The Three Characteristics Of Serial Killers

“Over the years, the media has assembled an almost generic profile for [serial killers]: They’re white male outcasts. They’re evil geniuses and sexual predators who target women and children” (Mysteries 128). Many people would generalize serial killers into those three categories, but in reality, serial killers come in all different variations and have their own reasons behind their madness. Serial killers’ behaviors and personalities have perplexed and intrigued society over the years, and has the public wondering what drives them to commit the violent crimes that they do. Psychological disorders have been proven to have an effect on the behaviors of killers. Are these disorders an excuse for their actions? Victims are chosen based on the personal preferences of their killer, and many serial killers continue to choose their victims based upon similar characteristics. Studies have revealed that the personalities and behaviors of serial killers are based on their motivation to kill, effects of their

Each serial killer is motivated to kill for different reasons: “Serial killers usually kill for one of several reasons, including personal enjoyment, stress relief, or even to uphold a personal set of moral or rational values” (Parker 9). The most common motivation to kill is the satisfaction serial killers feel from having complete control over their victims; therefore, victims are usually raped or tortured. Many serial killers will even commit necrophilia on their victims. According to researchers at Bath Spa University and Cranfield University, serial killers satisfy their need for power by torturing their victims: “They rape and overkill their victims often by mutilation--all of which provide sexual gratification” (Taylor et al. 37). The deviant behavior serial killers often possess are caused by the need for empowerment over their