Serial Killers WHAT Defines a Serial Killer The

Serial Killers

WHAT Defines a Serial Killer? • The term “serial killings” means a series of three or more killings, not less than one of which was committed in the United States, Having common characteristics such as to suggest the reasonable possibility that the crimes were committed by the same actor or actors” – FBI • What defines a Mass Murderer? According to the FBI, mass murder is defined as four or more murders occurring during a particular event with no cooling-off period between the murders. A mass murder typically occurs in a single location in which a number of victims are killed by an individual.

What kind of traits do serial killers have? • Alcohol and/or Substance Abuse Children in the womb that are exposed to alcohol and other substances can cause them to have serious birth defects such as, small eye openings, small heart or brain, central nervous system issues and mental disabilities. Children growing up in a home with substance and or alcohol abuse can develop, ADHD, feelings of inadequacy, attachments disorders, behavioral problems and depression.

These characteristics can be evident at a young age. According to the FBI, 70% of serial killers’ homes had experienced problems related to substance abuse. But there are very few serial killers that have been addicted to alcohol and substances. • Psychological Abuse During Childhood Of all the interviews with known serial killers, 50% of them say that they had been suffered some type of abuse during their childhood. This caused them to feel humiliated, and when parents would “discipline” their child it would happen unexpectedly and was detrimental to the child, which could lead to developmental issues in the child.

This can cause the child to desensitize and not have any empathy for others. • Sexually Stressful Events in Childhood Violent sexual events during childhood can have serious effects on a person’s development. The most damaging type of event for a child is either witnessing the event or experiencing the event. This lead teenagers to develop venereal diseases, or were sexually abused by parents and/or family members. Such abuse would often create violent fantasies and would resonate with them until adulthood. Sexual abuse can also lead to learning disabilities, social isolation, seizures and self-control problems.

• Bed Wetting Bedwetting has been said not to be an indicator of a serial killer, but there is a definite correlation between bed wetting and serial killers. Researchers say that bedwetting past the age of five can be very demeaning for a child, especially if the child is mocked by their parents or siblings. This can cause the child to abuse animals to channel their anger. About 60% of serial killers were still wetting their beds after the age of five.

• Growing Up Lonely and Isolated Children that have grown up isolated and lonely usually have siblings that are always fighting with them or who have mentally disowned them. These relationship problems can lead to not being able to forge meaningful relationships later in life and end up as a loner. They are usually not regarded by most people; they are frequently bullied, and they can develop antisocial disorders at a very young age. This can lead to arson, theft, aggression, hostility, and eventually can lead to murder.

• Fantasies The fantasies of serial killers are usually about violations and control. During a research study, it was apparent that every serial killer could not remember a positive fantasy as a child. They would fantasize about traumatic situations where they are the assailant. Thoughts of fulfilling their fantasies will cause them to focus on committing murder and after their first murder they focus on committing more murders with greater efficiency.

• Developing voyeurism and fetishism in adulthood Many serial killers are overly interested in fetishism and of paraphilia and these usually begin at an early age. Many start out as peepingtoms, but then move onto breaking into houses, rape and murder. • Acting Out Fantasies on Animals 99 percent of serial killers admit to acting out their violent fantasies on animals before moving onto humans. Due to dysfunctional families that most serial killers come from, most parents do notice the violent acts their child is committing. These acts of animal mutilation are a huge source of pleasure for the young killer and use the animals to practice their “art”, and later move on to humans.

Serial Killer Research Paper • You will select and research a serial killer and write a 3 -4 page paper. I would like this to be an American serial killer if at all possible. - You will need to have a cover page (does not count as a page) - Need at least 1 picture: I suggest you put it on cover page. (do not put it in middle of a text page to try to use up space) - You will need a source cited page (again does not count at a page) - Discuss your killers childhood and upbringing. - Discuss his/her mode of operation (How did he/she target their victim, What was their weapon of choice)

- Discuss his/her mode of operation (How did he/she target their victim, What was their weapon of choice) - How many victims did they have, How did they get caught. - The police investigation. - What if any traits listed in powerpoint did you killer have. - Trial and punishment.