Formal Outline
A. Based on the information from the Radford University/FGCU serial killer database, the “highest percentage of serial killers victims was 37.14% of white females” (Radford University/FGCU serial killer database). This means the high risk target is white woman.
B.Serial killers disgust and intrigue the minds of many but the mindset of serial killers have been proven to be altered during childhood or phases/stages of life. The discussion is based on the mindset of serial killers and the reasons behind the transition.
i. Every serial killer has a motive, a motive is a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious. Whether its for “attention, enjoyment, financial gain, gang activity, convenience, religion, etc.” (Radford University/FGCU serial killer database).
ii. Gary Leon Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 counts of aggravated first degree murder in the Green River killing cases. Ridgway stated "I picked prostitutes as my victims because I hate most prostitutes and I did not want to pay them for sex," he said. "I also picked prostitutes as victims because they were easy to pick up without being noticed. I knew they would not be reported missing right away and might never be reported missing." His motive was for the dislike of what he deemed/determined as prostitutes.
C. A serial killer’s upbringing is formed by the surroundings/situations, but using their situations to their advantage, they misguide/ deceive others.
II. Sub Topic #1 Abusive Household
a. An abuse household can negatively impact a humans mindset by causing emotional thoughts, behaviors and actions.
I.”Aileen Wuornos was abandoned by her mother when she was four and never met her father, who was serving time in prison for raping a seven-year-old girl when Aileen was born. Aileen’s grandfather physically and sexually abused her until she ran away at age fifteen” (Crime Museum, LLC).
- Many serial killers are abused physically, psychologically, sexually as children by a close family member.
II. “This behavior instills in the child's feelings of humiliation and helpless, feelings which they will later seek to instill in their victims” (Crime Museum).
B. Abuse can impact a person's views of society.
- Abuse is causing physical, visual or verbal harm to another human.
- John Wayne Gacy faced a abusive childhood and conflict over his sexuality.
II. He proceeded to assault, rape and kill thirty three boys, and buried them under his home.
C. The cause of a serial killer is impacted by the opinions of others over sexuality, race, religions or morals.
IV. Sub Topic #2 Intelligence
a. Serial killers have a high to low range of intelligence, which can affect their MO.
I. Many serial killers have IQs in the “bright normal” range.
1. Organized serial killers who kill methodically, like John Wayne Gacy or Ted Bundy, have an average IQ of 113, while disorganized serial killers have an average IQ 93.
ii. “Edd Kemp had an IQ of 136 (140 is often used as the genius mark in I.Q. tests). He used his intelligence to convince psychiatrists to release him after serving only five years for his grandparents murders, claiming to have reformed. He hadn't, and he killed eight more women before being caught again” (Susan Frese, Crime Museum).
B. Serial killers tend to persuade others by using their intelligence.
i. “John Wayne Gacy convinced his way out of serving his full sentence and being released after 18 months after sexually assaulting two boys due to good behavior. He was later soon found guilty of killing 33 boys and young men” (Biography.com Editors).
1. A change in behavior does not mean that a person has changed his actions, beliefs or morals. If given the opportunity, a killer will revert back to his/ her ways.
V. Sub Topic #3 Behaviors
a. Serial killers have a strong tendency to have aggressive, abnormal or antisocial behavior.
I. “Ed Gein had no social connections besides his extremely religious and abusive mother, who punished him whenever he tried to make friends. After she died in 1945, Gein began to murder and dig up graves, collecting body parts of women who look like his mother and trying to make a “woman suit”” (Susan Frese, Crime Museum LLC).
1. Overbearing/ abusive parents have a large impact on the development of a child.
B. Serial killers tend to harm animals with showing no remorse.
i. This is one of the strongest warning signs. “Children who torture and kill small animals like squirrels, birds, cats, and dogs without showing remorse are highly likely to be sociopaths” (Susan Frese, Crime Museum LLC).
1. Many serial killers kill to control others’ lives, and as children, small animals are the only lies they have the power to control.
ii. “Cannibalistic serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer would bike around the woods as a child, collecting dead animals to dissect. Dahmer even killed and dismember his own puppy, mounting its head on a state when he was done” (Susan Frese, Crime Museum LLC).
VI. Sub Topic #4 Motive
a. All Serial killers have a MO.
I. There are four main types of serial killers, based on motives, as well as further subdivisions based on organization and methodology.
1. The visionary motive type- considered to be insane or psychotic. It is not uncommon for this type of killer to report that they committed the crime because voices in their head told them to. The missionary-oriented motive type- not apparent to the community around them, killers of this type are on a mission to dispose of the world who they deem unacceptable for no apparent reason. The thrill-oriented motive type - kill for the fun of it. Enjoys the killing sadistically and gets a high from the kill. Into the killing for excitement and once he continues to improve upon methods, crimes continue to escalate. The lust killer- sexually motivated,derive pleasure from torturing their victims. Most serial killers are this type. Very difficult to distinguish from the average person as they are quite apt at maintaining relationships and functioning in society.
B. The top motive stated by Radford University/FGCU Serial Killer Database was enjoyment (thrill, lust, power)
i.The U.S percentage for the motive enjoyment is 31.76% out of 100%. The overall National percentage of enjoyment for the motive is 36.86% out of 100%
1. The evidence clearly states that the number one motive from the serial killer database of Radford University/FGCU is the enjoyment of the thrill, lust, or power gained from the kill.
VII. Conclusion
- Serial Killers are impacted visually, physically and mentally by their surroundings and others.
- My significance is the perspectives and the backgrounds of a serial killer.
- Is there any way to prevent the forming of a serial killer?
