3 different kinds of multiple-kill killers:

Rule #1: A serial killer is someone who commits three or more murders over an extended period of time with cooling-off periods. In between their crimes, they appear to be quite normal.

• He never expects to get caught.
• He is usually ordinary and charming.
• Frequently, there is a sexual element to the murder.

Rule #2: A spree killer commits multiple murders in different locations over a period of time that may vary from a few hours to several days.

• Unlike serial killers, however, they do not revert to their normal behavior in between slayings.

Rule #3: The mass killer is playing an endgame.

• An individual who kills three or more people in a single event and in one location.
• The perpetrators sometimes commit suicide. He will generally either kill himself afterward or commit what we call ‘suicide by cop’.
• Ones who are caught sometimes claim they cannot clearly remember the event.

Generally speaking, serial killers:

• Are generally white males ranging from their mid to late thirties to mid to late forties.
• are usually an asocial loner
• have a possible history of turmoil
• will pick places that he is familiar with to commit his crimes so that he feels comfortable.
• normally consider children incidental victims.

Early warning Signs:

• Bed-wetting beyond the age of 12
• Arson
• Torturing animals-sign of a severe mental disturbance
• Perform below average in school

Behavioral Clues:

Questions to ask yourself...

• What was the state of the body found
• What did the killer do with and/or to the corpse?
• Was their a concentration of wounds?
• Was the victim wrapped in something?
• Was the victim left in plain sight?
• What was the possible motive?

• If the victim has a concentration of stab wounds particularly around the face, chances are the killer knew the victim. (Overkill)
• If the victim was wrapped in a sheet or blanket or obviously cared for after death, this suggests that the killer had some tender feelings toward the victim or felt remorse.
• If the body is mutilated and/or left in plain sight or casually dumped by the side of the road, the killer had contempt for the victim, maybe even a disdain for women in general.
• What motivates many is the desire for power and control that comes from a background where they felt powerless and out of control.

Statistics:

• 50% of serial killers describe having their first rape fantasy between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Fantasies always precede acting out.
• 81% describe themselves as having active and regular involvement with pornography.
• 72% were/are active peeping toms or voyeurs.
• 72% had a preoccupation with a fetishism, i.e. women’s underwear