Questions and Answers
Match the following definitions with the term:
Multiple Homicide = Mass murder, spree murder, serial murder Steven Egger Serial Killer = One or more individuals commit a second and/or subsequent murder, generally no prior relationship to the victim Holmes & Holmes definition = A serial killer is defined as someone who murders three persons in more than a 30 day period Fox and Levin definition = Serial murder involves a string of four or more homicides committed by one perpetrator Hickey definition = Any offender who through premeditation killed 3 or more victims over a period of time Fox, Levin, and Fridel definition = Individuals who killed 4 or more victims separated by a cooling off period of at least 24 hours Wannabe serial killer = Potential killer with 2 victims Typical serial killers = 3 to 7 victims Prolific serial killers = 8 or more victims Congress' definition = A series of three or more killings that suggest a reasonable possibility that the crimes were committed by the same actor Mass murder = Single lethal event involving 4 or more victims
What are the subdivisions of serial killers based on?
Statistically significant differences among wannabe, typical, and prolific in terms of motive, method, and likelihood of being partnered.
Who are the usual targets of serial killers?
Strangers
Mass murder is defined as a single lethal event involving ___ or more victims.
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What are the common characteristics of mass murderers?
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What motivates mass murderers?
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What is strain theory in relation to mass murder?
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Who do serial killers tend to kill the most?
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Study Notes
Types of Homicides
- Multiple homicide includes mass murder, spree murder, and serial murder.
Definitions of Serial Killers
- Steven Egger defines a serial killer as someone who commits multiple murders with no prior relationships to victims, occurring over time and in different locations, driven by a need for power, often targeting perceived powerless individuals.
- Holmes & Holmes stipulate a serial killer commits three or more murders over a minimum of 30 days, typically involving one victim per incident.
- Stephen Giannangelo highlights the repetitive nature of their actions marked by tension build-up and cooling-off periods rather than the number of killings.
- The Fox and Levin definition specifies serial murder consists of four or more homicides by one or few perpetrators over an extended timeline.
- Hickey describes a serial killer as someone who premeditates the murder of three or more victims over varying time frames.
- Fox, Levin, and Fridel emphasize individuals who kill four or more victims with separation by at least 24 hours.
Types of Serial Killers
- Wannabe serial killers are identified by having two victims.
- Typical serial killers usually have three to seven victims.
- Prolific serial killers are those with eight or more victims.
Classifications and Characteristics
- Subdivisions of serial killers indicate significant differences in motives, methods, and likelihood of partnerships among wannabe, typical, and prolific killers.
- The Congressional definition requires three or more killings, with at least one in the U.S., suggesting a commonality among the crimes.
Mass Murder
- Defined as a single event where four or more are killed, often where the perpetrator knows some victims; typically a lone actor.
- Examples include notable cases like George Hennard and the Columbine High School murders.
Targets and Motives
- Serialists primarily target strangers.
- Mass murderers often act out of personal revenge, with notable cases including Klebold and Harris's motives against perceived enemies.
Terrorism and Mass Murder
- Terrorism is driven by ideology and collective violence, exemplified by figures like McVeigh and Nichols, who justified their actions based on beliefs about defending the Constitution.
Profiles of Mass Murderers
- Typically white, conservative males from stable, lower-middle-class backgrounds, often with mental health issues and military backgrounds.
- Often not adopted but may have faced childhood instability, desiring more than they achieve, leading to violent outbursts.
Theoretical Perspectives
- Strain theory suggests individuals who feel thwarted in their ambitions may develop hatred for those they blame, potentially leading to violence against them.
Victim Selection in Mass Murder
- Victims are usually personally selected based on perceived wrongs or serve as proxies for a larger group the murderer feels oppressed by, with no strong gender preference.
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Description
Test your knowledge on serial killers with these flashcards. Learn key terms such as multiple homicide types, including mass, spree, and serial murder, as well as specific definitions that distinguish these categories. Ideal for students and enthusiasts of criminology.
