Serial Murder

Serial Killer A serial killer is someone who commits three or more murders over an extended period of time with cooling-off periods in between In between these crimes, they tend to be quite normal

Mass Murderer A mass murderer is someone who kills three or more people in a single event and in one location Perpetrators sometimes commit suicide, so it is hard to determine what triggers their actions Those who are caught sometimes claim that they can not clearly remember the event

Spree Killer A spree killer commits multiple murders in different locations over a period of time that may vary from a few hours to several days They do NOT revert to their normal behaviour during “breaks”

Characteristics of Killers They often (though not always): are solitary individuals are male are from a dysfunctional background have been physically, sexually or psychologically abused as children fantasized about murder during or before adolescence

“MacDonald Triad” These are 3 indicators, or warning signs, during childhood 1) Fire-starting, usually for the thrill 2)Cruelty to animals; larger animals such as cats and dogs, frequently for solitary enjoyment rather than to impress others 3)Bedwetting, beyond the age when children usually stop

Types of serial killer Organized Disorganized

Types of serial killer - Organized Usually, they: Are of high intelligence; they plan crimes quite methodically. lure victims with ploys appealing to their sympathy have a high degree of control over the crime scene have a good knowledge of forensic science, allowing them to cover their tracks

Types of serial killer - Organized follow their crimes in the media and take pride in their actions are socially adequate; usually they have friends, lovers, spouses or children are described as “a really nice guy” or as one who “wouldn’t hurt a fly”

Types of serial killer - Disorganized Usually, they: are of lower intelligence; they commit their crimes impulsively will murder someone whenever the opportunity arises don’t bother to dispose of the body, but rather leaves it at the scene carry out “blitz” attacks, jumping out and attacking victims without warning

Types of serial killer - Disorganized don’t bother to cover their tracks, but keep on the move are socially inadequate with few friends may have a history of mental illness may be seen as eccentric or “creepy” may block out memories of their killings

Organized vs Disorganized It is possible that a murderer could show aspects of both (organized and disorganized), but characteristics of one will prevail

Motivations Visionary Mission-oriented Hedonistic Gain-motivated Power / Control

Motivations Visionary – compelled to commit crimes due to hallucinations or voices

Motivations Mission-oriented – The killer believes that acts are justified on the basis that they are getting rid of a certain group of people (eg. prostitutes); they believe that they are doing society a great favour

Motivations Hedonistic – They kill for sheer pleasure. They may enjoy the chase, torturing or abusing the victim while they are alive. Others may kill victim quickly and engage in rituals. – Usually there is a strong sexual aspect

Motivations Gain motivated – The killer’s primary focus is materialistic. There is a fine line between gain and contract killer

Motivations Power / Control – This is the most common type of killer. The main objective is to gain and have power over the victim. – They are sometimes abused as children, leaving them feeling powerless and inadequate. – They often engage in rituals that are linked to their form of abuse; this will temporarily take the humiliation away. Many sexually abuse their victims. As with rape, however, abuse is an assertion of power, not an act of lust.

ASSIGNMENT In pairs or groups of three your task is as follows: Profile a serial killer. - Pick a serial murder - Read through the information available to you - Give a summary of that person’s actions - Determine what type of murderer they are - Are they organized, disorganized or both? Why? - Try to determine which category of motivation - they fall into – what compels them to commit their - crimes? - Base your information from the power point

Group Members______________________________________ Serial Killer__________________________ Give a summary/history of that person’s actions /8pts Are they organized, disorganized or both? Why? /5pts Try to determine which category of motivation they fall into /5pts Include a list of resources /2pts Total / 20pts SERIAL KILLER - Assignment