Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer [PDF]

What is Serial Murder?

Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer



The American public is fascinated by hor-

ror and cruelty. Fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and Michael Myers amuse movie goers; but while these interesting beings and their crimes sometimes seem far-fetched, they can be all too close to reality. What happens when the characters of a movie come to life, or cinema imitates reality? Just mentioning “Helter Skelter” or “Zodiac” can send chills down the spine of the biggest horror film fan. Anyone who has a common knowledge of Jeffery Dahmer or Ted Bundy

Nick Zeigler Sociology 300: Criminology Dr. Kurtz DATE NEEDED

knows they are far from fictional. Bonnie and Clyde, David Berkowitz and Jack the Ripper are all real as well. They are all infamous serial killers.

According to Eric W. Hickey, author of

“Serial Murderers and Their Victims,” serial murderers include “any offenders, male or female, who kill over time” (Hickey 12). It is doubtful that anyone would disagree with Hickey’s definition, but some experts may choose to be a bit more descriptive. Due to the qualifications of a serial homicide, there tends to be a general consensus among reactions to serial killings by the public but not necessarily upon the reasons for which one may commit such an atrocious act. The crime should not be confused with a spree killing, which involves the murder of many victims without a relationship or extended period of time existing between the killings.

How often are Serial Murders Committed?

While murdering multiple victims is a ter-

rible form of homicide, these instances only account for 4.4% of all homicides as of 2005. Despite this small fraction, there has been an increase of 1.3% since 1975. Although these percentages seem very low, they should still be taken seriously due to the cruelty of the crime. Again as of 2005,

4% of all homicides included two victims, .6% in-

of mind of the killer, which of course is the most

volved three victims, .1% involved four victims,

troubling and confusing aspect of the murder

and .05% involved five or more victims (Bureau

to begin with. The offender often discovers that

of Justice Statistics). While these numbers prove

their fullfillment disappears and they soon get

that killings with many victims are rare, they are

the urge to kill again. The murderer also suffers

still the stories that are embedded in our minds,

from the act due to incarceration and a possible

and often times in history.

death sentence if they are caught. Obviously

Why do Serial Homicides Occur?

victims suffer by losing their lives and of course the families of victims go through a great deal of

It is difficult to prove why serial murders are

grieving. Finally, society suffers from fear. People

committed but some educated guesses have

may be afraid to leave their houses or allow their

been made as to the reasons for which some

children to play in the streets. Daily life is inter-

of these terrible acts of violence occur; “Various

rupted when a serial murderer is on the prowl.

theses of the aetiology of serial murder exist, most of which chooses to align with a psychiatric, so-

Reactive Measures to Capture Murderers

ciological or biological explanation” (Mitchell).



D. Jay Schaibly mentions in his article What Twists

designed to be reactive have also been intro-

a Man so far as Murder? three correlates to serial

duced throughout history. Of those, the most

murder called the McDonald Triad. According

popular is criminal profiling. While the previous

to Schaibly,

policies attempt to disuade potential future se-



The triad is the name given to the set of

rial killers, profiling deals with catching the mur-

characteristic (sic) that serials (sic) killers are evi-

derer after he has committed the crime. It is a

dent of in their youth. The “typical” serial killer is a

process used to narrow the suspects in a case to

sociopath or psychopath that during childhood

those who posess certain qualities or character-

was subject to three diagnoses: fire starting (py-

istics. These specific traits are based on research

romania), prolonged bed-wetting, and animal

and have been known to exist in similar offenders

torture. All of these things correlate to a phase in

in the past. Although a very useful tool, profil-

life in which the young person is curious of certain

ing does not seek to find a specific suspect, but

things new to them.

gives investigators an idea of what to look for in



Shaibly’s article begs the question; do

a suspect. This policy has been developing over

we have the power to thwart serial killings be-

many years largely in part to the Investigative

fore they occur? His correlates definitely show

Support Unit created in the 1950’s by FBI employ-

a strong support for a biological explanation to

ees Pat Mullany and Howard Teten. It is con-

the crime, but the three characteristics are also

troversial, however, as to who exactly created

related to poor social treatment (Shaibly).

criminal profiling (Meyer). Although profiling be-

Who does the Crime Effect?

