OVERVIEW
Serial murder has been a subject that has always captivated everyday members of society. The question of “what could drive someone to do such a thing” has been one of great speculation. The mere fact that serial murder has been documented in every decade of human habitation on Earth is enough to gain someone’s attention. With the growing research into serial offenses paired with the increased public interest, much proper research has been done on the subject of serial murder. However, due to the growing media attention, serial murders and the offenders behind them are often glorified or stereotyped for the sake of a shock factor as well as previous misconceptions. This can even be seen dating back almost 135 years ago to the Whitechapel Murders. In this article series, we will provide a few basic concepts to introduce you to a collection of serial offenses, starting with serial murder.
WHAT IS A SERIAL MURDERER?
The definition of a serial killer, or serial murderer, has changed, though not drastically, throughout the years. Recently, it was thought by many that a serial killer was simply a person who committed three or more murders. However, this caused some confusion due to the fact that a mass murderer does the same thing yet is not considered a serial killer. Additionally, accidental murders and spree killings can fall under the same category but are not the same as serial killings. During the Serial Murder Symposium, a few criteria were formed:
one or more offenders
two or more murdered victims
incidents should be occurring in separate events, at different times
the time period between murders separates serial murder from mass murder
And such a definition for the term “serial murder” was formed that was able to be both detailed and straightforward in one sentence; “the unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s), in separate events.” (Serial Murder | Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2016).
Furthermore, it would be wise to discuss the difference between serial killings, mass murders, and spree killings. Mass murders occur within one event and take the lives of many, typically four or more. As we just discussed, serial killings occur within multiple events and include a cooling-off period (break between murders). Spree killings, though there is some controversy surrounding the term, take place in several locations and involve a minimum of three murders within a short time period. It is important to note that many terms discussed, such as “serial and spree killer,” only gained popularity a few decades ago. This means that some definitions or details may change or be added in the future.
MOTIVATIONS
The motivations of a serial killer can vary significantly from person to person. Some may be motivated by anger, mental illness, financial gain, etc. Serial killers, statistically, usually have a sexual component to their crimes. In some cases, the sexual element in the murder isn’t immediately seen. Some killers enjoy dressing up as their victims afterward to relive the murder, and some get sexual gratification from the act of murdering itself. When attempting to figure out a motive, many things can deter the investigation. Some killers have very complex rituals, may have multiple motives, and, in some cases, the motive may even change. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the following are possible motives to help narrow down a suspect list:
Anger
Criminal Enterprise (e.g., organized crime, gang, etc.)
Financial gain/profit
Ideology
Power/thrill
Psychosis
Sexually-based
When more than one offender is involved, figuring out the motive may be even more challenging, primarily when it is not known that there is more than one offender. However, certain characteristics of a murder scene may reveal the offender’s motive. If there is blatant overkill (e.g., repeatedly injuring a victim when the victim is already deceased; typically called unnecessary overkill), anger or even a severe psychotic break is a reasonable deduction for a motive. Mission-based motives are rare but often extreme in serial murder cases. Mission or ideology-based murders are those in which a group or person wants to further their ideas. This motive is significantly worse when capturing a suspect when paired with severe mental illness or substance abuse.
When a killer has multiple motives, it can be incredibly challenging for authorities to take them into custody. As mentioned earlier, the motive for murder may differ from victim to victim even though it is the same offender. Some motivations are quickly figured out when paired. If a victim is attacked out of anger, but the killer receives sexual gratification, those two motives are less challenging to figure out.
Motivation can be influenced by a killer’s choice of victims, the nature of their relationship with the victim, the approach to the victim, etc. Childhood experiences can even factor into it. This means that even if two serial killers have the same motive, some characteristics will always differ. Those examining a case must examine every aspect to make a proper and helpful conclusion.
ORGANIZED VS. DISORGANIZED
Organized and disorganized are terms used to classify offenders, in this case, serial killers, based on evidence at the crime scene. These classifications can help authorities narrow the suspect list and find the killer.
Organized killers are those who planned the murder. This can include having weapons inside their house or vehicle like Edmund Kemper did, stalking their victim, and choosing victims based on personal criteria, along with others. These types of killers displayed control at the crime scene and may even have selected where the body would be placed. An organized killer usually has high intelligence and is socially skilled. These killers are the type that media stereotypes of killers are based on, typically glorifying the killer or attempting to dismantle other stereotypes. Organized killers are more likely to follow media coverage of their crimes and, in rare cases, inject themselves into the investigation to ward off suspicion.
Disorganized killers, on the other hand, usually do not plan their murders. They are more likely to be spontaneous and may suddenly attack their victim. These types of killers rely on opportunity rather than a pre-planned murder. Disorganized killers are more likely to be less inclined to hide the body and most likely leave the victim where they were killed. These types have below-average intelligence or are suffering from severe mental illness. Disorganized killers and their crimes are usually used as misleading arguments against mentally ill people and contribute to the stereotype that those with a mental illness are violent. Unlike the organized killer, disorganized killers are less likely to inject themselves into the investigation.
However, it is possible for serial killers to possess traits of both classifications. This makes it harder to find potential suspects and to identify the killer. An example of this could be a spontaneous attack on a victim but concealing the body.
CONCLUSION
Serial killers have been subject to intense fascination. Figuring out and understanding the mind of a serial killer appeals to many, especially when each differs significantly from the other. Serial murder has been seen in every single culture and decade, making it oddly common, yet it is a rare occurrence. We hope that this article can be the beginning of your research into serial offenses. In the following article of this series, we will discuss serial arsonists.
REFERENCES
Crime Scene and Profile Characteristics of Organized and Disorganized Murders | Office of Justice Programs. (2023). Ojp.gov. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/crime-scene-and-profile-characteristics-organized-and-disorganized
Psychreg. (2023, February 5). The Dark Psychology of Serial Killers: Unpacking the Factors Behind their Brutal Behaviour. Psychreg. https://www.psychreg.org/dark-psychology-serial-killers-unpacking-factors-behind-their-brutal-behaviour/
Serial Murder | Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2016). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/serial-murder#:~:text=Serial%20killers%20differ%20in%20many,for%20control%2C%20and%20predatory%20behavior.
Serial Killers. (2020). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/serial-killers
Serial Murder Versus Mass Murder. (2019). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201901/serial-murder-versus-mass-murder
Spree vs. Serial Killers. (2018). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shadow-boxing/201806/spree-vs-serial-killers
Understanding What Drives Serial Killers. (2019). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201909/understanding-what-drives-serial-killers
So much is factored into evaluating the motive for a serial killing! Also interesting about motive is that the quicker it is uncovered, the more likely the serial killer will be found. I love your writing!