Serial murders Flashcards
What is the definition of serial murder?
A series of murders (at least two) perpetrated USUALLY by one offender that appears to have NO discernable motive. Usually separated by time
What are four characteristics of serial murder?
The offender usually has no association with the victim, serial murders are usually linked by victim type/certain behavioral aspects in the offender, no discernable motive, nearly always MALE perpetrators (sexual/aggressive drive)
Why is it so difficult to investigate serial homicides?
Long cooling off period, can be spread throughout country, relatively spontaneous, only the perp will know the motive
How does mass murder differ from serial murder?
Mass murders - multiple murders at one time
Serial murders - multiple murders spread throughout weeks/months/years
Five example of mass murder
Columbine, Sandy Hook, 9/11, Aurora, Boston marathon bombings
What is the definition of “spree killings”?
Killing two or more victims in a short amount of time in multiple locations
Narcissism
Extreme selfishness with a grandiose view of one’s own talents and a craving for admiration
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Sociopathy; person sees no difference in right and wrong and ignored the feelings of others/ Tend to manipulate/treat others harshly with no indifference
Sadism
The tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation of others
Can psychopaths be “born that way”? What scientific evidence suggests this?
Yes. A “perfect storm” of genetics, past abuse history, and mental disorders
What is the main brain structure which is different in psychopaths?
Frontal lobe - smaller
What is the difference between modus operandi (MO) and signature/trademark behaviors?
MO - a characteristic pattern of behavior repeated in a series of offensive - helps perp get away with crime
Sig/trademark - an unusual behavior repeated in a series of offenses, NOT required to perpetrate the crime
What are 5 examples of sig/trademark behaviors?
Raping, binding, overkill, posting, mutilation
What are 7 personality characteristics of serial killers?
Intelligent, good outward appearance, superficial charm, able to differentiate right from wrong, have no conscience, need for control, enjoy the victim’s terror
What are four characteristics of organized serial killers?
Planning of murders months in advance, normally married/in a relationship with a steady employment, have a “murder kit”, highly intelligent and knowledgeable about forensic science and law enforcement
What are four characteristics of disorganized killers?
Commit their crimes spontaneously, do not plant their crimes in advance, are often unemployed and without transportation, they are more often of low intelligence of psychotic
What is a power orientated serial killer?
Narcissistic sociopaths and sadistic. Have no empathy for their victims, obtain pleasure from complete power and control over their victims.
Four examples of power orientated serial killers
BTK - Dennis Rader, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Richard Ramirez
Defined what a mission oriented serial killer is an give an example
Killers feel they are improving the world by getting rid of undesirable people
Example: Gary Ridgway
Define what a visionary serial killer is an give an example
Those who kill because they are directed by hallucinations
Example: David Berkowitz “Son of Sam
Define what a hedonistic serial killer is and give an example
Gains sexual satisfaction from raping, killing, and mutilating victims
Example: Jeffery Dahmer
Define what a comfort serial killer is and give an example
Those who kill for financial gain such as insurance benefits
Example: Golay and Rutterschmidt
Define what a disciple serial killer is an give an example
Those who kill under the direction of a charismatic killer
Example: Charles Manson and Manson family
List the three parts of the McDonald Triad
Bed wetting past age of 12, animal cruelty, starting fires
What is ViCAP and what is its purpose?
Violent Criminal Apprehension Program - eliminates problems faced by law enforcement when investigating serial murders
List three criteria for a case to be submitted to ViCAP
Homicides that appear to be random/sexually driven/lack motive and appear to be part of a series, missing person may be submitted if there is a strong likelihood of foul play OR the victim remains missing, unidentified bodies - if matter of death seems to be criminal
What are three advantages of ViCAP?
Can recognize a serial killing earlier in the investigative process, may clear up other unsolved murders when a suspect is apprehended, allows for the pooling of clues thereby allowing investigators to communicate and find possible leads/suspects