Methods of catching serial killers that are

came popular in the 1950’s due to its extensive development, aspects of the process were used

Potential murderers often feel the crime

long before then. One of Jack the Rippers vic-

will benefit them psychologically, perhaps fullfill-

tims, Mark Kelly, was examined by Thomas Bond.

ing them internally. This depends upon the state

Bond suggested that due to the nature of the

Schemata | Fall 09

evidence, police should be looking for “a quiet,

(Evans). It is not known how it develops, but pop-

innoffensive looking man, probably middle aged

ular theories suggest it stems from “inconsistent

and neatly dressed” (Petheric). Despite the cur-

parenting” and “maternal deprivation,” both of

rent excitement of new developments in criminal

which will be shown to connect with the forma-

profiling, the techniques have existed since the

tion of a serial killer (American Psychological As-

1880’s (Petheric). Profiling techniques have aid-

sociation).

ed in the capture of many criminals and as they



become more advanced, the process becomes

with serial killers should target early warning signs

even more effective in identifying potential sus-

of criminal behavior. Legal policies dealing with

pects. While it is important to improve the accu-

animal torture include animal treatment laws.

racy of profiling to apprehend murdurers, it may

Animal rights activists fight for more “freedom” for

prove more important to the future of our society

animals, and many activists have advertisements

to design proactive policies to intervene before

which can be very informative. Many young

a homicide takes place.

children who posess such a problem can receive

Proactive Measures to Prevent Serial Homicide

The first steps in creating policies dealing

psychological treatment as well. There are also laws involving each animal species describing

Even in the 21st century, little is known

whether or not they may be killed by a liscensed

about the mind of a serial killer; therefore, it is

hunter in a specific manner. As for Pennsylvannia

extremely difficult to formulate a policy designed

State law, no child under the age of 12 is permit-

to address the problem. Murder laws and harsh

ted to get a hunting license. Other states have

punishments are supposed to deter crime but the

similar laws setting age limits and requirements,

number of serial murders is still on the rise. As we

and any child who does not fall under these re-

see in the McDonald Triad, the development of

quirements is contradicting policy whether they

the potential serial killer begins with early warn-

are aware of it or not.

ing signs. While not all kids who torture animals,



set fires, and have prolonged bed-wetting turn

ting fires. Arson is a very serious crime for which

out to be serial killers, such problems should be

programs have been designed to address the

addressed during childhood since a correlation

behaviors of those who commit the act. In many

exists. A psychological problem called Extreme

cases, judges require guilty arsonists to attend

Conduct Disorder refers directly to two of Mc-

classes on the topic. Kirkpatrick (2002) quotes an

Donald’s characteristics.

investigator from the National Fire Protection As-



Diagnosis signs for Conduct Disorder in-

sociation as saying, “Arson is a way of lashing out

clude aggression towards people as well as ani-

resentment for the environment in which people

mals. In fact, Garret D. Evans, Doctor of psychol-

find themselves.”

ogy directly lists torturing animals as one sign of



Conduct Disorder. Doctor Evans also states un-

prolonged bed-wetting. While there are policies

der his category of property damage that, “fire

to deal with animal torture and arson, prolonged

setting with intent to damage property” is anoth-

bed-wetting is viewed normally as a biological

er characteristic. Unfortunately Conduct Disor-

problem that is usually delt with within the family.

der does not adress the problem of bed-wetting

Parental literature exists on the subject to advise

Sociology

There are also legal policies against set-

The third aspect of the McDonald Triad is

parents and inform them on prevention tech-

As a result, many kids who grow up in this type

niques.

of environment have trouble controlling emo-

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s Self-Control Theory

tions and establishing meaningful relationships as they grow older. The relationship with one’s par-

In order to refine preventative measures

ents, the first connection a human builds in his or

and establish new ones, it would be helpful for

her life, provides structure and lesson, teaching

law enforcement officials to understand why the

us how to interact with others. Speaking meta-

crime occurs. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to

phorically, if this so-called “lesson” is absent or

tell because most criminals have different vari-

not taught correctly, the individual will lack the

ables in their lives that may or may not have in-

knowledge to connect with others in physical,

fluenced their behavior. Thus it is very difficult to

emotional, spiritual, and sexual relationships (80).

derive a general theory of crime. On the other

Here Sears refers to what Gottfredson and Hirschi

hand, many criminals do have similarities which

would suggest is improper childhood socializa-

provide criminologist with information that can

tion on the part of the parents (Lilly, Cullen and

help them to theorize. Two very important crimi-

Ball 108). This improper socialization should be

nologists, Travis Hirschi and Michael Gottfredson,

interpreted as anything from abuse to neglect,

attempted to explain why crime is committed in

or simply not correcting negative behaviors.

their theory of Self-Control.





