Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

The FBI defines serial murder as: A minimum of three to four victims, with a ‘cooling off’ period in between;  the killer is usually a stranger to the victim

The FBI defines serial murder as: A minimum of three to four victims, with a ‘cooling off’ period in between;  the killer is usually a stranger to the victim

—the murders appear unconnected or random; the murders reflect a need to sadistically dominate the victim; the murder is rarely ‘for profit’; the motive is psychological, not material; the victim may have ‘symbolic’ value for the killer; method of killing may reveal this meaning; killers often choose victims who are vulnerable (prostitutes, runaways, etcetera).
Statistically, the average serial killer is a male from a lower-to-middle-class background, usually in his 20s or 30s. Many were physically or emotionally abused by parents. Some were adopted. As children, fledgling serial killers often set fires, torture animals and wet their beds (these are known as the ‘triad’ of symptoms). Brain injuries are common.
Some are very intelligent and have shown great promise as professionals. They are also fascinated with the police and authority in general. They have either attempted to join the police themselves but were rejected, or worked as security guards or served in the military. Many serial killers have disguised themselves as law enforcement officials to gain access to their victims.

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