Contrary to popular mythology, there are indeed female serial killers, and together, they comprise at least 15% of all serial killers. However, the motivations of female serial killers differ significantly from their male counterparts. In particular, sex is generally much farther down on the list of motivations for female serial killers. In fact, sexual or sadistic motives … [Read more...] about What motivates female Serial Killers?
serial killer
Hedonist Lust Killers must feed their insatiable hunger
A popular myth about serial killers is that they are all motivated by sex. Although sex is a motive for approximately half of all serial killers, it is typically found in conjunction with other motivations such as anger, power and control or monetary gain. Hedonist lust killers are a glaring exception to this rule. Sex is the primary motivation for hedonist lust killers … [Read more...] about Hedonist Lust Killers must feed their insatiable hunger
Has the “Criminal Mind” Changed?
I was telling a friend that an updated version of Inside the Criminal Mind is about to be published in paperback by Broadway Books. Familiar with my two earlier editions, he seemed puzzled and inquired, “Has the criminal mind changed?” It’s a reasonable question. The criminal mind that has preoccupied my practice of forensic psychology for forty-four years has … [Read more...] about Has the “Criminal Mind” Changed?
Serial Killers and the essential Role of Fantasy
After many years of research, the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI has concluded that serial killers program themselves inchildhood to become murderers through a progressively intensifying loop of fantasy. The definition of fantasy in this context is an elaborate mental thought with great preoccupation that is anchored in the daydreaming process. Fantasy can be experienced … [Read more...] about Serial Killers and the essential Role of Fantasy
Who Coined “Serial Killer”?
I’ve been reading Harold Schechter’s work for years. Whenever I hear that he’s written a book, I know it will be well researched and worth my time. He teaches American Lit and Popular Culture at Queens College at CUNY. From his work, I got my first taste of H. H. Holmes (Depraved), Ed Gein (Deviant), and Jesse Pomeroy (Fiend), among others. Although Schechter specializes in … [Read more...] about Who Coined “Serial Killer”?
