FBI report discloses serial killer myths, findings

TV and film often portray serial killers as white males and dysfunctional loners who really want to get caught. Or, they’re super-intelligent monsters who frustrate law enforcement at every turn. But according to a new publication from the FBI National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime—entitled Serial Murder: Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives for Investigators—serial killers are much different in real life. One revelation: serial killers are not all dysfunctional loners: some have had wives and kids and full-time jobs and have been very active in their community or church or both. The BTK killer comes to mind—Dennis Rader held a steady job and was both a Boy Scout leader and active church member. Ted Bundy was attractive to young women and earned their trust quickly. Compare those real serial killers with the two maniacs in the movie 'Silence of the Lambs.'  Dr. Hannibal Lecter—educated, intellectual and on the surface quite respectable— comes closer to the real model than the other serial killer known as Buffalo Bill.

The publication also discloses serial killers are not all white males: the racial diversification of serial killers generally mirrors the overall U.S. population. Nor do serial killers want to get caught. Over time, as they kill without being discovered, they get careless during their crimes.

Serial killers also seize opportunity. An offender selects a victim, regardless of the category, based upon availability, vulnerability, and desirability. Availability is explained as the lifestyle of the victim or circumstances  that allow the offender access to the victim. Vulnerability is defined as the degree to which the victim is susceptible to attack by the offender. Desirability is described as the appeal of the victim to the offender. Desirability involves numerous factors based upon the motivation of the offender and may include factors dealing with the race, gender, ethnic background, age of the victim, or other specific preferences the offender determines.

You can access the lengthy report at the FBI’s NCAVC page. It’s worth repeating you can’t always judge a person by his or her lifestyle and you can’t buy into the myths Hollywood projects when it comes to serial killers.

[Text & Photo by Kay B. Day. Follow the links below under ‘References’ for additional reading.]