Serial Killer in Criminology: Theories, Schools, and Thinkers
Introduction
The phenomenon of the serial killer has always captured the attention of criminologists, psychologists, and the general public alike. In criminology, serial killers represent one of the most extreme and disturbing examples of criminal behavior, where individuals repeatedly commit murder over an extended period, usually driven by psychological, social, or biological motives. Unlike ordinary homicide, which often occurs under situational pressures such as conflict, jealousy, or financial motives, serial killings are systematic, repetitive, and often ritualistic. This makes them a crucial subject of study for students and researchers in criminology.
Serial killers have become almost mythical figures in both academic literature and popular culture. Their stories often combine brutality with psychological complexity, and their crimes force us to ask fundamental questions about the nature of evil, deviance, and criminality itself. From Jack the Ripper in the 19th century to modern figures like Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer, the study of serial killers has contributed significantly to the evolution of criminology.
One of the major methods in understanding this type of criminal is psychological profiling of serial killers. Developed by criminologists and forensic psychologists, profiling aims to identify the psychological and behavioral patterns of offenders, allowing investigators not only to solve crimes but also to understand the underlying motives that drive these killers.
But why do criminologists devote so much effort to studying serial killers?
Question: Why are serial killers a major focus in criminology?
Answer: Serial killers represent the most extreme end of criminal behavior. They provide insight into how personality disorders, environmental influences, and social factors interact to create individuals capable of repeated violent crimes. By studying serial killers, criminologists aim to identify risk factors, prevent future crimes, and develop a deeper understanding of criminal psychology and human deviance.
In addition, the study of serial killers is closely tied to the history of criminological thought. Early criminologists such as Cesare Lombroso, Enrico Ferri, and Raffaele Garofalo laid the foundations for understanding deviant behavior, even though their theories were sometimes controversial. Later thinkers, including Sigmund Freud, contributed to the psychological dimension of criminology, which is particularly relevant to understanding serial killers. The modern integration of biological, psychological, and social schools of criminology has made the study of serial killers a rich interdisciplinary field.
This article will explore the concept of the serial killer in criminology, analyze the roots of their behavior from different criminological schools, and examine the contributions of key thinkers. Along the way, we will also look at famous case studies, the role of profiling, and the importance of modern approaches such as artificial intelligence in predicting and understanding serial killings.
The Concept of the Serial Killer in Criminology
Serial killers are defined as individuals who commit at least three murders over a period of time, with a “cooling-off” phase between each crime. This cooling-off period distinguishes serial killers from mass murderers (who kill multiple victims at once) and spree killers (who commit murders in quick succession without a break). The serial killer’s behavior is not driven by immediate situational stressors but by deeper psychological or social needs.
Question: What distinguishes a serial killer from other types of murderers?
Answer: A serial killer is unique in that their crimes occur over an extended timeline with distinct breaks, often driven by internal compulsions rather than external triggers. This repetitive cycle of fantasy, preparation, killing, and cooling-off makes them particularly complex and dangerous compared to mass or spree killers.
In criminology, the serial killer is both an individual and a social phenomenon. From the perspective of criminal psychology, they are often studied as individuals suffering from antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, or other severe psychological conditions. From a sociological perspective, however, serial killers are also products of their environments. Poverty, neglect, abuse, and social isolation may contribute to shaping their deviant behaviors.
Another defining feature is the motive. Serial killers often have motives that go beyond material gain. Their motivations may include:
- A desire for control and dominance.
- Sexual gratification linked with violence.
- Acting out deep-seated fantasies.
- Seeking revenge or expressing anger at society.
Some criminologists classify serial killers into categories:
- Visionary killers – driven by hallucinations or voices (e.g., mentally ill offenders).
- Mission-oriented killers – who believe they are “cleansing” society.
- Hedonistic killers – who derive pleasure (often sexual) from killing.
- Power/control killers – who seek domination over their victims.
This typology demonstrates the complexity of serial killers and why they are so important in criminological studies. Their crimes reveal intersections between mental illness, deviant psychology, and sociocultural dynamics.
