Profiler Offers Insights on Alabama Shootings

(Feb. 16) -- University of Alabama biology professor Amy Bishop, who allegedly killed three colleagues and wounded three others in a shooting rampage, was a "walking time bomb" who may have been on the verge of a "violent eruption" for years, a world-renowned criminal profiler said.

"Her past behavior clearly showed signs of myopia -- she lacked tolerance, understanding of other opinions and displayed narrow-mindedness," criminal investigative psychologist Maurice Godwin told AOL News.

"Trapped in an intellectual mind, Dr. Bishop has been on the brink of an explosive eruption for decades," said Godwin, who has not treated Bishop.

Bishop's past includes several disturbing events. In 1986, she shot her brother to death in an incident that police ruled an accident. Seven years later, she was questioned after a pipe bomb was mailed to one of her colleagues, Harvard professor Paul Rosenberg. The bomb did not explode. Bishop denied any involvement, and no one was charged.

Last Friday, Bishop allegedly opened fire during a biology department faculty meeting. Those killed were Gopi K. Podila, chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences, and professors Adriel Johnson and Maria Ragland Davis. Three others -- professors Joseph Leahy, Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera and staffer Stephanie Monticciolo -– were wounded. Both Leahy and Monticciolo remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Some experts have theorized that Bishop may have snapped because she was recently denied tenure. This semester was her last at the university, and she had to find another job. Godwin disagrees with those theories.

"The alleged killings had little to do with not getting tenure or losing a job," Godwin said. "Rather, the murders had to do with Dr. Bishop's high opinion of herself."

Godwin also said her personality is a keen indicator.

"It is wired in a way that any rejection, either real or imagery, is seen as an insult against her very existence and self-esteem," Godwin said. "Her narcissistic ego was impugned and threatened."

It was this combination, Godwin believes, that prompted Bishop's alleged shooting spree.

"Unstable self-esteem, heightened sensitivity to ego threats and vulnerability created a walking time bomb, which led to maximal hostility -- murder," Godwin said.

Investigators have yet to offer their opinion on a possible motive.

Bishop has been charged with one count of capital murder and three counts of attempted murder. More charges are expected to follow. If convicted, she could be sentenced to death.