This is no different than Court TV, most nightly news, or the discussions around the watercooler at work. People are intrigued and gossip about tragedy - particularly if it involves violence, sex, perversion or other taboo subjects. Some people try to disguise their interest by claiming that they want to "educate the public" or " hold the judicial/public official accountable" or other nonsense. I hope that the victims friends and family seek comfort in other places than an internet discussion board, but the fact that this discussion exists is nothing new.