Overview on Serial Murder
Serial murder has been defined as the illegal killing of two or more victims by a similar offender(s) in different events. With an acknowledgement with the fact that estimates vary, it is still evident that the serial killing rates are alarming in the United States. One estimate noted that the number of serial killers in the U.S who have never been prosecuted are as high as 2000 (Martin et al. 1). Another research suggested that up to 15% of homicides come from serial killers. Meanwhile, another study on the number of victims from serial killers in a study done by the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis indicated that they ranged from fewer than 200 to almost 2000 victims annually (Martin et al. 1). The study noted that approximating the number of victims from serial murder can be challenging hence the generalization and extrapolation of data would lead to a wide range of estimates (Martin et al. 1). Nevertheless, even in the low end, the range remains alarming. This discussion intends to delve into this serial murder issue which is one type of homicide to particularly understand its history and its respective theories.
History of Serial Murder
Despite serial murder being the rarest form of homicide, the serial killers are regarded as the most frightening psychopaths as they demonstrate no basic emotion, empathy, conscience or remorse for the victims. While many serial killers of the modern day are well-known, they originated as far back as Ancient Rome. The first serial murder happened when a 24 year old Roman Emperor Caligula tested torture devices methods on his prisoners (Barber 2). Others believed that serial killing originated from Jack the Ripper from London who killed five prostitutes. Nevertheless, serial killing was not substantially known until post-world 2 (Barber 2). The studies on serial murder would particularly focus on the individual trying to study the offender’s biography and causes of their behavior. Popular representations of Jeffrey Dahmer, Harold Shipman, John Wayne Gacy among other notorious individuals emphasized on the sociopathic tendencies of the lone serial killer (Haggerty and Ariane). They have been presented in accounts accentuating how assorted personality traits and risk factors seemingly lead to their otherwise enigmatic conduct.
Theoretical Perspectives on Serial Murder
Overtime, scholarly research focused in understanding this disturbing behavior would develop various theoretical approaches. Currently, there are biological, psychological, and sociological theories help explain serial murder.
1. Biological Theory
Cesare Lombroso coined the earliest theories of criminality which was that it was an inheritable trait (Booth 5). The biological perspective argued that criminal conduct is the result of factors inherent in one’s physical body which predisposed them individually to criminality. This perspective is focused on the biological processes and the degree in which they have an impact on one’s behavior. Thus, the offender will not have control over their violent and aggressive conduct since they are of nature. With relation to serial murders, the biological perspective noted that particular brain dysfunctions lead to individuals being serial killers (Booth 5). A fundamental dysfunction in psychopathy has been linked to the amygdala part of the brain that is responsible for emotional processing and functioning. It is however prudent to acknowledge that there has been a small number of serial killers that have been biologically examined to establish dysfunctions in the brain or other body parts. Thus, the argument that biological factors could lead to aggressive behavior and ultimately serial murder, remains premature, with little substantiating data.
2. Psychological Theory
There are various psychological explanations to serial murder. Psychology states that criminal and violent behavior in terms of the interactions between an individual’s thought processes and their behaviors. These approaches go beyond just looking at the individual to also considering their relationships with others (Choo and Young-Shik 4). Psychological disorders such as the different mental health issues could lead to violent conduct. The instinct and impulse theoretical perspective held that one’s instinctual or innate quality could lead one to being violent and aggressive. Conversely, the attachment theory examined one’s early life experiences and focused on their bond with their maternal parent. It argued that a break to this bond between the moth and child could ultimately cause the child to a life of crime and delinquency. This theory was epitomized by Aileen Wuornos, a serial murderer.
Aileen’s childhood was characterized of inconsistent care and emotional, physical, and possible sexual abuse at the hands of one of her primary attachment figures, her grandparents. She exuded an avoidant style that has traits such as detachment, being hostile, social withdrawal, impulsive behavior, and poor sensitivity and awareness. The conspicuous lack of attention and communication from her caregivers in conjunction with a violent and toxic environment led to Aileen’s early-on criminal nature and violent behavior. This ultimately drove her on the path of being a serial killer who murdered at least six truck drivers along Florida’s highway in different instances (Arrigo and Ayanna 12). Other psychological approaches are the learning theory that focuses on classical conditioning which triggers the killing, and the social learning theory that is concerned with the influence of the media in the violent and aggressive conduct. The latter theory asks the question on the degree in which violent TV, reading and movies contributed to the individual’s violent conduct.
3. Sociological Theories
The sociological theories explaining serial murder focusses on the society in which it is analyzed in terms of their social rules and processes that bind or separate persons as individuals and as members to associations, groups and institutions. Sociology is interested in an individual’s behavior as social beings in terms of how the individuals interact with each other in the society. In regards to serial murder, the anomie/strain theory argues that the social structure made of culture and political institutions will shape individuals and their actions (Choo and Young-Shik 4). Richard Kuklinski is used to explain this theory. He led his life trying to meet society standards despite his limits such as low education levels. Kuklinski was driven by the ambition to provide everything his family needed hence agreed to be a hit man. Strain could result in neurosis or psychosis. In Kuklinski’s case, the strain led to psychosis since he forgot about the societal morals specifically of not killing just to fulfill his major ambition of providing for his family. Another sociological theory is the labeling theory which believes that if an individual is labeled deviant and when the label is reinforced, the person accepts it which affects their self-concept leading them to consider themselves as deviant and engaging in the behavior. The control theory has suggested that the lack of control is a causal factor for deviant conduct. This theory stated that criminals value immediate gratification and pose a short term view of their life and objectives.
Conclusion
In summary, this discussion offered an overview on serial murder focusing on various theoretical perspectives that explain why the individuals engage in the crime. However, it is important to note that some serial murder cases could be as a result of the interaction between various theories. This makes it more difficult to point out the causes.
Works Cited:
Arrigo, Bruce A., and Ayanna Griffin. “Serial murder and the case of Aileen Wuornos: Attachment theory, psychopathy, and predatory aggression.” Behavioral sciences & the law 22.3 (2004): 375-393.
Barber, Taryn. “Serial Murder: The ID, Ego and Superego of a Serial Killer – In the mind of Moses Sithole.” (2016).
Booth, Hannah E. “A Criminological Analysis of Notorious Serial Killers in the United States.” (2021).
Choo, Tae Myung, and Young-Shik Choi. “Defining and explaining serial murders in the United States.” Korean Journal of Legal Medicine 44.1 (2020): 1-6.
Haggerty, Kevin, and Ariane Ellerbrok. “The social study of serial killers: Kevin Haggerty and Ariane Ellerbrok examine the cultural and historical context of serial killing.” Criminal Justice Matters 86.1 (2011): 6-7.
Martin, Eric, Dawn Elizabeth Schwarting, and Ruby J. Chase. “Serial Killer Connections Through Cold Cases.” National Institute of Justice 15 (2020).
