For the average individual it is inconceivable how any human could so brutally and sadistically destroy countless lives. Yet there is a certain intrigue in understanding what makes a serial killer tick, revealing what drives someone to the ruthless destruction of humanity. There is usually a coherent trail detailing a serial killer’s leap between more innocent destructive behavior to killing for pleasure and delight. These patterns almost want to make you think twice about the comments you make to someone who is a little different from the norm growing up or perhaps to treat your children with a little more respect or maybe to simply be more generous showing affection. The article does a brilliant job demonstrating this callous path and exemplifies the concern the public should have with the raising of a serial killer.
Serial murder may be defined 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 reflect a need to sadistically dominate the victim, the motive is psychological not material, the victim may have symbolic value for the killer, and the killers often choose victims who are vulnerable. Statistically, the average serial killer is a white male from a lower to middle class background, usually in his twenties or thirties. Serial killers use a number of excuses for their behavior. Some blame their upbringing, others say they were born with a part of them missing, some blame the voices in their heads, and others swear that prison turned them into monsters.
With rare exception, serial killers usually objectify and humiliate their victims. Serial killers are sadists, seeking pleasure in torturing their victims. They feel the need to dominate, control, and own the person. Serial killers do not know how to feel sympathy for others or even how to have relationships. When they are caught, serial killers often assume a “mask of insanity”, pretending to be a multiple personality, schizophrenic, or be prone to black-outs; anything they think that will help them avoid responsibility. Serial killers have a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde persona- appearing civilized and rational on the outside, while inside, a wretched brute struggling to break loose.
Formative years play a role in the molding of a serial killer. Many killers blame their families for their behavior, seeking sympathy. Torturing animals is a disturbing sign of a problem because animals are often seen as practice for killing humans. Lighting fires is also a sign because the dramatic destruction of property feeds the same perverse need to destroy another human and because serial killers don’t see other humans as more than objects they can easily leap between setting fires and killing people.
In the mind of a serial killer, victims are dehumanized, flattened into worthless objects. They are thrill seekers, fearless. Serial killers kill entirely for their own pleasure and physical delight.
