NCJ Number
189006
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2001 Pages: 43-48
Date Published
May 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article profiles the personalities and criminal methods of serial killers, followed by suggestions for investigating the crimes of such killers.
Abstract
Recreational, hedonistic, or lust serial killers can be grouped because of similar attributes. A recreational killer participates in lead-up activities that include the killing or torturing of animals and sadistic rape. The ultimate form of pleasure is to kill; sexual acts with power and sexual control themes are performed before or after the victim's death. Mental and physical torture is an essential component of a repetitive ritual for those who are "process oriented." Searching for the perfect dramatic ending, the recreational killer is not able to achieve the perfect fantasy and serial film ending. The serial killer's motivation is to improve the unfulfilled fantasy. He repeatedly kills strangers for recreation, hoping to improve the drama between episodes and finally achieve the perfect fantasy. The FBI classifies serial killers into two basic categories: organized and disorganized typologies. A third category, mixed typology, is less helpful to investigators when profiling the offender and his crime scene. The disorganized killer generally has a mental disorder and commits a delusional-related homicide. The organized killer uses intelligent planning, cunning, and stealth. The organized killer's crime scene is pristine. DNA profiling is particularly helpful in identifying serial killers across crime scenes and helps in the determination that a serial killer is involved. The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime is helpful in coordinating investigations of potentially linked, unsolved violent crimes among Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. The profiling of the victims of serial killers allows police investigators to anticipate the recreational killer's next move, warn potential victims, and seek their cooperation. Overall, the key to the successful investigation in serial killings is to anticipate the criminal mind of the predator, the killer's cycle of violence, and a thorough application of investigative tools.