Serial Killers Higgins O’Brien Spring 2012

Serial Killers Serial Killers are part of popular culture, but real statistics are limited It is difficult to estimate victim numbers, as many murders go unsolved, and serial killers have been known to lie and exaggerate The surge of serial killing in recent years may just be the result of increased reporting, and improved detection

A Profile of Serial Killers Motives Most popular is a quest to satisfy urges, a need for excessive control Could be a need for attention, sympathy Could be involved in cult activities A common misconception is that a serial killer is a “crazed monster”, when in fact many are traditional and charming Many have above average intelligence As killings continue, they tend to become more disorganized The MO or modus operandi can change over time. Many serial killers manage to start relationships with women while in prison, some even marry. Women who are attracted to famous killers are called “hybristophiles”.

Serial Killer Characteristics 93.3% are male 64.8% are white 73.6% are between the ages of 20-39 However, women too have been shown to be cruel, sadistic, and sexually driven in serial killing

Serial Killer Victims Unlike traditional homicide, victims tend to be strangers to the offender Tend to be vulnerable (children, prostitutes, and the elderly) 81% white, 67% female Sexual assault common, regardless of the gender of the victim

The Murdering Mind Mental illness can be a cause, but many serial killers falsely use this as a defense in court Psychologically, they would be considered sociopaths (antisocial personality type) Lack of conscience, inability to feel empathy for others, pathological lying, impulsivity, concerned only with own pleasure Some have feelings of inadequacy, others a god complex

Murdering Mind continued Many killers proud of their conquests, and scour the media for reports of their crimes Collect souvenirs from their victims to relive the moment (clothing, pictures, bones) Many have “paraphilias”, a sexual attraction to an unusual or bizarre object Despite the troubled lives many serial killers go through, they rarely kill themselves. Suffering appears to be externalized, not internalized. It is estimated that 1 in 20 individuals could be labeled as sociopathic. So clearly that is not the only key to becoming an offender. Sexual sadism, and a need for control or power can make sociopathy more dangerous.

Childhood Origins Some believe there are genetic or biological explanations Some believe trauma during early development Difficulties in bonding Abuse or neglect One of the largest indicators of future violence was childhood cruelty to animals Many killers have a severe injury to the limbic region of the brain, possibly from trauma