Criminal Psychology of Serial Murder

We often find ourselves captivated by books detailing mysterious murders or engrossed in Netflix documentaries about psychotic killers.

But have you ever paused to ponder what drives these individuals to engage in such extreme violence? Legally, a serial killer is defined as “...someone who commits at least three murders over more than a month with an emotional cooling-off period in between” (Brogaard). This definition, however, fails to encapsulate the archetypal image of a serial killer that many of us have in mind.

For instance, a drug dealer who has killed five people in the past month might fit this legal definition of a serial killer, yet this interpretation doesn't fully convey the societal perception of what constitutes a true serial killer.

Defining Serial Killers

In our collective imagination, a serial killer is typically someone who is sadistic and psychologically damaged, akin to figures like Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer. Bundy was notorious for kidnapping, raping, and decapitating his victims, while Dahmer was infamous for his gruesome acts of kidnapping, rape, dismemberment, and even cannibalism. The drug dealer mentioned earlier would not engage in such heinous acts like rape or cannibalism, acts that true serial killers might commit. Serial killers often exhibit traits such as a profound lack of empathy, remorse, or guilt, alongside a compelling need to control situations and a propensity for impulsiveness. A notable characteristic some possess is charm; these murderers can be likable and easy to converse with, often making them the last person one would suspect of being a killer. Each killer operates with a motive, be it revenge for a loved one's death or the sheer pleasure of the kill, while some may kill without a discernible motive at all. Susan Atkins, a member of the Manson Family who participated in eight killings, confessed in court, “I killed her, I stabbed her and she fell. And I stabbed her again. I don’t know how many times I stabbed her and I don’t know why I stabbed her” (Eugene Register Guard).

Motivations and Types

Serial murders often have complex motivations, which can be difficult to discern. When uncovered, motives range from anger and revenge to the thrill of killing or sexual desires. Generally, the motives of serial killers fall into four categories: visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic, and power/control. Visionary killers, like David Berkowitz, also known as The Son of Sam, claim to be driven by external forces or alternate personalities. Berkowitz, who shot and killed eight people between 1976 and 1977, confessed he was trying to silence a demon that supposedly possessed his neighbor’s dog. Mission-oriented killers, in contrast, have a defined purpose for their murders, often targeting specific groups. Joseph P. Franklin, who was convicted of multiple homicides, rationalized his ritualistic killings by stating, “Race mixing is a sin against God and nature. I feel it is my duty as a servant of God to protect white womanhood from injury or degradation” (Bonn). Hedonistic killers derive pleasure from inflicting pain or gaining sexual gratification from their acts, as seen in Jeffrey Dahmer, a necrophiliac. Finally, power or control killers, like Ted Bundy, find satisfaction in exerting dominance over their victims, relishing in the decision-making power over life and death.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

A prevalent trait among serial killers is introversion, often linked to antisocial behavior, which has been shown to have genetic roots. Gene abnormalities can lead to structural brain differences, resulting in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities, predisposing individuals to antisocial behavior (Raine). Two genes, MAOA and CDH13, have been linked to violent behavior. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry examined the genes of Finnish prisoners, finding that more aggressive criminals carried higher levels of these gene variants (Deans). Additionally, genes can predispose individuals to mental disorders associated with criminal behavior, such as schizophrenia.

Environmental factors, particularly traumatic childhood experiences, play a significant role in shaping criminal behavior. A child exposed to violence, such as witnessing a parent commit murder, is at a higher risk of becoming a murderer compared to those without such experiences. Family dynamics are crucial in a child's development, and an inadequate family environment can be a breeding ground for future killers. Many serial killers have environmental factors that contribute to their abnormal behavior, often compounded by abuse throughout their lives. Jeffrey Dahmer's upbringing illustrates this, as his father was frequently absent, and his home life was fraught with tension. This, combined with his status as an outcast in high school and his expulsion from college due to constant drinking, contributed to his development as a killer. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors is evident, as those with specific variants of the monoamine-oxidase-A gene are more prone to violent behavior if they have endured an abusive upbringing (Davies qtd. Raine).

The Role of Empathy and Mental Disorders

Empathy, or the ability to feel and understand the emotions of others, is developed throughout life, but many serial killers lack this crucial attribute. This deficiency distinguishes a murderer from a serial killer. A murderer might act impulsively and later feel remorse, whereas a serial killer would feel no guilt. Ted Bundy’s remark, “What’s one less person on the face of the earth, anyway” (“These” qtd. Bundy), encapsulates his lack of empathy and disregard for human life.

The development of mental disorders often parallels the evolution of a serial killer. Many have experienced environmental factors like abuse or neglect that contribute to their trajectory, while also fostering the onset of mental disorders. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), characterized by unstable moods and behavior, is common among serial killers. Individuals with BPD do not handle rejection well, responding with rage and displeasure. The causes of BPD are not fully understood, but environmental factors like child abuse and neglect, along with genetic predispositions, are linked to its development. Similarly, Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is prevalent among serial killers, marked by an inability to distinguish right from wrong and a disregard for others' feelings. Symptoms include lying, impulsiveness, lack of empathy, manipulation, arrogance, and poor relationships—traits synonymous with serial killers.

In the documentary Interview with a Serial Killer, Arthur Shawcross, the Genesee River Killer, exemplifies the lack of empathy common among serial killers. When asked how he knows a victim is dead, Shawcross nonchalantly replies, “How? I don’t know just do… it only takes about 4 minutes, sometimes less than that.” His response to how he removed a girl’s head, “Easy, just pick it up and move it,” further illustrates his indifference. Shawcross had a mistress and numerous encounters with prostitutes, indicative of his poor relationships. He recounts impulsively killing a woman named Dorothy after she stole from him, showcasing the volatile nature of his actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors that contribute to the making of a serial killer is crucial. These elements help demystify the motivations and behaviors of individuals who engage in such extreme acts of violence. By examining traits like lack of empathy, the roles of mental disorders, and the influences of upbringing, we can begin to comprehend the enigmatic and chilling world of serial killers. Through continued study and analysis, society can work towards prevention and better management of individuals predisposed to such behaviors.

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