Sixty-four prisoners charged with murder were studied clinically. A high statistical correlation (seventy percent) was found between nonspecific electro-encephalographic abnormalities and the apparently motiveless crime. The cases who fall into this category (motiveless crime, EEG abnormality) may show no clinical indication of insanity, either legal or medical. The plea for further study is made on the basis that the EEG records may serve to provide a more enlightened attitude toward this group of criminals. The implication is that a more objective means of recognizing mental illness and therefore nonresponsibility on the part of the criminal will be possible from EEG studies. The authors are not curious about the 'motivelessness' of the crimes.