An Exploration of Common Traits in Serial Killers It is estimated that there are 35-40 active serial killers active in the United States today (Bartol & Bartol, 2016). While this number may seem small in comparison to the population of the United States, (an estimated 323,127,513 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau (n.d.)), the acts of these individuals leave a lasting impression on the rest of society. Their crimes not only affect their victims and their victims’ families, it also leaves society reeling from their inhumane actions. During the 16th century in Europe, when the bodies of serial killers’ victims were found, people believed that the murders were the result of werewolves (Miller, 2014). It was incomprehensible that a human
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An organized serial killer typically plans out the murders before acting, is aware of investigative techniques and takes actions to prevent being caught (Wolf & Lavezzi, 2007). According to Miller (2014), organized serial killers are typically above average intelligence and pass for a “normal person” to their peers. Further, they are more likely to commit murders away from their home, use manipulation to lure their victims and commit their murders in private settings. Many organized serial killers also take “souvenirs” from their victims or their victim’s bodies. An example of an organized serial killer would be Ted Bundy. Ted Bundy had prior investigative knowledge from his work with the King County Crime Commission, appeared to be normal to his friends and family and he took “souvenirs” from his victim’s bodies (Miller, …show more content…
According to a study by Mitchell and Aamodt 18.5% of serial killers experienced enuresis in childhood compared to .05%-1.0% (as cited in Leary, et al., 2017). While enuresis may not necessarily lead to future homicidal behaviors it may be a predictor for future predatory behaviors (Leary, et al., 2017). Lachmann (2005), cited the case of Arthur Shawcross who at the ages of five and six experienced persistent enuresis. Shawcross who despite not having at least 3 victims was classified as a serial killer after he serial abused children and murdered
An organized serial killer typically plans out the murders before acting, is aware of investigative techniques and takes actions to prevent being caught (Wolf & Lavezzi, 2007). According to Miller (2014), organized serial killers are typically above average intelligence and pass for a “normal person” to their peers. Further, they are more likely to commit murders away from their home, use manipulation to lure their victims and commit their murders in private settings. Many organized serial killers also take “souvenirs” from their victims or their victim’s bodies. An example of an organized serial killer would be Ted Bundy. Ted Bundy had prior investigative knowledge from his work with the King County Crime Commission, appeared to be normal to his friends and family and he took “souvenirs” from his victim’s bodies (Miller, …show more content…
According to a study by Mitchell and Aamodt 18.5% of serial killers experienced enuresis in childhood compared to .05%-1.0% (as cited in Leary, et al., 2017). While enuresis may not necessarily lead to future homicidal behaviors it may be a predictor for future predatory behaviors (Leary, et al., 2017). Lachmann (2005), cited the case of Arthur Shawcross who at the ages of five and six experienced persistent enuresis. Shawcross who despite not having at least 3 victims was classified as a serial killer after he serial abused children and murdered