The sensationalized images of serial killers presented in the news and entertainment media suggest that they either have a debilitating mental illness such as psychosis or they are brilliant but demented geniuses like Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter in the iconic film The Silence of the Lambs. Neither of these two stereotypes is quite accurate. … [Read more...] about Serial Killer Myth Number One: Mentally Ill or Evil Geniuses
serial killer
Origin of the Term “Serial Killer”
Over the centuries there have been hundreds of documented cases of serial murder around the world but the term “serial killer” is relatively new. Up until the 1970s, serial killers were generally called mass murderers by both the criminal justice system and the media. Today, however, we draw a clear distinction between serial murder and mass murder. Unlike serial homicide which … [Read more...] about Origin of the Term “Serial Killer”
14 Women have been Executed in the United States since 1976
Since the Supreme Court has lifted the ban on capital punishment in 1976, 14 women have been executed. Wednesday night marked the most recent. Suzanne Basso, 59, underwent lethal injection in Texas for the torture and killing of a mentally impaired man she lured to the state with the promise of marriage. Since 1903, more than 50 women have … [Read more...] about 14 Women have been Executed in the United States since 1976
“Depression” and the Criminal: Appearance versus Reality
Offenders are frequently considered to be suffering from depression by concerned families and, under certain circumstances, by clinical evaluators, i.e., trained mental health professionals. Consider the circumstances in which offenders are evaluated by professionals. These are situations that are unpalatable to offenders. That is, they are being held accountable after being … [Read more...] about “Depression” and the Criminal: Appearance versus Reality
Serial Killing for Cash: Money as a motive for Murder
Apparently, serial murder for money isn’t as “sexy” as other motives because we rarely hear about it. And, yet, nearly one-quarter of serial murders are motivated by one of the most mundane motives of all criminal activity: money. This statistic is closer to 50% when we focus on female serial killers. A family in Russia apparently turned serial murder … [Read more...] about Serial Killing for Cash: Money as a motive for Murder
