Forensic Psychology Introduction to Serial Killers

Serial Crime Different from “multiple crimes” Different from “multiple crimes” Almost always shows distinct pattern (M.O.) – pattern evidence Almost always shows distinct pattern (M.O.) – pattern evidence Almost always associated with some psychiatric problem(s) Almost always associated with some psychiatric problem(s) Usually a “cooling off” period between crimes Usually a “cooling off” period between crimes Significant research has revealed fascinating similarities Significant research has revealed fascinating similarities

Not to be confused with… Psychopath Psychopath a personality disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy combined with strongly amoral conduct but masked by an ability to appear outwardly normal a personality disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy combined with strongly amoral conduct but masked by an ability to appear outwardly normal Psychotic Psychotic abnormal condition of the mind, often described as involving a "loss of contact with reality” abnormal condition of the mind, often described as involving a "loss of contact with reality” Spree killer Spree killer killings at two or more locations with almost no time break between murders killings at two or more locations with almost no time break between murders Mass murderer Mass murderer the act of murdering a large number of people (four or more), typically at the same time or over a relatively short period of time the act of murdering a large number of people (four or more), typically at the same time or over a relatively short period of time

Serial Killer Definition  Three or more separate events in three or more separate locations with an emotional cooling off period in between the homicides First coined by Robert Ressler in 1970’s First coined by Robert Ressler in 1970’s Used first in the Ted Bundy case Used first in the Ted Bundy case First “accepted” serial killer was Jack the Ripper First “accepted” serial killer was Jack the Ripper

Characteristic Patterns of Serial Killers Based upon 36 incarcerated serial killers. 1984: By FBI agent Robert Ressler. Ethnicity: Ethnicity: >90% are white >90% are white Gender: Gender: Mostly males Mostly males Age: Age: years old years old. Intelligence: Intelligence: Above average IQ. Above average IQ. School: School: Perform poorly in school. Perform poorly in school. Employment Employment Difficulty keeping jobs Family History Family History Abused as children (physical, sexual, emotional). Crime, alcohol/drug, pscyh. High suicide attempt rate High suicide attempt rate Other crimes Other crimes Usually commits smaller crimes and then “graduates” Usually starts as “cruelty” crimes

The Triad of Behaviors Cruelty towards animals. Cruelty towards animals. Interest in fire (pyromania). Interest in fire (pyromania). >60% still wetting bed at age 12. >60% still wetting bed at age 12.

Holmes Typology of Serial Homicide Based on obsessive-compulsive behavioral patterns Based on obsessive-compulsive behavioral patterns Also focuses on two main aspects of the assailant Also focuses on two main aspects of the assailant General behavior patterns General behavior patterns Two main categories Two main categories Patterns of the act itself Patterns of the act itself Six main categories Six main categories

Holmes Typology of Serial Homicide: Behavioral Disorganized / Asocial Disorganized / Asocial Asocial – does not fit in with society Asocial – does not fit in with society Organized / Nonsocial Organized / Nonsocial Nonsocial - does not want to fit in with society Nonsocial - does not want to fit in with society

Holmes Typology Of Serial Homicide: Nature Visionary Visionary Those killers who act in response to voices and alter ego’s Those killers who act in response to voices and alter ego’s “Someone” is telling them to commit the murders “Someone” is telling them to commit the murders Demon mandated Demon mandated God mandated God mandated Missionary Missionary  Think they are responsible for cleaning the world of “bad people” (prostitutes, homosexuals, ethnic minorities)  Think they are responsible for cleaning the world of “bad people” (prostitutes, homosexuals, ethnic minorities)

Holmes Typology Of Serial Homicide: Nature Comfort Oriented Comfort Oriented Looking for material gain and a comfortable lifestyle Looking for material gain and a comfortable lifestyle Usually female – the “black widow” Usually female – the “black widow” Lust Lust Sexual gratification is main motivation Sexual gratification is main motivation

Holmes Typology Of Serial Homicide: Nature Thrill – Thrill – The ACT of killing is main motivation – looking for the buzz or high of causing pain and torture The ACT of killing is main motivation – looking for the buzz or high of causing pain and torture Power/Control Power/Control This type of serial killer is to gain and exert power over their victim This type of serial killer is to gain and exert power over their victim Many power- or control-motivated killers sexually abuse their victims, but they differ from lust killers in that rape is not motivated by lust but as simply another form of dominating the victim Many power- or control-motivated killers sexually abuse their victims, but they differ from lust killers in that rape is not motivated by lust but as simply another form of dominating the victim