Brief History of Serial Killers

Most people have heard of at least one famous serial killer. The term “serial killer” is defined as someone who kills three or more people over a period of more than 30 days, with a “cooling off” period in between each murder. Although the definition of a serial killer has remained consistent over the years, public fascination with these types of criminals has ebbed and flowed. Here is a brief history of serial killers.

Serial Killers in the Early 1900s

There were several notorious serial killers who operated during the early 1900s. Some of the most well-known include:

1. H.H. Holmes: Active in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Holmes is believed to have murdered as many as 200 people in his “murder castle” in Chicago. The referenced murder castle was actually a hotel specifically designed for killing people. Examples of the dangers in the hotel included trap doors, gas chambers, and soundproof walls. He was eventually caught and executed for the murder of nine people.
2. Albert Fish: Active in the 1920s and 1930s, Fish was a cannibal and child killer who claimed to have murdered as many as 100 children. He was eventually caught and executed for the murder of a young girl.
3. Carl Panzram: Active in the early 1900s, Panzram was a serial killer and rapist who is believed to have murdered at least 22 people. He was eventually caught and executed for the murder of a prison employee.
4. Belle Gunness: Active in the early 1900s, Gunness was a serial killer who is believed to have murdered several husbands and suitors for their money. She was eventually caught and died in a fire at her farm.
5. The Axeman of New Orleans: Active in the early 1900s, the Axeman was a serial killer who attacked people with an axe in New Orleans. He was never caught and his identity remains a mystery to this day
6. Jack The Ripper: Another early serial killer was Jack the Ripper, who terrorized London in 1888. Jack the Ripper is believed to have killed five women, all of whom were prostitutes. Although there were many suspects, the identity of Jack the Ripper was never conclusively determined.

The 20th Century of Serial Killers

The 20th century saw a significant rise in the number of serial killers and some of the most notorious ones include:

1. Ted Bundy: Active in the 1970s, Bundy murdered at least 30 young women across several states in the US. Although the actual number of his victims is believed to be much higher. Bundy was also convicted and sentenced to death; he was executed by electric chair in 1989. Ted Bundy was very well known for being extremely charismatic which helped him lure many of his female victims.
2. Jeffrey Dahmer: Active in the 1980s and early 1990s, Dahmer murdered and dismembered 17 young men and boys. He was caught and sentenced to life imprisonment, but was later beaten to death by another inmate. Certain undocumented talk included the fact that Dahmer felt guilty for the murders he committed and allowed for the other inmate to kill him without putting up much of a fight.
3. John Wayne Gacy: Active in the 1970s, Gacy is known as the “Killer Clown” for dressing up as a clown for charity events. He was convicted of murdering 33 young men and boys and was executed in 1994. Interesting low-key fact is that John Wayne Gacy was injected and executed the same day that Jeffrey Dahmer was baptized in prison. Both of these events took place on the same day there was a blood moon.
4. Aileen Wuornos: Active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Wuornos was a female serial killer who murdered at least seven men in Florida. She was caught, put on trial and executed.
5. Richard Ramirez: Active in the mid-1980s, Ramirez was known as the “Night Stalker” for breaking into homes and murdering his victims in their beds. He was caught and sentenced to death, but died of cancer before he could be executed.

The 21st Century of Serial Killers

There have been several notorious serial killers who operated in the 21st century. Here are some examples:

1. Israel Keyes: Active from 2001 to 2012, Keyes is believed to have killed at least 11 people across the United States. He committed suicide in his jail cell in 2012 while awaiting trial.
2. Dylann Roof: In 2015, Roof shot and killed nine people at a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina.
3. Nikolas Cruz: In 2018, Cruz killed 17 people and injured 17 others in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
4. Joseph James DeAngelo: Active from 1974 to 1986, DeAngelo was known as the Golden State Killer and is believed to have committed at least 13 murders and more than 50 rapes in California. He was caught in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison.
5. Samuel Little: Active from 1970 to 2005, Little is considered to be one of the most prolific serial killers in US history. He confessed to killing at least 93 people across 19 states. He died in prison in December 2020.
6. Anthony Sowell: known as the Cleveland Strangler, was an American serial killer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio from 2007 to 2009. Sowell was a convicted sex offender who lured his victims, mostly African American women, to his home under the pretense of offering them drugs or alcohol. Once there, he would strangle them and bury their bodies in and around his property. In total, Sowell was convicted of killing 11 women and hiding their remains in his home and yard. He was sentenced to death in 2011 and remains on death row in Ohio. who was convicted of killing 11 women in Cleveland, Ohio between 2007 and 2009. He was sentenced to death in 2011 and remains on death row.

Sex and Serial Killers

The vast majority of serial killers throughout history have been male. According to research, it is estimated that over 90% of serial killers are male, while only around 10% are female. The reasons for this gender disparity are complex and not fully understood, but it is believed that social and cultural factors, as well as biological differences between the sexes, may play a role. Some theories suggest that male aggression and violence may be more socially accepted and even encouraged in some contexts, while female violence is often seen as more aberrant and unacceptable. Additionally, some researchers have suggested that hormonal and genetic factors may contribute to male violence and aggression. However, it is important to note that not all men are violent, and not all women are non-violent, and that individual differences and personal circumstances can greatly influence an individual’s behavior.

Why Do Serial Killers Exist?

The question of why serial killers exist is complex and multifaceted, and there is no one definitive answer. Many different factors are believed to contribute to the development of serial killers, including psychological, social, and biological factors. Some researchers have suggested that childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences may play a role in the development of violent tendencies in some individuals. Others have suggested that biological factors, such as brain abnormalities or imbalances in neurotransmitters, may contribute to violent behavior.

Another theory is that some serial killers may have a deep-seated need for power and control over others, and that their violent acts are a way of satisfying this need. Additionally, some serial killers may be motivated by a desire for attention or recognition, either from the media or from law enforcement officials.

It is important to note that while there may be some general patterns or factors that are common among serial killers, each individual case is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why someone may become a serial killer. Furthermore, it is important to remember that the vast majority of people who have experienced childhood trauma or other risk factors for violent behavior do not go on to become serial killers.

Conclusion

While the definition of a serial killer has remained consistent over time, public interest in these types of criminals has varied greatly. In recent years, there has been an increase in books, movies, and TV shows about serial killers; however, it is important to remember that real people are affected by these crimes. The subject of serial killers is undoubtedly a dark and disturbing one, it is worth noting that there have been many positive developments in the field of criminology that have helped to bring these individuals to justice and prevent future crimes. Advances in forensic science, including DNA analysis, have made it easier to link suspects to crimes and provide evidence for convictions. Additionally, there is a greater awareness and understanding of the psychological and societal factors that can contribute to violent behavior, which can help to identify at-risk individuals and prevent future tragedies. While the actions of serial killers in the past are certainly horrifying, it is important to focus on the progress that has been made in addressing this problem and working towards a safer and more just society.