill, W., & LoFaso, C. A*. (2020). The Impact of Investigation Strategies and Tactics on Homicide Clearance. Homicide Studies,24(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767918816741
Turchan, B.*, Grubb, J. A., Pizarro, J. M., & McGarrell, E. F. (2019). Arson in an urban setting: A multi-event near repeat chain analysis in Flint, Michigan. Security Journal, 32(3), 179-197. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41284-018-0155-0
Zeoli, A. M., Paruk, J. K.*, Pizarro, J. M., & Goldstick, J. (2019). Ecological research for studies of violence: a methodological guide. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(23-24), 4860-4880. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519871528
Cunningham, R. M., Carter, P. M., Ranney, M. L., Walton, M., Zeoli, A. M., Alpern, E. R., ... & Pizarro, J.M. (2019). Prevention of firearm injuries among children and adolescents: consensus-driven research agenda from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS) Consortium. Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA], Pediatrics, 173(8), 780-789. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1494. 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1494
Schmidt, C. J., Rupp, L., Pizarro, J. M., Lee, D. B., Branas, C. C., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2019). Risk and protective factors related to youth firearm violence: a scoping review and directions for future research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(4), 706-723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00076-7
Pizarro, J. M., Holt, K., & Pelletier, K. R.* (2019). An examination of the situated transactions of firearm homicides. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(4), 613-625. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00050-3
Reese, L. A., Vertalka, J. J., Wilkins, M. J., & Pizarro, J. M. (2019). Demographic and urban environmental variables associated with dog bites in Detroit. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(8), 986-990. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.8.986
Pelletier, K. R.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2019). Homicides and Weapons: Examining the Covariates of Weapon Choice. Homicide Studies, 23(1), 41–63. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767918807252
Circo, G. M.*, Pizarro, J. M., & McGarrell, E. F. (2018). Adult and youth involvement in gun-related crime: implications for gun violence prevention interventions. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 29(8), 799-822. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403416655431
Vertalka, J.*, Reese, L. A., Wilkins, M. J., & Pizarro, J. M. (2018). Environmental correlates of urban dog bites: A spatial analysis. Journal of Urban Affairs, 40(3), 311-328. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352166.2017.1355666
Sadler, R. C., Pizarro, J.M., Turchan, B.*, Gasteyer, S. P., & McGarrell, E. F. (2017). Exploring the spatial-temporal relationships between a community greening program and neighborhood rates of crime. Applied Geography, 83, 13-26. 10.1016/j.apgeog.2017.03.017
Corsaro, N., Pizarro, J. M., & Shafer, J.* (2017). The influence of planned aggression on the journey to homicide: An examination across typology classifications. Homicide Studies, 21(3), 179-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767916679206
Pizarro, J. M. (2017). The Uncivil Latina. Race and Justice, 7(2), 160–178. https://doi.org/10.1177/2153368717690790
Yu, S. V., Lee, D.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2017). Illegal Firearm Availability and Violence: Neighborhood-Level Analysis. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260517712272
Zeoli, A. M., Grady, S., Pizarro, J. M., & Melde, C. (2015). Modeling the movement of homicide by type to inform public health prevention efforts. American Journal of Public Health, 105(10), 2035-2041. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302732
Rydberg, J.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2014). Victim Lifestyle as a Correlate of Homicide Clearance. Homicide Studies, 18(4), 342–362. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767914521813
Pizarro, J. M., Zgoba, K. M., & Haugebrook, S. (2014). Supermax and Recidivism: An Examination of the Recidivism Covariates Among a Sample of Supermax Ex-Inmates. The Prison Journal, 94(2), 180-197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885514524697
Zeoli, A. M., Pizarro, J. M., Grady, S. C., & Melde, C. (2014). Homicide as infectious disease: Using public health methods to investigate the diffusion of homicide. Justice Quarterly, 31(3), 609-632. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2012.732100
Adams, J. J.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2014). Patterns of Specialization and Escalation in the Criminal Careers of Gang and Non-Gang Homicide Offenders. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 41(2), 237–255. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854813503637
Gruenewald, J.*, Chermak, S. M., & Pizarro, J. M. (2013). Covering victims in the news: What makes minority homicides newsworthy?. Justice Quarterly, 30(5), 755-783. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2011.628945
Pizarro, J. M., & Zeoli, A. M. (2013). An assessment of the quality of homicide data in the Supplementary Homicide Reports: a research note. Justice Quarterly, 30(4), 711-731. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2011.624113
Pizarro, J. M., Zgoba, K. M., & Jennings, W. G. (2011). Assessing the interaction between offender and victim criminal lifestyles & homicide type. Journal of Criminal Justice, 39(5), 367-377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.05.002
DeJong, C., Pizarro, J. M., & McGarrell, E. F. (2011). Can situational and structural factors differentiate between intimate partner and “other” homicide?. Journal of Family Violence, 26(5), 365-376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-011-9371-7
Hall, R. E., & Pizarro, J. M. (2010). Cool pose: Black male homicide and the social implications of manhood. Journal of Social Service Research, 37(1), 86-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/01488376.2011.524530
Diem, C.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2010). Social structure and family homicides. Journal of Family Violence, 25(5), 521-532. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-010-9313-9
Pizarro, J. M., DeJong, C., & McGarrell, E. F. (2010). An Examination of the Covariates of Female Homicide Victimization and Offending. Feminist Criminology, 5(1), 51–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557085109354044
Hall, R. E., & Pizarro, J. M. (2010). Unemployment as Conduit of Black Self-Hate: Pathogenic Rates of Black Male Homicide via Legacy of the Antebellum. Journal of Black Studies, 40(4), 653–665. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021934708318664
Adams, J. J.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2009). MS-13: A gang profile. Journal of Gang Research, 16(4), 1-11.
