Background: The article tries to establish what creates a serial killer. Many factors are taken into account such as genetic abnormalities, abuse, traumatic brain injuries, and mental disorders. A singular cause was not establish but instead each cause was considered to contribute to the making of a serial killer. A genetic mutation in the xyy chromosome known as Klinefelter syndrome was more present in the serial killer community than in other individuals. This genetic mutation has also been referred to as the “crime gene” because it is 5 to 10 times more likely to be seen in those who have committed horrific crimes. The family makeup of a serial killer is not perfect as has been found to have issues with divorce, absent parent(s), addiction, mental disorders, and criminal backgrounds. Another factor that was considered in the making of a serial killer is traumatic brain injuries which causes lesions on the brain and can increase violent and homicidal tendencies.
How I used it: This article helped me establish that serial killings cant be pinpointed to one singular cause and we have to accept that there may be many different explanations. A big take away from this article is that a a rare genetic mutation in the xyy gene has been linked to devious, unempathetic, criminal behavior. The article also gives insight into the differences in the brain of a serial killer like amygdala dysfunction.
Background: Offers extensive research on the mind of a serial killer, their crimes, and the common type of serial killer. 36 serial killers growing up between the 1940s and 1950s were studied to establish the childhood and determining factors of the serial killers. It was found that poverty and social class was not a determining factor seen in serial killers. Attachments to parents during childhood can play a large role in the serial killers life and determines if they are able to display empathy and compassion. Although this isn’t the only factor, parent figures do play as a role model for their child. Because the parents of serial killings were uncaring in their early lives, they provided role models for deviant behavior. Family structure and genetic makeup also seemed to play a role in the factors of a serial killer. With this information the FBI gathered that most serial killers have an unsatisfactory relationship with their parents. Two factors explained by the FBI that stood out were dominance of fantasy life and the history of abuse. These fantasies were reported to be violent and sadistic in nature. The over violent and sadistic fantasies were subconsciously used to satisfy the need to exert the power and control that is lacking from their every day life. These fantasies also provided an escape from daily life at home especially in cases of abuse. Overall, it was found that child abuse was prevalent in these men’s history. Abuse played a large role into the creation of serial killings but wasn’t the determining factor. This could not be blamed as the only factor because not every person who experiences abuse as a child goes on to be a serial killer.
How I used it: I largely used the FBI’s research to support my theory that not all abused children become serial killers but all serial killers experienced abuse. The background on parent-child relationship and the negative effects of unempathetic parenting gave me insight on how these traits can be learned/inherited. It also helps solidify that neglect from parents can create an unhappy and disturbed child. I was surprised to learn that poverty and social class did not play a role in the making of a serial killer.
Background: This article provided insightful background on psychopathy and the factors that diagnose someone as psychopath. Psychopathy does not contain other mental disorders but instead goes hand in hand with other disorders. This article details what psychopathy is and what constitutes as psychopathy. Emotional impairment is the largest effect of psychopathy. The parenting style and lack of a nurturing environment is a basis for the development of psychopathy. Damage to the amygdala can cause psychopathy. The amygdala processes fear, facial expressions, averse conditioning, and instrumental learning. High levels of psychopathy were even associated with reduced amygdala volume. Not all serial killers have psychopathy but a large number of them do.
How I used it: This journal provided a lot of context on the diagnosis of psychopathy that was not throughly explained in other articles I read. It helped establish that psychopathy is not made up of other mental disorders but it does go hand in hand with other mental disorders like antisocial disorder and conduct disorder. I was not aware that psychopathy can be caused by other factors like brain damage so this helped me establish a better understanding.
Background: This manual contains numerous mental disorders and the criteria surrounding the diagnosis of them. The most significant mental disorders to my paper that I pulled information from are antisocial personality disorder, adhd, and conduct disorder. Many serial killers suffer from antisocial personality disorder which starts off as conduct disorder as a kid. Symptoms are portrayed as lack of empathy/remorse, impulsivity, deceitfulness, reckless disregard for others, etc.. Those with conduct disorder display signs of aggression towards people/animals, destruction of property, lack of remorse/guilt, deceitfulness, etc.. ADHD displays as easily distracted, forgetful in daily activities, failure to pay close attention to detail, restlessness, etc..
How I used it: I used this diagnostic manual to help me explain the signs and symptoms of some disorders that serial killers are known to have. It helped me determine the criteria for these disorders and well as determine if these disorders can classify someone as legally insane.
5. Multiple Homicide: Patterns of Serial and Mass Murder
Background: This paper offers insightful knowledge on the difference between serial killers and mass murderers. Serial killers are typically in their 20-30s and kill at least 4 random people in separate events. These killings occur in separate locations or same location but separate instances. Serial killers are typically sociopaths who lack remorse and exert their power to take control over the victim and watch them suffer. Many serial killers are exceptionally skilled in blending in and remaining undetected. Mass murderers kill 4 or more people but in the same instance. They typically target a certain location or event to extract revenge. Mass murders can occur in different locations and still be classified as mass murder as long as the murders occur within 24 hours. Those who commit mass murders are easily apprehended by the police typically because they remain on scene to see the chaos and damage they have caused.
