Criminologists have discovered another pattern among serial killers: they are typically highly intelligent. Well, great — that qualifies millions of children in the entire world that we should be keeping tabs on, right? Despite the high intelligence level of serial killers, criminologists note that these individuals usually have a hard time doing well in school or holding down a job. A serial killer is not the guy who lurks behind the bushes at night. Most serial killers display signs of a disturbed mind at an early age through behavioral problems or suicide attempts.
A child who has visited the psych ward multiple times or for an extended stay is at risk of growing into a serial murderer, as is one who has attempted suicide multiple times. This makes criminologists question whether or not becoming a serial killer can be somewhat genetic. An unnatural fascination with fire, peeping on others, and painful fetishes whether they receive or inflict the pain can also indicate that a killer is in the making. Criminologists have found that serial killers are usually into some taboo stuff from childhood — and not just tattoos and piercings.
They may also be compulsively stealing and hoarding lighters. Voyeurism can also be a natural curiosity, but a rampant display of peeping Tom behavior may be an early warning sign; once the child learns that secretly watching people undress is uncouth, they may continue to do so out of sick desires.
Lastly, sadomasochistic fetishes can be a more obvious warning sign. This happens especially when the defining factors can envelop both normal and abnormal characteristics. But how can you tell if your kid likes the needles, or the tattoo that comes at the end? Looking at this possible issue in combination with other possible warning signs can help paint a clearer picture. However many experts believe that genetics are, at least in part, behind a murderous tendency in children. She explained those who kill often have attachment issues, or have been sexually, physically, emotionally abused, or neglected as children.
This said, most people who have terrible and abusive childhoods do not become killers'. Other research has highlighted more organic impairments. He found that serial killers have lower activity in the prefrontal area of the brain, the area that controls aggression, concentration and regulates impulse control. Emma said: 'Psychopaths also have shrunken amygdala, the seat of the brain that controls emotion, which explains their lack of empathy, remorse or guilt when they hurt others.
Choice exists, and no matter what problematic genetic, environmental, familial, or physical factors, what separates a teenage killer from their peers is the decision they make to murder. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
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Adele commands attention in a pellegrina clerical cape and ballgown as she eats on forbidden fruit in teaser clip for Oh My God music video Sarah Jayne Dunn, 40, makes it into the top 0. They hide in plain sight by camouflaging themselves amongst the general populace as functioning human beings.
However, a serial killer might let their mask slip on occasion. Think of psychopathy and sociopathy as mixing boards made up of various dials. While one trait such as grandiosity may be cranked up to 10, another trait such as impulsiveness may be at a 5.
Now let's take a look at each of these behavioral issues, and show specific examples of famous serial killers who exhibit them. One of the most common characteristics of serial killers is a lack of emotional depth. In particular, empathy. This trait is common in both sociopaths and psychopaths, and therefore present in the majority of serial killers. Jeffrey Dahmer interview photo taken from Youtube. For example, there have been a number of serial killers throughout the years who adored their pets.
The most bizarre entry in this category may be Jeffrey Dahmer, who happily decapitated local dogs he found in his street, yet would never hurt his own spaniel, Frisky. This goes hand-in-hand with the entry above. Once again, a serial killer will rarely feel remorse for their crimes. Psychologists and researchers into the criminal mind claim that on a whole, serial killers do not feel remorse , and all other claims are made for their own benefit. Aileen Wuornos was a female serial killer prostitute who impulsively killed many of her clients while in their car.
These are the reckless, opportunistic killers who will see a chance to strike and be unable to resist. Just check out this clip from an Ed Kemper interview in where he describes how impulsive and out of control he became. On the other side of the coin, however, are killers who boast incredible impulse control.
These are usually the high-functioning psychopaths who will stalk their victims for days or weeks beforehand and plan out their entire attack in advance. For example, The BTK Killer was known to spend weeks and months watching his victims and learning their routines before attacking them.
Most serial killers love to boast of their accomplishments. A lot of them see themselves as above the law and smarter than everyone else.
Dennis Rader the BTK killer showed no empathy in court. Source: Youtube. All these killers taunted police and press with letters and messages. For the serial killer, this is a way of reliving their crimes and prolonging the pain they caused, as well as displaying their guile and prowess at evading capture. Grandiosity also goes hand-in-hand with their inflated self-perception — or narcissism. In a strange case back in , cannibal Armin Meiwes killed and ate a man he met online.
Afterward, he boasted about the crime in various chat rooms, even going as far as posting pictures of his handiwork as a way to show other self-proclaimed cannibals of his achievements. Armin Meiwes showing narcissism during interview. Serial killers often confess once caught to ensure that their names are attached to the atrocities that they have committed. Not all killers may exhibit antisocial behavior.
In fact, many serial killers have been described as charming and charismatic. Charisma and charm go hand-in-hand with manipulation, and serial killers know this. They know that charming someone will naturally make the other person feel more at ease in their presence and thus become more vulnerable. Ted Bundy was a notorious charmer in person. Image: Youtube.
Charm and charisma can come in all many varieties. While Charles Manson might not have been physically appealing, he had enough charisma to convince a whole group of people to kill for him. This same charm is just another manipulation tactic for the serial killer. For example, Dean Corll murdered at least 28 young boys in the early s after luring them to his home where he tortured, raped and killed them.
Dean Corll literally lured children with candy. Image: Wikimedia Commons. Addiction is defined as the repetition of a behavior despite its harmful consequences. Richard Speck was an alcoholic. Photo: Dallas Police Dept.
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