It is important for you as death investigators / LE, to have a working knowledge of all death scenarios . You should have a basic understanding of the characteristics and/or non-characteristics of what makes a serial kill, as opposed to a mass or spree kill. In this way you can identify the need for more expert involvement or discern if you may have a death committed by a serial killer in your area or one that has passed through.

2. Introduction to
Serial Murder
The least you should know

3. A little about me
• Law Enforcement Since 1986
• Deputy Sheriff Since 1991
• Past Lieutenant Detective
• Deputy Coroner since 1998
• Medicolegal Death Investigator 2000
• Instructor for MSA & DSM
• 10 year board MCMEA
• Past MCMEA President
• My Point is - I’m not just a talking
head; I work, live, and breath,
what I’m going to be talking about
today.

4. Course Objectives
Introduction to Serial Murder
coronertalk.com
1. Explain why having a basic knowledge of serial killings is important.
2. Define the difference in multiple killings: Mass, Spree, and Serial
3. Identify the difference between The Stable and The Transient Killer
4. Recognize the three classifications of serial killers
5. Properly explain the four main motives in serial killings
6. Correctly explain the four phases of lust killings
7. Properly discern the differences in motives & methods in female serial killers
as opposed to male killers.
8. Correctly identify Investigative Issues and Best Practices

5. Let’s look at some data

11. Why Knowledge
coronertalk.com
It is important for you as death investigators / LE, to
have a working knowledge of all death scenarios .
You should have a basic understanding of the
characteristics and/or non-characteristics of what
makes a serial kill, as opposed to a mass or spree kill.
In this way you can identify the need for more expert
involvement or discern if you may have a death
committed by a serial killer in your area or one that
has passed through.
Obj. 1

12. Types of Multiple Killings
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1. Mass Killing
The FBI defines mass murder as murdering four or more persons
during an event with no "cooling-off period" between the murders.
A mass murder typically occurs in a single location where one or
more people kill several others.
2. Spree Killing
According to the FBI, the general definition of spree killer is a
person who commits two or more murders without a cooling-off
period; the lack of a cooling-off period marking the difference
between a spree killer and a serial killer
Obj. 2

13. Types of Multiple Killings
coronertalk.com
Serial Killings
Serial Murder is the premeditated
killing of three or more victims,
committed over time, in separate
incidents, in a civilian context, with the
murder activity being chosen by the
offender.

14. The Stable Killer eg. Gacy, Dahmer
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• Lives and works in one location for an extended
period.
• Hunts and kills within the local area.
• Disposes of bodies in the same or similar areas.
• Disposal site selected for concealment.
• May return to the crime scene or burial site.
• Seldom travels, but when forced to travel it is
usually for business, family visits, or personal
recreation
Obj 3

15. The Transient Killer eg. Bundy, Lucas
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• Seldom stays in one spot more than a few
weeks.
• Kills are spread out over a large area.
• Disposes of bodies in random locations.
• Disposal site selected for convenience.
• Seldom returns to the region of the crime.
• Travels continuously either for pleasure, to
confuse law enforcement, or for new hunting
grounds.
Obj 3

16. Classification of Serial Killers
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1. Organized
2. Disorganized
3. Mixed - organized & disorganized
Obj 4

17. Organized
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The organized offender is described as leading an
orderly life that is also reflected in the way he commits
his crimes. Highlighting some proposed
characteristics, he is claimed to be of average to high
intelligence, socially competent, and more likely than
the disorganized offender to have skilled employment.
It is also claimed that he is apt to plan his offenses,
use restraints on his victim, and to bring a weapon
with him to commit the murder and to take the
weapon away with him from the crime scene.

18. Organized Cont.
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According to its proponents (e.g. Douglas et al., 1992), in
general, organized offenders are hypothesized to kill after
undergoing some sort of precipitating stressful event, such as
financial, relationship, or employment problems.
Their actions are thought to reflect a level of planning and
control. The crime scene will therefore reflect a methodical
and ordered approach. This is seen as being a consequence
of the organized offender being socially skilled and adept with
handling interpersonal situations. Organized offenders are
thus more likely to use a verbal approach with victims prior to
violence and all these aspects of the offender are presumed
to be reflected in the crime scene.

