Why define a Serial Killer?

Before we can dive into the fascinating world of serial killers, it is important to distinguish the importance of the definitions that correlate with the term “serial killer.” Providing a clear definition of the term will be easier to understand the heinous actions and motives behind the individuals we study in the course. It will help create a clear understanding and differentiate amongst the different types of murders that occur around us. For example, a serial killer and an individual that commits mass shootings at events (e.g., the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017), are two different types of murders. For the purpose of this course, a well-defined term ensures that the discussions remains focused and objective to the topic at hand. In addition, it will prevent misunderstandings and misclassifications that will be essential in completing the course in both the criminological and psychological perspective.

Serial Killers Background

The idea behind serial killing has been used for many centuries. It is known that serial killings have been correlated through folklore tales and criminal legends. For example, the term serial killing dates back to medieval times, 19th century, and 20th century (i.e., Gilles Rais, Jack the Ripper, and H.H. Holmes). However, the term “serial killer” was not coined and introduced until 1970 by FBI agent Robert Ressler. According to Lawrence Miller, “The term serial murderer was coined by FBI Special Agent Robert Ressler during the “Son of Sam” killings (which were actually shootings of young women, not sexual homicides per se) in New York City in the 1970s. Up to that time, there were probably less than 10 serial murderers identified in the United States” (2014).

Serial Killers Defined.

When defining serial killers, the term can be complex. Experts in criminology have dabbled with the idea of the multiple definitions associated with the term; specifically, due to trying to assign the appropriate number of victims a person needed to murder. According to FBI.gov, “previous definitions of serial murder specified a certain number of murders, varying from two to ten victims. This quantitative requirement distinguished a serial murder from other categories of murder (i.e., single, double, or triple murder). Most of the definitions also required a period of time between the murders. This break-in-time was necessary to distinguish between a mass murder and a serial murder. Serial murder requires a temporal separation between the different murders, which was described as: separate occasions, a cooling-off period, and an emotional cooling-off period.”

For the purpose of the course, we will be using the FBI definitions and how they have defined a serial killer in the United States. A serial killer is defined as “serial murderers are those who, either alone or with an accomplice, kill at least three people over a period of time, with “cooling-off” periods between the murders, indicating premeditation of each killing. When serial killers are identified, it is sometimes because, in acting out their fantasies, they leave their characteristic signatures on their victims’ bodies or at the crime scene” (Miller, 2014). It is important to note that the term is limited in its application. Meaning, even though term has a definition associated in name, it is not just a generic definition. Serial killers was coined so that the FBI agency can assist local law enforcements on cases and help with the criminal investigation.

Serial Killer vs. Mass Murder

The term mass murder and serial killers are very distinct. A mass murder is defined as “a number of murders (four or more) occurring during the same incident, with no distinctive time period between the murders. These events typically involved a single location, where the killer murdered a number of victims in an ongoing incident” (FBI.gov). For example, the Las Vegas strip massacre, Columbine high school massacre, Orlando nightclub massacre, Virginia Tech massacre, Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, and the Uvalde school massacre. So what makes these two terms differ? 

Mass murder differs from a serial killer due to its location, mass murderers target their victims in one single location. A person or persons, typically commit mass murder for revenge purposes due to their anger or resentment. The major difference is, the timing; a mass murderer does not having a cooling off period. All their murders happen at the same time, place, and for the same reason. As serial killer however, kill in different locations, take their time (days, months, years), kill for attention seeking, thrill, due to a mental disorder, or kill for sexual gratification. According to Miller, “torture and murder activities of serial killers tend to be slow and close-up, involving low-tech weapons that gouge, flay, or strangle, the typical goal of mass murderers is to kill many as many victims as possible, quickly, efficiently, and at once, using the highest level of lethal technology available to them to do the most damage — handguns, assault weapons, explosives, or arson” (2014).

