Serial Murder

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Serial Murder
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Serial Killer

• A serial killer is someone who commits three or
  more murders over an extended period of time with
  cooling-off periods in between
• In between these crimes, they tend to be quite
  normal

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Mass Murderer

• A mass murderer is someone who kills three or
  more people in a single event and in one location
• Perpetrators sometimes commit suicide, so it is
  hard to determine what triggers their actions
• Those who are caught sometimes claim that they
  can not clearly remember the event

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Spree Killer

• A spree killer commits multiple murders in
  different locations over a period of time that
  may vary from a few hours to several days
• They do NOT revert to their normal behaviour
  during breaks

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Characteristics of Killers

• They often (though not always)
• are solitary individuals
• are male
• are from a dysfunctional background
• have been physically, sexually or psychologically
  abused as children
• fantasized about murder during or before
  adolescence

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MacDonald Triad

• These are 3 indicators, or warning signs, during
  childhood
• 1) Fire-starting, usually for the thrill
• 2) Cruelty to animals larger animals such as
  cats and dogs, frequently for solitary enjoyment
  rather than to impress others
• 3) Bedwetting, beyond the age when children
  usually stop

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Types of serial killer

• Organized
• Disorganized

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Types of serial killer - Organized

• Usually, they
• Are of high intelligence they plan crimes quite
  methodically.
• lure victims with ploys appealing to their
  sympathy
• have a high degree of control over the crime
  scene
• have a good knowledge of forensic science,
  allowing them to cover their tracks

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Types of serial killer - Organized

• follow their crimes in the media and take pride
  in their actions
• are socially adequate usually they have friends,
  lovers, spouses or children
• are described as a really nice guy or as one
  who wouldnt hurt a fly

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Types of serial killer - Disorganized

• Usually, they
• are of lower intelligence they commit their
  crimes impulsively
• will murder someone whenever the opportunity
  arises
• dont bother to dispose of the body, but rather
  leaves it at the scene
• carry out blitz attacks, jumping out and
  attacking victims without warning

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Types of serial killer - Disorganized

• dont bother to cover their tracks, but keep on
  the move
• are socially inadequate with few friends
• may have a history of mental illness
• may be seen as eccentric or creepy
• may block out memories of their killings

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Organized vs Disorganized

• It is possible that a murderer could show aspects
  of both (organized and disorganized), but
  characteristics of one will prevail

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Motivations

• Visionary
• Mission-oriented
• Hedonistic
• Gain-motivated
• Power / Control

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Motivations

• Visionary compelled to commit crimes due to
  hallucinations or voices

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Motivations

• Mission-oriented The killer believes that acts
  are justified on the basis that they are getting
  rid of a certain group of people (eg.
  prostitutes) they believe that they are doing
  society a great favour

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Motivations

• Hedonistic They kill for sheer pleasure. They
  may enjoy the chase, torturing or abusing the
  victim while they are alive. Others may kill
  victim quickly and engage in rituals.
• Usually there is a strong sexual aspect

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Motivations

• Gain motivated The killers primary focus is
  materialistic.
• There is a fine line between gain and contract
  killer

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Motivations

• Power / Control This is the most common type of
  killer. The main objective is to gain and have
  power over the victim.
• They are sometimes abused as children, leaving
  them feeling powerless and inadequate.
• They often engage in rituals that are linked
  to their form of abuse this will temporarily
  take the humiliation away. Many sexually abuse
  their victims. As with rape, however, abuse is
  an assertion of power, not an act of lust.

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ASSIGNMENT

• In pairs or groups of three your task is as
  follows Profile a serial killer.
• Pick a serial murder
• Read through the information available to you
• Give a summary of that persons actions
• Determine what type of murderer they are
• Are they organized, disorganized or both? Why?
• Try to determine which category of motivation
• they fall into what compels them to commit
  their
• crimes?
• Base your information from the power point

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• SERIAL KILLER - Assignment

• Group Members_____________________________________
  _
• Serial Killer__________________________
• Give a summary/history of that persons actions
  /8pts
• Are they organized, disorganized or both? Why?
  /5pts
• Try to determine which category of motivation
  they fall into /5pts
• Include a list of resources
  /2pts
• 
  
• Total / 20pts