Narag, R. E.*, Pizarro, J.M., & Gibbs, C. (2009). Lead Exposure and Its Implications for Criminological Theory. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 36(9), 954–973. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854809339286
Gruenewald, J.*, Pizarro, J.M., & Chermak, S. M. (2009). Race, gender, and the newsworthiness of homicide incidents. Journal of Criminal Justice, 37(3), 262-272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2009.04.006
Pizarro, J. M. (2008). Reassessing the Situational Covariates of Homicides: Is There a Need to Disaggregate? Homicide Studies, 12(4), 323-349. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767908323741
Pizarro, J. M., & Sousa, W. W. (2008). Strategic problem solving as a tool for violence prevention. Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 8(3), 99-110.
Pizarro, J. M., & Narag, R. E.* (2008). Supermax Prisons: What We Know, What We Do Not Know, and Where We Are Going. The Prison Journal, 88(1), 23–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885507310530
Pizarro, J. M., Corsaro, N. A.*, & Yu, S.* (2007). Journey to crime: An application of routine activities and crime pattern theory to homicide victimization and perpetration. Victims & Offenders, 2(4), 375-394.
Pizarro, J. M., Chermak, S. M., & Gruenewald, J. A.* (2007). Juvenile “super-predators” in the news: A comparison of adult and juvenile homicides. Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, 14(1), 84-111.
Pizarro, J. M., & McGloin, J. M. (2006). Explaining gang homicides in Newark, New Jersey: Collective behavior or social disorganization?. Journal of Criminal Justice, 34(2), 195-207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2006.01.002
Pizarro, J. M., Stenius, V. M. K., & Pratt, T. C. (2006). Supermax Prisons: Myths, Realities, and the Politics of Punishment in American Society. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 17(1), 6–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403405275015
Pizarro, J.M., & Stenius, V. M. K. (2004). Supermax Prisons: Their Rise, Current Practices, and Effect on Inmates. The Prison Journal, 84(2), 248–264. https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885504265080
Other (Non-Peer-Reviewed)
Rosenthal, J., & Pizarro, J.M. (2019). “Arizona Gun Laws 101.” Arizonians for Gun Safety. http://www.azfgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Arizona-Gun-Laws-101-4.19.pdf
Pizarro, J.M. (2018). Diversity in Criminology and Criminal Justice: A Cautionary Note for Administrators. The Criminologist, 43(1), 1-6.
Pizarro, J.M. (2017). Race/Ethnicity and Justice in Academia. Race and Justice, 7(2),107-109.
Pizarro, J.M. (2017). Gang Homicides in the United States: What We Know and Future Research Directions. In Brookman, Fiona, Edward R. Maguire, and Mike Maguire (Eds.) International Handbook on Homicide (pp. 73-88). Wiley Blackwell: USA.
Corsaro, N., Pizarro, J.M., & Browning, S.L. (2014). Gender and Criminal Justice Processing. In Francis T. Cullen, Pamela Wilcox, Jennifer L. Lux, and Cheryl Lero Jonson (eds.) Sisters in Crime Revisited: Bringing Gender into Criminology In Honor of Freda Adler (pp. 325-350). Oxford University Press: NY.
Chermak, S., Gruenewald, J.*, Pizarro, J.M. (2009). The Presentation of Race in Crime Stories. In Robert L. Bing III (ed.) Race, Crime, and the Media (pp. 141-163). McGraw Hill: NY.
8/2020-7/2022. A Comparison of Firearm-Related Intimate Partner Homicide in Missouri and Oregon: Prevalence, Risk, and the Effect of Firearm Regulations. Funded by National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research. Principal Investigators: J.T. Messing (ASU), R. Campbell (JHU). Investigators: J.M. Pizarro (ASU), A.M. Zeoli (MSU), T.L. Bloom (Mizzou).