19. Organized Killer Traits
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• IQ above average, 105-120 range
• socially adequate
• lives with partner or dates frequently
• stable father figure
• family physical abuse, harsh
• geographically/occupationally mobile
• follows the news media
• may be college educated
• good hygiene/housekeeping skills
• does not usually keep a hiding place
• diurnal (daytime) habits
• drives a flashy car
• needs to return to crime scene to see what police have done
• usually contacts police to play games
• a police groupie or wanabee
• doesn’t experiment with self-help
• kills at one site, disposes at another
• may dismember body
• attacks using seduction into restraints
• keeps personal, holds a conversation
• leaves a controlled crime scene
• leaves little physical evidence

20. Disorganized
coronertalk.com
In contrast, the crime scene of the disorganized
offender is described as reflecting an overall sense of
disorder and suggests little, if any, preplanning of the
murder. The disarray present at the crime scene may
include evidence such as blood, semen, fingerprints,
and the murder weapon. There is minimal use of
restraints and the body is often displayed in open view.
The disorganized offender is thought to be socially
incompetent and to have below-average intelligence.

21. Disorganized Cont.
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By contrast, Douglas et al. (1992) hypothesize that the
disorganized offender kills opportunistically. He or she will
live in close proximity to the crime scene.
A lack of planning before, during, or after the crime will be
reflected in the spontaneous style of the offense and the
chaotic state of the crime scene. This mirrors the offender’s
social inadequacy and inability to maintain interpersonal
relationships. The lack of normal, healthy social
relationships increases the likelihood of sexual ignorance as
well as the potential for sexual perversions or dysfunctions
as part of the homicidal acts.

22. Disorganized Killer Traits
coronertalk.com
• IQ below average, 80-95 range
• socially inadequate
• lives alone, usually does not date
• absent or unstable father
• family emotional abuse, inconsistent
• lives and/or works near crime scene
• minimal interest in news media
• usually a high school dropout
• poor hygiene/housekeeping skills
• keeps a secret hiding place in the home
• nocturnal (nighttime) habits
• drives a clunky car or pickup truck
• needs to return to crime scene for reliving memories
• may contact victim’s family to play games
• no interest in police work
• experiments with self-help programs
• kills at one site, considers mission over
• usually leaves body intact
• attacks in a “blitz” pattern
• depersonalizes victim to a thing or it
• leaves a chaotic crime scene
• leaves physical evidence

23. Mixed
coronertalk.com
The attack may involve more than one offender, there may
be unanticipated events that the offender had not planned
for, the victim may resist or the offender may “escalate” into
a different pattern during the course of an offense or over a
series of offenses.
The suggestion is that in this sort of crime, although there
may be some evidence of planning, there will be poor
concealment of the body. The crime scene might be in great
disarray, and there will be a great deal of manual violence
committed against the victim. The offender may be young or
involved in drugs or alcohol.

24. Motives
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1. THE VISIONARY
2. GAIN KILLERS
3. THRILL KILLERS
4. LUST KILLERS
Obj 5

25. Motives
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THE VISIONARY
Hears voices or sees visions that tell
him to kill (psychotic), the voices tend
to be either God or the devil,
legitimating the violence.

26. Motives
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GAIN KILLERS
This group of killers display the apparently rare (among
serial killers) motive of financial or personal gain. For this
type of killer the murder is often incidental and a
troublesome event that moves them closer to their goal.
Even though we tend to think of gain killings as something
that happened in decades or even centuries gone by, the
availability of firearms, and other weapons matched with
the rise in bank robberies, mugging etc. leads us to think a
new generation of serial killers is emerging.

27. Motives
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THRILL KILLERS
The thrill killer is much the same as the lust killer, in so
far as pleasure in the act of killing is the primary
motive. What distinguishes the Thrill Killer is that even
though sexual abuse may take place, sexual
gratification is not his main motivation – but rather to
experience a high or a buzz through the act of murder.

28. Motives
coronertalk.com
LUST KILLERS
This is probably the largest section of serial killers. Sexual
gratification is their main motivation. Their crimes almost always
exhibit a certain element of sadism. Contrary to popular belief, lust
killers – or any serial killers for that matter, are not opportunistic.
The time and amount of planning that they go through before they
commit their crimes is usually associated with very organized
personalities. Lust killers tend to go through four phases.

