Types of Multiple Murder and Related Concepts
Serial murder, mass murder, and spree murder are three distinct types of multiple murders characterized by differences in the number of victims, the time frame in which the killings occur, and the locations of the murders.
The series of murders is marked by the continuous killing of numerous individuals over a prolonged period, with breaks of inactivity in between. These culprits show a clear preference for victims who fit specific criteria, motivated by a strong psychological urge to end lives (Hickey). One infamous case of a serial killer is Jeffrey Dahmer, who mercilessly ended the lives of 17 male victims over 13 years from 1978 to 1991.
A massacre involves the tragic loss of numerous lives in a single setting within a brief period. The main objective of individuals engaging in mass murder is to maximize the number of fatalities in one fell swoop (Hickey). The tragic events of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, where Stephen Paddock ruthlessly took the lives of 58 victims, are a stark reminder of this despicable act.
A spree murder is a horrific act where a person brutally takes the lives of numerous individuals in various places within a brief timeframe, without any break between the killings (Hickey). An infamous instance of a spree killer is Andrew Cunanan, who ruthlessly ended the lives of five individuals over a span of just three months in 1997.
Gary Ridgway, famously dubbed the Green River Killer, is classified as a hedonistic serial killer, committing heinous acts purely for the thrill they bring. His main drive seemed to be sexual pleasure, preying on vulnerable individuals such as sex workers and runaways to satisfy his need for dominance over his victims.
The FBI’s 2008 definition of serial murder, which requires the killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s) in separate events, is arguably broad. However, it helps to encompass a wider range of patterns and behaviors that were previously overlooked. This definition is beneficial as it allows for better categorization and understanding of different types of serial killers.
Defining evil is challenging because it is subjective. Scholars have attempted to define it through religious, philosophical, and psychological lenses. For example, some view evil as the absence of good or as actions causing harm to others. Personally, I define evil as a conscious choice or action that inflicts unnecessary suffering upon others, aligning somewhat with the views of scholars who focus on harm and intent.
Psychosis, Psychopathy, and Legal Insanity
Psychosis is a complex mental illness marked by a detachment from reality, commonly presenting as delusions or hallucinations (Hickey). On the other hand, a psychopath is someone with a personality disorder known for their antisocial conduct, lack of empathy, and tendency towards manipulation or violence.
The M’Naghten Rule serves as a legal benchmark for assessing an individual’s sanity in determining their culpability for criminal acts. Insanity, in this context, pertains to their ability to grasp the significance of their actions and discern between right and wrong when the offense occurred. This assessment is a matter for the legal system to decide, rather than relying solely on psychiatric experts’ input.
Ed Gein, who inspired characters in films such as “Psycho” and “The Silence of the Lambs,” exhibited behaviors that suggest psychosis, such as creating items from human remains and believing his deceased mother was communicating with him. However, his case is complex, and some elements could also point to psychopathic tendencies.
Social class theory might explain the selection of female victims by male serial killers as a reflection of power dynamics and societal structures where women are often seen as more vulnerable or less powerful (Hickey).
The trauma-control model posits that serial offenders often have a history of childhood trauma, leading to an attempt to regain control through their violent acts, with the cycle of trauma and control continuing throughout their lives (Hickey).
Paraphilias, Victimology, and Motivations in Serial Offending
Preparatory paraphilia involves fantasies and behaviors that set the stage for a sexual offense, such as collecting items related to the fetish. In contrast, attack paraphilia is directly connected to the act of committing the offense, like rape or murder (Hickey). Having a preparatory paraphilia does not necessarily make an individual inclined toward becoming a serial killer. Still, it can be a risk factor if coupled with other issues such as poor impulse control and a lack of empathy.
The case of Armin Meiwes, who killed and ate a voluntary victim, raises complex ethical questions about consent and murder. While the victim consented, murder by its very nature is a violation of legal and moral codes, and consent in such a context may not be considered valid or meaningful. The law generally does not accept consent to murder, and the integrity of societal rules requires holding individuals accountable for such acts.
It is indeed surprising that serial killers can attract admirers despite their heinous crimes. This phenomenon, often referred to as “hybristophilia,” may be driven by a variety of factors, including a desire for notoriety, misguided empathy, or a distorted sense of a romantic relationship with someone perceived as dangerous (Hickey).
The motivations of healthcare killers are diverse, and while some may have a sexual component to their crimes, it is not a universal trait. Many healthcare killers are driven by a need for power, the thrill of deciding life and death, or a delusional belief that they are “helping” their victims.
Gender is a critical factor in the offending patterns of healthcare killers, as male perpetrators typically employ more overt and aggressive tactics. In contrast, female perpetrators favor more covert techniques like poisoning (Hickey). Additionally, the gender of the victim may also play a role, with certain killers specifically targeting those who are seen as more vulnerable, including women and older people.
Work Cited
Hickey, Eric W. Serial Murderers and Their Victims.Wadsworth, 2015.