Serial Killers Mass Spree Serial of victims 4

Serial Killers

Mass Spree Serial # of victims 4+ 2+ 3+ # of events 1 1 2+ # of locations 1 2+ 2+ Cooling off period no no yes

General Serial Killer Profile • • • Demographics – Average is 29. 1 • Males – 28. 9 is average at first kill • 9 is the youngest (Robert Dale Segee) • 72 is the oldest (Ray Copeland) – Jesse Pomeroy (Boston in the 1870 s) • Killed 2 people and tortured 8 by the age of 14 • Spent 58 years in solitary confinement until he died • Females – 30. 3 is average at first kill • 11 is youngest (Mary Flora Bell) • 66 is oldest (Faye Copeland)

What is criminal profiling? • Construction of a psychological, behavioral and demographic profile of the type of person likely to have committed the crime • Usually applied to serial crimes (serial murders, serial rapes…)

What to look for • Signature – Signature - something done to fulfill or satisfy the offenders emotional state – Not the same as Modus Operandi – Modus Operandi - what is needed to complete the crime

The Lust Murderer: subtype of a serial killer • Sadistic and brutal crime • Committed almost exclusively against women • Two types of offenders: – Organized Nonsocial – Disorganized Asocial

Organized Nonsocial • • • Indifferent to the well-being of others Self-centered and narcissistic Manipulative and cunning Lives away from crime scene Crime appears controlled, methodical Pre and post-mortem mutilation and torture

Organized Nonsocial • Evidence of necrophilia • Returns to crime scene to see status of investigation • Wants his crime to outrage the community; feels he is “getting even” with society

Disorganized Asocial • Described by others as a “loner” • Inexperienced in relationships, unable to socialize • Crime is committed in a frenzied manner • Lives close to crime scene because he feels safe and secure in his own neighborhood • Weapon of opportunity - demonstrates lack of plan

Disorganized Asocial • Post-mortem mutilation – Biting or slashing of breasts, genitals • Insertion of foreign objects – “an inquisitive child with a new toy” – Exploring how body works • Returns to crime scene often to continue mutilation