Self-Control Theory suggests that crimes

ad proposes early warning signs of future violent

are committed due to a lack of self-control,

behavior. Fire setting, prolonged bed-wetting,

which is a result of poor parenting during child-

and violence toward animals are not the only

hood. Gottfredson and Hirschi even go as far as

early behaviors that provide insight into a child’s

to say that self-control is fully formed by the fifth

troubled mind, but these activities, among oth-

grade. Those who develop poor self-control will

ers, could easily be ignored by a neglectful par-

fail throughout life in adapting to social norms.

ent. In allowing this sort of behavior to continue,

They also state that people with low self-control

parents are promoting the improper socialization

are impulsive, insensitive, risk-taking, non-verbal,

of their child. Children displaying these behav-

and short-sighted. Additionally, Gottfredson and

iors need attention, prevention lessons, or even

Hirschi believe in versatility, which refers to the

psychological help. Self-Control Theory clearly

capability of the theory to predict any type of

addresses this concept of neglect that Sears

crime from street to suite, male to female and

presents in its idea of improper childhood social-

juvenile to senior (Lilly, Cullen and Ball 108, 2007).

ization.

Compatibilities between Self-Control Theory and Serial Homicide



As explained previously, the McDonald Tri-

Gottfredson and Hirschi also claim that

self-control is developed around the fifth grade. This idea can also be paralleled to the develop-

In his book To Kill Again, Donald J. Sears

ment of a serial murderer because, as presented

states, “the serial killer’s childhood is marked by

in the triad, early warning signs develop during

a lack of nurturing and love. He usually grows up

childhood. These two criminologist attempt to

in a neglectful, abusive, and even violent atmo-

accurately pinpoint the age in which such char-

sphere, where important needs are not met” (79).

acteristics develop, which may not be possible,

Schemata | Fall 09

but they do strongly state their belief in a youthful

these two men had quality childhoods, but a

onset of the traits which can be analogous to the

lack of violence and abuse does not necessar-

development of a killer.

ily mean “good quality.” Any omission of love,



One major issue not directly explained of

care, nurturing, and expression of emotion can

serial murders in Self-Control Theory is why some

also result in improper childhood development

children who are raised improperly become

of social skills. In other words, while Bundy and

criminals and others do not. Furthermore, an in-

Berkowitz may not have been abused, they were

dividual’s degree of criminality becomes impor-

most likely neglected. Thus Self-Control Theory

tant here because it is yet another variable in

does prove very compatible with serial murder,

the equation of Self Control. While Gottfredson

but there are some incongruous factors as well.

and Hirschi do not address this problem directly, this behavior may occur in some individuals and

Incompatibilities between Self-Control Theory and Serial Homicide

not others who have similar backgrounds. Peo-



ple with low self-control are impulsive. The major

rant of three major factors when they developed

aspect that separates killers from non-killers, both

the theory of Self-Control. The theory lacks the

of whom have deprived childhoods, is intense

ability to differentiate between improper social-

frustration (Sears 85). The intense frustration de-

ization by gender and the types of crimes com-

scribed by Sears can lead to the lashing out or

mitted. They also disregarded the correlation

impulsiveness that Gottfredson and Hirschi claim

between improper socialization and its effects

plagues victims of low self-control. Secondly,

on social bonds in adulthood (one of Hirshi’s own

people with low self-control are insensitive and

ideas). Finally, the researchers disregarded any

risk-taking. Most killers are insensitive to the pain

evidence that shows possible biological fac-

they cause and quite obviously take the risk of

tors that may contribute to criminal behavior.

being put to death for their crimes.

