Characteristics Of Serial Killers
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to examine the characterizations and many characteristics of serial killers. In researching this I will look at the physical, emotional, psychological, childhood, criminal history, motive, behavior, and crime scene characteristics. In addition, I will analyze these ideas to the psychoanalytic theory.
Categories
The most popular way to categorize murderers is organized and disorganized offenders. Rough divisions are set up based on their mental state, behavior patterns, and the evidence retrieved from the crime scene. An additional "mixed" category is added for those who don't fit exclusively in one or the other (Newton, 1990).
Organized killers are generally quite intelligent with IQs ranging from average to genius levels. Naturally, they prefer skilled occupations as adults; however, they frequently encounter problems in the work place due to their intolerance for discipline (Newton, 1990). Socially and sexually, the organized killer is quite competent. It isn't uncommon for them to live and function with a partner meanwhile hiding the truth of their crimes (Newton, 1990, and tripod.com, n.d.). Along with having a childhood with a high birth order status, the organized killer is found to have fathers with stable jobs but childhood discipline was rather unstable (Newton, 1990).
Organization a main trait, the organized killer plans the offense. Demanding control of the situation, they demand a submissive victim, not previously known, and dominate the conversation. Even the crime scene reflects control (tripod.com, n.d.).
In days prior to commission of the crime, the organized offender reports stressful incidents and anger or depression (Newton, 1990). Conversely, they declare feeling focused and calm at the time of the crime (Newton, 1990). After the crime, the organized murderer is known to take a trophy from the victim and track the coverage of the crime in the...
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