1. An Overview of Serial Killers
Ronee’ Simmons
Argosy University
2. Profile of a Serial Killer
Demographics
Over 90% male.
Mostly White males between 20 and 40 years old.
Background
Unstable upbringing
Childhood abuse- sexual, physical, emotional
Bed- wetting during childhood (60%)
Demeanor
Low self- esteem
Introverted
Experience sexual dysfunction
3. Profile of a Serial Killer- cont.
Past criminal behavior
Participated in petty crimes such as arson, animal
cruelty, Peeping Tom
Motivation for killing
sexual fantasies and desires
anger
thrill
financial gain
attention seeking
4. Victims of Serial Killers
Stranger’s who do not know the killer
Often times, when a killer’s “dream victim” is
unobtainable, other individuals are substituted to
satisfy impulse.
Albert Fish preferred to eat male human flesh instead of
female, but when he saw Edward Budd’s little sister
Gracie, he changed his plans and settled on having her
as his next victim.
5. Causation of Crime
Rumination and daydreams about certain
fantasies, i.e. sexual thoughts, cannibalistic ideas
In the case of Albert Fish, he daydreamed about what is
was like to taste human flesh and blood so much so that
he acted out on his impulse to eat human beings.
6. Committing the Crime
The crime usually takes place in a secluded area.
The killer on impulse to satisfy their sexual desires or
fantasies.
They go on a hunts for victims.
Sexually assaults and/or kills victim based on how
scene has played out in head (i.e. Albert Fisher cut
up body parts into pieces so that he could eat them)
After fantasy is fulfilled, killer disposes body or
remains in a location where it cant be found, so they
don’t get caught.
7. Future Crimes and Cases
In the future, a killer’s urge for certain fantasies may
resurface. Therefore, serial murders are committed
again in order to satisfy a killer’s daydreams and
fantasies.
In order for police to identify similar crimes in the
future, they should look for:
Similar circumstances surrounding violent death.
Similar profile of victims going missing.
Proximity of crimes to one another.
8. References
Bardsley, M. (2011, September 17). Albert fish. Retrieved from
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/fish/bi
bli_7.html
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2011, September 20). Serial
murder: multi-disciplinary perspectives for investigators.
Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-
services/publications/serial-murder/serial-murder-july-2008-pdf
Fourteen characteristics of a serial killer (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/188
Nelson, A. (2005). Serial killers. Law Enforcement
Technology, 32(2), 88-88,90,92,94-95. Retrieved
fromhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/229844607?accounti
d=34899