29. FOUR PHASES OF LUST
KILLING
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1. FANTASY
2. THE HUNT
3. THE KILL
4. POST KILL PHASE
Obj 6

30. FANTASY
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Fantasy: This is when the desire to kill
manifests, often with the use of
pornographic material. In this phase the
killer may act out the crime over and over
in his mind. This can last any amount of
time, even years, before they are suddenly
thrown into phase 2 and the fantasy starts
to become a reality.

31. THE HUNT
coronertalk.com
The Hunt: It may be possible that during his
hunt the killer has a very clear image of the
“right” victim. Or he may favor certain
locations such as woodlands or streets. Like
the fantasy stage the hunt may take months
or even years, and may even cover many
hundreds of miles. The killer, after he has
found his victim, may stalk them for a long
time, memorizing their every move.

32. THE KILL
coronertalk.com
The Kill: For the lust killer this is a very personal
act. It is his only motivation. The lust killer would
take considerable care to lure the victim into a
place of apparent safety. Once alone with the
victim the lust killer can make his fantasy real. A
certain amount of overkill is often seen in this
type of murder. Also seen is extreme torture,
mutilation, even dismemberment. Necrophilia,
blood drinking, and cannibalism are
characteristic. This is the lust killers moment of
ecstasy, and therefore many seek to preserve as
much as they can by various means.

33. POST KILL PHASE
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Post Kill Phase: For many serial killers the passing
of the experience of the murder often leaves them
feeling empty and depressed. Many often realize that
their physiological torment was not relieved on a
permanent basis. The Killer knows he will be forced
to take more lives to get some temporary relief. It is
during this phase that the killer will – if he is so
inclined, write confessions to the police and
newspapers. Unless the killer has been caught at this
stage, it is inevitable that he will kill again.

34. Female Serial Killers
coronertalk.com
• Females in the United States accounts for 12% - 15% of
ALL murders. Interestingly, women account for roughly
the same percentage of serial murders.
• Most kill for gain - wives, boarding home owners, etc,
• Care taker killers - nurses and childcare workers.
• Family Annihilators - protecting their children
• Lust murder - extremely rare, usually at the urging of a
man
Obj 7

35. Female Serial Killers
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• Female serial murderers generally do not stalk or
torture their victims and usually use poison to kill.
• They generally kill close to home or workplace rather
than showing mobility found in many male killers.
• Median age at arrest is 37.9 years, with a range of 40
years (19-59)
• Average age when kills begin is 32.9 years. (18-53)
• Aileen Wuornos exception

36. Interest Facts of Serial Killers
Understanding their mind
coronertalk.com
• Most serial killers suffered child abuse. Neglect and child abuse not only impair a child’s self
esteem, they also interfere with his or her ability to function in society, succeed academically,
and form healthy relationships with people
• Many serial killers experienced sexually stressful events in childhood
• While many serial killers were abused or beaten as children, there are exceptions. Jeffrey
Dahmer had an apparently normal upbringing, yet became one of the most horrible sex
murderers in popular culture. His father wrote a book, A Father’s Story, which searches for
explanations for his son’s deviance.
• Given that most serial killers are from dysfunctional families, such pathological and abnormal
behavior may be ignored. Jeffrey Dahmer’s father, for example, had no qualms that his son
performed animal dissections
• A study that focused on a group of sociopaths who had been adopted as infants showed that the
biological relatives of sociopaths were 4–5 times more likely to be sociopathic than the average
person. Researchers note that it is easier for “bad seeds to blossom in bad environments.

37. Interest Facts of Serial Killers
Understanding their mind
coronertalk.com
• Almost all serial killers admit that they started by acting out their fantasies on small
animals before they moved to humans and that animal torture brought them a
great source of pleasure
• Many serial killers will keep “souvenirs” of their crimes. For example, when Ted
Bundy was asked why he took Polaroids of his victims, he said, “when you work
hard to do something, you don’t want to forget it.
• Most psychiatrists note that psychopaths cannot be successfully treated.
• Criminologists estimate that at least 86% of male serial killers are heterosexual.
While numerically less, homosexual serial killers include some horrific monsters,
such as John Wayne Gacy (1942–1994) and Jeffrey Dahmer (1960–1994