Although it seems that sociological issues carry



Self-Control Theory and the crime of se-

more weight in creating a serial killer, it is impor-

rial homicide are very compatible. Serial killers

tant not to exclude other variables, since we are

do appear to have low self-control, and much

not attempting to derive a “general theory” of

of their lack of ability to establish meaningful re-

serial killing.

lationships, according to Sears, stems from depri-



vation during the childhood years. Also, many

tics, a vast majority of serial killers tend to be white

of the characteristics of individuals with low self-

males (Bureau of Justice Statistics). Self-Control

control can serve as possible explanations as to

Theory is incapable of explaining this phenom-

why murderers kill. The theory’s characteristic

ena because Gottfredson and Hirschi do not dis-

of impulsiveness also explains why some people

tinguish between the types of crime and the sex

with poor childhoods resort to murder and others

of the offender. In 2000, 50.9% of the white popu-

do not. But does the theory work for those who

lation was female (U.S. Census Bureau, female)

commit the crime but never had a rough child-

and 49.1% of the white population was male (U.S.

hood? Ted Bundy and David Berkowitz grew up

Census Bureau, male). If sex is not relevant to

without violence or abuse. It may appear that

the theory, the proportion of female to male se-

their theory does provide an answer as to why

Sociology

Gottfredson and Hirschi were largely igno-

According to the Bureau of Justice statis-

rial killers should be closer to the ratio of female

fredson and Hirschi give any credit to the previ-

to male whites throughout the United States.

ously mentioned explanations in accounting for

Gottfredson and Hirschi may have been a bit ig-

the commission of any type of offense.

norant to suggest that their theory is a “general



theory of crime,” or they have simply forgotten to

many ways. Its authors failed to address a varia-

address the differences that take place in the im-

tion in the improper socialization between sexes

proper socialization of males in comparison with

and between races. Hirschi also ignores the con-

that of females. Along the same lines, one would

cepts of his Bond-Theory, which could possibly

expect to see, proportionally to the population,

have a relation with some of the aspects of his

more minority serial killers as well.

Self-Control Theory, especially regarding crimes



Hirschi also wrote a theory suggesting that

of impulsive violence. On the other hand, serial

people commit crimes as a result of poor social

killers may be difficult to understand because

bonds with society. This theory can also be par-

many of their behaviors do not seem impulsive

alleled to the behavior of the typical serial killer

whatsoever. The term “impulsive” in this case

because killers can become frustrated by their

is more or less used to describe the reaction to

inability to establish meaningful relationships

a breaking point in the individual’s life which

with others. A correlation might exist between

causes them to act out. It is a motivating force.

the weak social bonds of Bond Theory and the

Finally, there is an inconsistency between litera-

improper socialization of children in Self-Con-

ture on serial killers and Self-Control in regard to

trol Theory. Weak social bonds may be a result

the credit they give to biological causes of crime.

of a lack of nurturing as a child. As previously

Self-Control Theory is quite deficient in

mentioned, a baby’s first bond is formed with his

Does the Theory Work?

mother and then his father. This primary relation-



ship provides an example for future connections.

Control Theory, it is more compatible with serial

If the parent-child relationship is weak, it is likely

homicide than not. At the theory’s core, it states

that future relationships will be feeble as well.

that crime is a result of improper childhood rear-

Therefore, social bonds could be useful in accor-

ing which is very comparable to the sociological

dance with Self-Control Theory to explain serial

development of the serial killer. Literature on the

killing. Despite Hirschi’s development of both the

crime and the theory are also harmonious in ex-

Bond and Self-Control theories, he failed to make

plaining the early age of emerging, potentially

this connection.

dangerous characteristics. Finally, Self-Control



Many researches state that biological jus-

Theory makes clear why some children with in-

tifications would be more efficient at explaining

sufficient childhood development on the part of

the heinous acts of a serial murderer. Brain in-

their parents commit murder and others do not.

juries, genetics, and chemical imbalances have

People with low-self control are impulsive and

been linked to murders and this relationship is il-

high frustration levels can cause them to act on

lustrated by Sears and Hicky in their books. De-

impulses due to a lack of ability to express them-

spite the popularity of biological reasoning in

selves and relate to others.

criminological literature, Self-Control Theory is



incompatible with the logic. In no way did Gott-

at depicting what preambles may lead to the

Without ignoring the discrepancies of Self-

While Self-Control Theory is very accurate

Schemata | Fall 09

formation of a killer, it is difficult to tell where such

Shaibly, D. Jay. What Twists a Man so far as Mur-

knowledge has a place in a reactive criminal

der? (Serial Killers). 16 April 2003. 24 Septem-

justice system. It is also difficult to understand a

ber

mind so troubled. In fact, we may have trouble

ments/69562>.

understanding serial killers because many times

U.S. Census Bureau. “Female Population by Age,

they do not seem to be troubled at all. For the

Race, and Hispanic or Latino Origin for the Unit-

average person it is hard to understand how

ed States: 2000.” 2001. 29 October 2007