How I used it: I used this paper largely in my definition argument which distinguished the difference between mass and serial homicide. This paper helped me distinguish the difference between what qualifies as mass murder and what qualifies as serial murder.
Background: A study was conducted to test the theory that antisocial personality disorder is linked to low fatty acid level in the amygdala. Research was found to support this theory to be true. It was found that a decreased FAAH expression is linked an increased cannabinoid receptor which is theorized to be responsible for hyper-activity in the amygdala in reactive aggression. They were able to conclude that primarily internal disorders such as depression and ptsd would result in higher amygdala volume and personality disorders like bipolar and ASPD result in low volume of the amygdala.
How I used it: I referred to this study in my causal argument to help me gain a better understanding on how mental disorders effect regions of the brain. Most mental disorders stem from the amygdala which helps regulate negative emotions. This paper was very factual based which helped me understand and better explain the science behind mental disorders.
Background: Instant gratification leads to increased impulsivity. This is because those seeking instant gratification want the effects immediately so they will typically act on something without much regard to the consequences. Instant gratification is what leads to addictions such as gambling, drugs, alcohol, etc.. Delayed gratification is when one withholds from the action that provides gratification with hopes that the gratification is larger and more rewarding. The action of delayed gratification is very important because it increases the distance between time and receiving the gratification.
How I used it: I used this article to find an explanation for the obsession of gratification. This paper soley helped me describe how instant gratification, which is the type of gratification released from murder, causes addiction and issues with controlling compulsion.
Background: Fantasies play a large role in the serial killers actions and actually can determine how the serial killer murders his victims. Serial killers are motivated purely by the thrill and pleasure stemming from the kill. This article searches to find whether or not serial killers are able to exhibit free will when choosing to kill or not to kill. It establishes that serial killings form an addiction. Like any other addiction, it is hard to stop on your own. As the addiction begins to progress the addict goes into a downward spiral and in the case of serial killers, this is when they often times are captured by the police. Ultimately the capture is the only thing to stop a serial killer. The fantasies serial killers experience create a well thought out plan for the serial killer to complete. Victim type is another example of fantasy. Almost all serial killers target people who all look alike which is not a coincidence. Serial killers often pick their victims off of a certain type that they find attractive and this type is often created in the fantasies. Each murder results in the fantasy becoming more intense and refined
How I used it: I used this article to help me determine whether or not serial killers are able to use free will when deciding on killing their victim. I also used this article to explain how a serial killers fantasies produce a much more violent and skilled killer. A killer who experiences fantasies acts out their fantasies to kill and upon completing them, the fantasy progresses to perfect the skill.
Background: Extensive research on psychopathy was done to determine what behavior is classified as psychotic. Psychopathy is a neurodevelopmental personality disorder which shifts ones personality and causes a chemical imbalance in the brain. Without proper medication management, those diagnosed with psychopathy can be extremely dangerous. What makes psychopathy so dangerous is the lack of ability to process negative emotions such as anger, sadness, fear, and remorse. Psychopaths lack the ability to form emotional connections with others around them and often feel isolated and alone. To add, they also have emotional processings problems and are not able to distinguish and pinpoint what they are feeling. Psychopathy is typically common in men and cannot be diagnosed until the age of 18. Individuals who display signs before 18 are classified as having conduct disorder.
How I used it: I used this paper to help clarify what psychopathy was and how this disorder causes imbalances in the brain which cause the actions of serial killings. This was useful in my causal article to explain just one possible factor in what makes a serial killer who they are.
10. Apsche, J. A. (1993). “Probing the mind of a serial killer” –. Eprintedbooks. http://www.eprintedbooks.com/Samplers/Sampler_Probing_the_Mind_of_a_Serial_Kiler-Dr_Jack_Apsche.pdf
Background: This book helps establish and judge the insanity defense and the criteria one must meet to be granted this sentence. Legally insanity is determined based on M’Naghten’s rule which takes into account whether or not the defendant understands the nature and quality of the crime that they are accused of. This rule is also used to help determine whether an individual knew what they were doing during the time of the crime. Insanity will only be granted once it has been established that the person on trial did not know they were committing an illegal act during the time of the crime. Apsche claims “a person in not responsible for criminal conduct if at the time of such conduct, as a result of mental disease or defect, he lacks substantial capacity to appreciate the criminality (wrongfulness) of his conduct to the requirement of the law.” The insanity defense is only granted to 1% of serial killers. There has only been one successful plea of insanity among serial killers. The nature and ritual of the serial killer has been rehearsed and fantasized to perfection with it increasingly improving after each kill. Because of the improving technique, serial killers are almost always found liable for the crimes they committed.
