Serial murders

Question 1

What is the definition of serial murder?

Answer 1

A series of murders (at least two) perpetrated USUALLY by one offender that appears to have NO discernable motive. Usually separated by time

Question 2

What are four characteristics of serial murder?

Answer 2

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)

Question 3

Why is it so difficult to investigate serial homicides?

Answer 3

Long cooling off period, can be spread throughout country, relatively spontaneous, only the perp will know the motive

Question 4

How does mass murder differ from serial murder?

Answer 4

Mass murders - multiple murders at one time
Serial murders - multiple murders spread throughout weeks/months/years

Question 5

Five example of mass murder

Answer 5

Columbine, Sandy Hook, 9/11, Aurora, Boston marathon bombings

Question 6

What is the definition of “spree killings”?

Answer 6

Killing two or more victims in a short amount of time in multiple locations

Question 7

Narcissism

Answer 7

Extreme selfishness with a grandiose view of one’s own talents and a craving for admiration

Question 8

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Answer 8

Sociopathy; person sees no difference in right and wrong and ignored the feelings of others/ Tend to manipulate/treat others harshly with no indifference

Question 9

Sadism

Answer 9

The tendency to derive pleasure, especially sexual, from inflicting pain, suffering, or humiliation of others

Question 10

Can psychopaths be “born that way”? What scientific evidence suggests this?

Answer 10

Yes. A “perfect storm” of genetics, past abuse history, and mental disorders

Question 11

What is the main brain structure which is different in psychopaths?

Answer 11

Frontal lobe - smaller

Question 12

What is the difference between modus operandi (MO) and signature/trademark behaviors?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What are 5 examples of sig/trademark behaviors?

Answer 13

Raping, binding, overkill, posting, mutilation

Question 14

What are 7 personality characteristics of serial killers?

Answer 14

Intelligent, good outward appearance, superficial charm, able to differentiate right from wrong, have no conscience, need for control, enjoy the victim’s terror

Question 15

What are four characteristics of organized serial killers?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What are four characteristics of disorganized killers?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What is a power orientated serial killer?

Answer 17

Narcissistic sociopaths and sadistic. Have no empathy for their victims, obtain pleasure from complete power and control over their victims.

Question 18

Four examples of power orientated serial killers

Answer 18

BTK - Dennis Rader, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Richard Ramirez

Question 19

Defined what a mission oriented serial killer is an give an example

Answer 19

Killers feel they are improving the world by getting rid of undesirable people
Example: Gary Ridgway

Question 20

Define what a visionary serial killer is an give an example

Answer 20

Those who kill because they are directed by hallucinations
Example: David Berkowitz “Son of Sam

Question 21

Define what a hedonistic serial killer is and give an example

Answer 21

Gains sexual satisfaction from raping, killing, and mutilating victims
Example: Jeffery Dahmer

Question 22

Define what a comfort serial killer is and give an example

Answer 22

Those who kill for financial gain such as insurance benefits
Example: Golay and Rutterschmidt

Question 23

Define what a disciple serial killer is an give an example

Answer 23

Those who kill under the direction of a charismatic killer
Example: Charles Manson and Manson family

Question 24

List the three parts of the McDonald Triad

Answer 24

Bed wetting past age of 12, animal cruelty, starting fires

Question 25

What is ViCAP and what is its purpose?

Answer 25

Violent Criminal Apprehension Program - eliminates problems faced by law enforcement when investigating serial murders

Question 26

List three criteria for a case to be submitted to ViCAP

Answer 26

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

Question 27

What are three advantages of ViCAP?

Answer 27

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