Serial Killer vs. Terrorism

Terrorism is a term that is not new to the Unites States. There are two definitions associated with terrorism as defined by the FBI: “1. International terrorism — violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups who are inspired by, or associated with, designated foreign terrorist organizations or nations (state-sponsored) and 2. Domestic terrorism — violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature” (FBI.gov).There have been many incidents in the past couple of decades where the United States has experienced terrorist attacks. For example, the 911 attacks, Red Lakes school shooting, Amish school shooting in Nickel Mines Pennsylvania, movie theatre shooting in Aurora Colorado, and many others. Thus, terrorism can be classified as a type of mass murder, but terrorist cannot be considered serial killers as they do not have a cooling off period.

Serial Killer Archetypes

As we begin to dive into the journey of serial killers in our course, please take note that we will be going back and forth to revisit the following section below, the serial killer archetypes. There are five main archetypes that we will be using to discuss the serial killers in the course: the bragger, the expert manipulator, the charmer, the power junkie, and the average joe. It is important to highlight that a serial killer can be classified as more than one archetype. Additionally, as we begin our journey to the world of serial killers, begin thinking and creating a list of where each of these killers fit in and why.

The Bragger

The bragger archetype can also be known as the egotistical serial killer. The bragger is defined as a serial killer who brags about his victims or crimes to the public. The bragger typically brags about his victims to either begin taunting the police, the victims, and the press so that they can add attention to the investigation. These serial killers are often attention seeking and are unable to keep their heinous acts to themselves. Some examples of a bragger include the Zodiac Killer and Jack the Ripper.

The Expert Manipulator

The expert manipulator are very smart and strategic serial killers. Manipulators often use controlling and deceptive tactics to influence others to achieve their own goals, often at the expense of the other person’s well-being, by employing strategies like guilt-tripping, lying, blaming, and playing the victim to gain control and avoid responsibility. In relations to serial killing, the expert manipulator expertly manipulates their victims with the objective to gain power and control over their victims. Majority of the time, these types of killers often rape their victims due to the power they have over them. It is important to note that, even if these expert manipulators rape their victims, they are different from hedonistic killers who rape their victims out of lust. Some examples of the expert manipulator include Charles Manson and Gary Ridgway.

The Charmer

The charmer usually has a charming personality which includes a set of traits that make someone likable and popular. Charming people are often good communicators, empathetic, and have a positive outlook. Traits of a charming personality often include active listening, confidence, empathy, humor, optimism, politeness, and communication skills. In relations to serial killing, the charmer begins to sympathize with their victims weaknesses to then later use it against them to lure them in. These types of serial killers often kill for lust or thrill. Some examples of a charmer include Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy.

The Power Junkie

The power junkie kills for power, and only power. These individuals have an intense desire for control, influence, and dominance over others, often seeking to exercise power in any situation and deriving a significant sense of satisfaction from doing so. In turn, this can manifest in various ways depending on the individual but typically involves a strong need to be in charge, make decisions, and be seen as authoritative. In terms of serial killing, a power junkie often when caught, may refuse to give up critical information that the police can use in the investigation. For example, power junkies may not give information as to where they may have buried their victims or how many victims they have killed. They may do this to keep control of their power over the police, community, and the families of their victims. Some examples of a power junkie include Ian Brady and Richard Ramirez.

The Average Joe

The average joe is your typical looking member of a community with no red flags or differences amongst the rest of the community members in which the serial killer commits their crimes. The average joe can be defined as a typical, ordinary person, essentially representing the “average” man on the street, with no exceptional qualities or characteristics. This type of archetype is the most common and one in which most serial killers studied in the course will be categorized in. Additionally, these types of serial killers are often the ones many have to fear since they typically look like you regular neighbor or friend. Some examples of an average joe include Aileen Wuornos and John Wayne Gacy.

Conclusion

Although serial killers and their crimes only make up less than 1% of murders in America, it is important to understand the archetypes that appear in mass media. These archetypes can help us understand how turning serial killers into celebrities is dangerous. In addition, the importance of defining the term “serial killer,” is highly crucial in this course because it provides a clear and structured foundation for the individuals studied. Most importantly, defining the term distinguishes these serial killers from other types of similar murders that occur worldwide.

Supporting Video

Down below, you will find a link to a video that will further discuss the definition of a serial killer by Expert Dr. Michael Aamodt.

https://youtu.be/qbLAmrGP8pw?feature=shared