38. coronertalk.com
• Although it is impossible to predict if a child will grow up to be a serial killer, the three
warning sings of future psychopathic behavior are 1) animal torture, 2) prolonged
bed-wetting, and 3) juvenile pyromania. Criminologists call these symptoms “The
Triad
• While many children wet the bed, this behavior may be a sign of a deeper pathology
when it persists beyond the age of 12. Over 60% of serial killers were still wetting
their beds as adolescents
• It is rare for serial killers to prey on people from another race. Consequently, because
most serial killers are white, so are most of their victims (89%)
• In the United States, a great majority of serial killers are single, white males from
lower to middle class backgrounds. However, there are also Hispanic, Asian, and
African serial killers. But, according to the FBI, whites are not more likely than any
other race to be serial killers based on percentages
Interest Facts of Serial Killers
Understanding their mind

39. Interest Facts of Serial Killers
Understanding their mind
coronertalk.com
• Most serial killers are young: 44% started when they were in their 20s, 26% in their
teens, and 24% in their 30s
• Serial killers usually come from families that are dysfunctional and debilitating.
Additionally, they are rarely remembered by classmates because did they not have
many close friends. Often, they grow up lonely and isolated.
• Without any social structure in his life, a serial killer is unable to have normal sexual
relationships and is thus forced into solo sexual activities. In some cases, they turn
to obsessive masturbation, as in the case of Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo
(1936–1994), who had scars on his genitals due to aggressive masturbation.
• From an early age, many serial killers are intensely interested in voyeurism and
fetishism as well as other paraphilia. Many will start as harmless peeping toms
before moving onto the house breaking, rape, and murder

40. Interest Facts of Serial Killers
Understanding their mind
coronertalk.com
• Unlike some people with significant mental disorders, such as schizophrenia,
psychopaths can seem normal and often charming, in a state of adaptation
psychiatrists call “the mask of sanity.
• Because of the their psychopathic nature, serial killers do not know how to
feel sympathy for others. They learn to simulate normal behavior by
observing others, but it is a manipulative act.
• Very few serial killers turn themselves in. Only Ed Kemper called the police
to confess. He waited at a telephone booth to be picked up.
• The majority of serial killer arrests are done by patrol officers doing their
everyday duties and unrelated to the ongoing serial murder investigation. For
example, Larry Yeler was arrested during a traffic stop for a parking violation
and Ted Bundy was arrested during a traffic stop for a stolen car.

41. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
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• Identification of a Serial Murder Series
• Leadership
• Task Force Organization
• Resource Augmentation
• Communication
• Data Management
• Analytical Tools
• Medical Examiners/Coroners
• Administrative Issues
• Training
• Officer Assistance Programs
Obj 8

42. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
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Identification
Historically, the first indication that a serial murderer was at work was when two or
more cases were linked by forensic or behavioral evidence.
Identifying a homicide series is easier in rapidly-developing, high profile cases
involving low risk victims. These cases are reported to law enforcement upon
discovery of the crimes and draw immediate media attention.
In contrast, identifying a series involving high risk victims in multiple jurisdictions is
much more difficult. This is primarily due to the high risk lifestyle and transitory
nature of the victims. Additionally, the lack of communication between law
enforcement agencies and differing records management systems impede the linkage
of cases to a common offender.

43. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Leadership
High profile investigations present a multitude of leadership challenges for
law enforcement, from investigators to police executives. Law
enforcement personnel may face external pressures from political entities,
victims’ families, and the media. Collectively, strong management
throughout the chain of command must continually reinforce the supreme
goal of the investigation: To arrest and prosecute the offender .
In serial murder cases, the actual investigation should be directed by
competent, homicide investigators, who have the experience to direct and
focus the investigative process. Law enforcement administrators should
not run the investigation but rather ensure that the investigators have the
resources to do their job. Supervisors should also act as buffers between
investigators and the other levels of command.

44. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Task Force Organization
Once a serial murder series has been identified, it is important for the
involved law enforcement agencies to work together. There are a
number of operational and investigative issues critical to the
successful establishment of an investigative task force.
Initially, a lead agency for the task force should be designated and
will assume the primary investigative role. The choice of a lead
agency is based upon a number of factors including the number and
viability of the cases, available resources, and investigative
experience.

45. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Resource Augmentation
As the investigation continues, the manpower requirements of
the task force will increase for various reasons, including
increasing the number of investigators and support staff.
Restraint must be practiced by task force administrators to avoid
the use of excess personnel. As previously discussed, the use of
fewer personnel may be more effective.
The lead investigator is in the best position to recognize when
additional personnel are needed

46. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Communication
Daily briefings are essential for investigators, especially when there are
different work shifts. Periodic summary briefings are also necessary for
managers and patrol officers. These can be accomplished via e-mails or at
roll call and should be conducted by investigative personnel.
• Communication on the operational level is paramount, especially in task
force investigations and when serial murder cases involve multiple states. As
all information must be shared seamlessly, teleconferences may not
sufficiently allow for the flow of information. Face-to-face case briefings are
suggested.
• Submitting ViCAP reports on solved and unsolved murders, attempted
murders, and sexual assaults for inclusion in the ViCAP database is strongly
recommended and may facilitate the linkage of unknown related cases for law
enforcement agencies

47. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Data Management
A common problem in serial investigations occurs when data is not
entered into the electronic database in a timely manner. Useful leads
are lost when investigators are overloaded with information
In order to avoid time lags, reports should be written as soon as the
investigative lead is completed. If reports are not finished before the
end of the investigator’s shift, the lead investigator(s) may not have
time to review those reports. This will lead to a back-log of reports,
containing pertinent and timely investigative information.
All rough notes should be maintained and entered into evidence

48. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Analytical Tools
The wide range of analytical resources available to law enforcement agencies is
typically under-utilized at the onset of a serial murder investigation. Due to the
voluminous amount of information characteristic of high profile investigations,
critical lead information may be lost. The implementation of a tested and reliable
case management system, as previously discussed, coupled with competent
analytical staff, is imperative in serial murder investigations.
Many agencies are not supported by an actual crime analysis unit or do not employ
experienced analysts. In such cases, the agency should contact their neighboring
jurisdictions or the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime for
assistance.

49. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Medical Examiners and Coroners
A thorough autopsy and the subsequent collection of evidence are critical in serial murder
investigations. Medical examiners and coroners operate according to their different state
mandates and vary as to the thoroughness of their investigations. Consistent procedures to
collect, record, and retrieve case information are important in linking cases in other jurisdictions.
• Medical examiners should share information on autopsies in potentially related cases. Joint
meetings with investigators can provide additional background information on these cases.
• A single medical examiner should be utilized in serial cases occurring within the same
jurisdiction.
• Once a series has been identified that involves several jurisdictions, the various medical
examiner offices may consider performing joint autopsy procedures to ensure continuity in
evidence collection.
• Investigators should also ensure submissions of all unidentified victims to the FBI Laboratory’s
National Missing Persons DNA database.

50. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Administrative Issue
Law enforcement agencies should review their current administrative policies relating to maintenance
and storage of unsolved homicide case materials. Top priority should be given to these cases by
extending the storage time limit and may include the following
• Mirror the FBI’s NCAVC 50-year minimum mandate to keep copies of all
unsolved cases.
• Retain records of unsolved homicide cases and the accompanying evidence
until the case is closed.
• Records should be electronically converted.
• Evidence storage should be available for long term storage of forensic
evidence in murder cases.
• Submit cases to the FBI’s ViCAP database, which maintains case information
indefinitely.

51. coronertalk.com
Training
Training continues to be an issue for all law enforcement departments.
Complex homicide investigations, especially those involving serial
murder cases, depend upon the experience and abilities of investigators
to effectively conduct the investigation. With the retirement of many
experienced homicide investigators, newer investigators need training
and exposure to a wide range of investigative techniques.
It is also suggested the utilization of standardized training for homicide
investigators, crime analysts, and medical examiners.

52. Investigative Issues and Best Practices
coronertalk.com
Officer Assistance Programs
The brutality of the crime scenes; the senseless, repetitive acts inflicted on the victims; and a sense
of helplessness in failing to catch the offender are all factors that may impact the emotional well-
being of investigators involved in a serial murder case. Burnout, stress, and hopelessness are just
some of the feelings that may affect members of the investigative team.
To combat these issues the following practices should be followed
1. Regular Debriefings
2. Access to critical incident counselors
3. Mental Health evaluations
4. Adequate time off for investigators

53. Resources
coronertalk.com
• U.S. Department of Justice FBI Muli-Disciplinary Perspectives for Investigators Serial
Murder 2005
• Aamodt, M. G. (2014, September 6). Serial killer statistics. Retrieved (insert date of
retrieval)
• Serial Killers - Contemporary Issues Greenhaven Press, Inc 2000
• Instructors own experience

55. Introduction to
Serial Murder
The least you should know