07/2020-08/2022. An Examination of Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Homicides in New Jersey. Funded by Everytown for Gun Safety. Principal Investigators: J.T. Messing (ASU), R. Campbell (JHU), and J.M. Pizarro (ASU)
9/2018-4/30/2020. An Examination of Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Homicide in Arizona. Arizona State University, College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Principal Investigators J.T. Messing (ASU) and J.M. Pizarro (ASU).
| Fall 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 502 | Seminar in Criminology |
| Summer 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| Spring 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 592 | Research |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| CRJ 601 | Seminar, Criminological Theory |
| Fall 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 462 | Gangs |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| Summer 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| Spring 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 502 | Seminar in Criminology |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| Fall 2018 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 462 | Gangs |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 592 | Research |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| Spring 2018 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 225 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| Fall 2017 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 225 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| Spring 2017 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 225 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| Fall 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 494 | Special Topics |
| CRJ 520 | Seminar on Violent Crime |
| Spring 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
See CV
Editorial Boards:
Criminal Justice Studies; Homicide Studies; Race and Justice
Students Advised
Ph.D. Dissertation Committees:
Karissa R. Pelletier (chair). “ An Examination into the Risk Factors Surrounding Children and Teen Homicide.” Arizona State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. In Progress, Expected May 2021.
Michael Rossler (Member). “Environment and Citizen Resistance of Police Coercive Authority:Application of Defiance and Social Disorganization Theories.” Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, May 2015.
Rachel A. Johansen (Outside Reader). “The Effects of Urban Greening in Flint, MI: The Politics of Justice and Scale.” Michigan State University, Sociology Department, May 2015.
Raymund Espinosa Narag (Member). “Mitigating Crime in a Slum Community: Understanding the Role of Social Structures, Social Processes, and Community Culture in a Neighborhood Intervention Program.” Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice May 2013.
Eric Lesneskie (Outside Reader). “Homicide in the Projects: An Analysis of the Effect of Public Housing on Lethal Violence.” Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice May 2013.
Masters Thesis Committees:
Allen, Savanna (Chair). “Delinquent Perfectionists: A Study of the Interaction Between Strain and Perfectionism on Deviant Behavior Among College Students.” May 2020.
Pelletier, Karissa (Chair). “Motivation to Kill: The Relationship between Motive and Weapon Choice in Homicides.” Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, May 2017.
Weldon, Shelby (Member). “Intimate Partner Violence: Examining Educational Programs & Relationship Length.” Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, August 2016.
Keiondra Grace (Member). “Black Female Victimization Matters: A Multiracial Feminist Approach to Violent Victimization.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, December 2015.
Brandon Turchan (Member). “Handgun Carrying Permits: A Reaction to Local Violent Crime and Nationally Publicized Mass Murders?” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2014.
Alison Colby (Member). “Sorry this Bus is Not in Service: Public Transportation Accessibility as a Source of Recidivism Risk in Rural Areas.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, December 2013.
Chae Mamayek (Chair). “Examining the Relationship between Weather and Disaggregated Homicide Types.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2013.
Lauren E. Healey (Chair). “The Relationship between Diet and Aggression in Adolescents.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2012.
Sarah Thomasma (Member). “A Comparison of Trace DNA Collection Techniques from Worn and Handled Clothing.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2012.
Jennifer J. Adams (Chair). “Patterns of Specialization and Escalation in Criminal Careers of Gang and Nongang Homicide Offenders.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2011.
Chelsea Breanne Diem (Member). “Evaluating and Intensive Supervision Probation Program in a College City: Revisiting the Debate between Rehabilitation and Control.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, May 2011.
Raymond Espinosa Narag (Member). “Criminal Victimization in the Philippines: A Test of Lifestyle Exposure, Routine Activities, and Social Disorganization Theories.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, May 2007.
Undergraduate Honors Thesis:
Madison K. Adamo. “The Deviant Female Killer: The Extreme versus the NonExtreme.” Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College. In Progress, Expected May 2021.
Anastacia Garcia-Johnson. “Law Enforcement Use of Force: An Analysis of Literature in Criminal Justice and Psychology.” Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College, May 2017.
2016-Present Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University.
2012-2015 Associate Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University.
2006-2012 Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
2005-2006 Visiting Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University.
1999-2005 Research Assistant, Greater Newark Safer Cities Initiative, Police Institute, Rutgers University.
2001 Research Assistant, Bradley Project, Police Foundation.
1999-2000 Research Assistant, Community Policing and Crime Victims Study, Police Foundation.
1998-1999 Research Assistant, Jersey City Crime Displacement Project, Police Foundation.
Departmental
2020-Present Member: Undergraduate Committee, Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Institutional
2017-Present Member: University Research and Creative Activities Committee, Arizona State University.
Community Organizations/Agencies
2019-Present Advisory Board Member: National Center for School Safety
2018-Present Advisory Board Member: Arizonians for Gun Safety
2017-2019 Member: Valley Interfaith Project (VIP)
Ad Hoc Committees
2020 Member: Tucson Police Department, Sentinel Event Review Board