How I used it: This article was used throughout my rebuttal argument to clarify and establish what qualifies someone for a plea of not guilty by insanity.
11. Lampley, S. (n.d.). “Serial killers: Insane or super intelligent?” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/captivating-crimes/202006/serial-killers-insane-or-super-intelligent
Background: A large misconception the media has created is that serial killers are all insane individuals. This article argues that serial killers are intelligent individuals who are able to avoid detection and capture for a long period of time. Most serial killers are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder which creates the lack of remorse and empathy. Those with this disorder are aware of their actions which does not classify them as insane. Another misconception the media spews is that all serial killers are very intelligent and have genius iq levels. While some serial killers who are organized and meticulous do have a higher iq, those who are unorganized and manic have a slighter lower iq. Overall, these misconceptions are largely due to the fault of the media which puts serial killers on a pedal stool.
How I used it: I used this article in my rebuttal argument to help argue that serial killers are not insane individuals but instead intelligent individuals who are capable of portraying a false persona.
12. Dietz, Park. (1986). Mass, serial and sensational homicides. Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine. 62. 477-91.
Background: The purpose of this passage is to distinguish the difference in mass and serial murder as well as the different subtypes in each category. These two types of killers strive to invoke fear in the community and to gain attention from the media. These two types of murder are the least common but they are the most feared by the public because they are at random. Mass murder differentiates from serial murder because it involves 4 or more victims who are all killed in one instance. To be classified as mass murder the killings must occur within 24 hours of each other and the location doesn’t matter. Almost all mass killings are committed using a gun, bomb, or poison. The three types of mass murder are family annihilator, psuedocommando, and set-and-run killers. Unlike the mass murderer a serial killer kills 4 or more victims in separate instances that can be separated by days, weeks, months or even years. Victims of a serial killer are typically beaten, strangled, stabbed mutilated, etc. because the killer enjoys exerting power and control. The five types of serial killings are psychotic sexual sadists, crime spree killer, custodial poisoner/asphyxiators, and supposed psychotics.
How I used it: I used this article in my definition argument as a basis of criteria for what defines serial and mass murder. It helped me distinguish the difference between the two and what qualifies a crime as mass or serial. It also played a large role in my understanding of the different types of serial and mass murderers.
13. Miller, Laurence. “Serial Killers: I. Subtypes, Patterns, and Motives.” Aggression and Violent Behavior, Pergamon, 14 Nov. 2013.
Background: This article details the different types of serial killers and their motives for their crime. It describes the long history of serial killings and how they have evolved. This article details how serial killers follow a certain pattern that they will use every time they kill. This pattern evolves into what we call the serial killers MO. The MO of a serial killer is based on a certain way a specific killer kills his victims, poses, and tortures them.
How I used it: This article gave me insight into the patterns seen in serial killings such as a specific means of killing, a specific victim type, or a specific way to pose the body.
14. Knoll, J. L. (2010). The “Pseudocommando” Mass Murderer: Part I, The Psychology of Revenge and Obliteration. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 38(1), 87–94.
Background: This journal gave insightful background knowledge on the psuedocommando mass murderer. This type of killer commits their murders during a time of day when the most people are present. They create very thorough and thought out plans without creating an escape route for themself. The motivation for this type of killing is based on resentment and revenge for a certain group of people or location. the victims of these crimes are typically in the wrong place at the wrong time. A psuedocommando killer commits their murder using a gun and many rounds of ammunition. They have mortally wounded self-esteem issues which enable him to commit mass murder/suicide.
How I used it: I used this journal in my definition argument to help me explain what a psuedocommando mass murderer is and their reasoning behind the crime. This article was the most beneficial to me as all of the other things I found in my other articles were very broad and did not establish how the psuedocommando carries out their crime or even why.
Background: This study was conducted to aid in finding a link between serial killings and abuse as a child. A higher percentage of serial killers experienced some form of abuse when compared to the public. The sexually motivated serial killer was studied in this instance but this type of data has been found to be consistent among every type of serial killer. It is hard to conclude that all abused children become serial killers but there is proof that all serials experienced some form of abuse ranging from physical, mental, humiliation, to neglect.
How I used it: I did not use this journal in reference to my paper but it is one of the first journals I came across when I began my research on serial killers. My hypothesis started off as all serial killers were abused as children before it transformed into my current hypothesis. This article did give me a lot of knowledge into the different types of abuse, the long term effects as well as the family structure of a serial killer.
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Counterintuitive Fall 2022 
Beautiful work, Shxrkbait. A beginning researcher would find it extremely useful in guiding their reading. You’ve gone way beyond what is required here. I hope it had value for you as well. I hear echoes of your papers in the Summaries, which gives me confidence that while writing them you were practicing your drafts. I will use this as a Model Bibliography in future semesters.
Thank you 🙂