Serial killers also play a significant role in the evolution of criminological theory. While early thinkers like Lombroso attempted to explain criminality through physical traits, modern criminology integrates psychology, sociology, and biology. Thus, the serial killer is not only a criminal case but also a testing ground for criminological schools to apply, compare, and refine their theories.
Psychological Roots of Serial Killers
One of the most important perspectives for understanding serial killers comes from psychology. The psychological approach focuses on the inner world of the offender: their emotions, unconscious drives, mental disorders, and early childhood experiences. Unlike explanations that rely solely on biology or environment, psychological theories emphasize the role of the mind and the dynamics of personality.
The work of Sigmund Freud is often cited in criminology when examining extreme deviant behaviors such as serial killing. Freud believed that human behavior is shaped by unconscious conflicts, particularly those rooted in childhood experiences. In the case of serial killers, repression of traumatic events, unresolved Oedipal conflicts, or distorted sexual drives can reappear later in life as violent fantasies and compulsions.
Question: How does Freud’s psychoanalytic theory explain serial killing?
Answer: Freud’s theory suggests that serial killers may act out unconscious conflicts and repressed desires. Their violent acts could be seen as symbolic attempts to resolve internal struggles, particularly involving aggression, sexuality, and parental relationships.
Beyond Freud, modern psychology also provides tools for understanding serial killers. For example:
- Psychopathy and Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD): Many serial killers display traits of psychopathy, including lack of empathy, superficial charm, manipulativeness, and a lack of remorse.
- Sadistic tendencies: Some killers derive pleasure from inflicting pain, reflecting an intertwining of sexual arousal and violence.
- Childhood trauma: Abandonment, abuse, or neglect during early life is commonly found in the backgrounds of serial killers.
Psychologists have also examined the fantasy life of serial killers. Long before they commit their first murder, many engage in violent fantasies that become increasingly detailed and compelling. These fantasies serve as a rehearsal for real-life crimes. When the fantasy is no longer satisfying, the killer acts upon it, beginning the cycle of serial murder.
This psychological explanation highlights the individual’s inner turmoil, but it cannot be viewed in isolation. Criminology integrates psychological insights with biological and social factors to form a more complete understanding of why serial killers emerge.
The Biological School of Criminology and Serial Killers
The Biological School of Criminology was pioneered by Cesare Lombroso, often regarded as the father of modern criminology. Lombroso’s theory of the “born criminal” argued that certain individuals are biologically predisposed to commit crimes. He believed that physical features, such as skull shape, jaw size, or facial asymmetry, were indicators of criminal tendencies.
Question: Did Lombroso really believe serial killers could be identified by their appearance?
Answer: Yes. Lombroso suggested that criminals had “atavistic” features—biological throwbacks to earlier stages of human evolution. However, his theory has since been criticized and largely discredited, especially when applied to serial killers.
Despite the limitations of Lombroso’s ideas, his work opened the door to studying the relationship between biology and crime. Today, biological research on serial killers looks at:
- Genetics: Certain genetic predispositions may increase the risk of violent behavior.
- Neurobiology: Brain abnormalities, particularly in areas like the prefrontal cortex or amygdala, are linked to impaired impulse control and heightened aggression.
- Hormonal influences: Elevated testosterone or imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin have been studied in violent offenders.
Modern criminology does not reduce serial killing to biology alone. However, it acknowledges that biological vulnerabilities can interact with psychological and social factors, increasing the likelihood of serial offending. For instance, a person with neurological abnormalities who also experiences severe childhood abuse may be at a higher risk of becoming a serial killer.
Enrico Ferri and the Multifactor Theory
Following Lombroso, Enrico Ferri developed the Multifactor Theory of Crime, which was more comprehensive. Ferri rejected the idea that crime could be explained by biology alone. Instead, he argued that criminal behavior is the result of multiple factors: biological, psychological, and social.
Question: How does Ferri’s theory apply to serial killers?
Answer: Ferri’s theory helps explain serial killers by emphasizing the interaction between individual traits and environmental conditions. For example, a biological predisposition toward aggression may be intensified by psychological trauma and reinforced by a socially dysfunctional environment.
Ferri also saw crime as a natural phenomenon that needed to be studied scientifically. His approach paved the way for criminologists to consider economic, cultural, and environmental conditions alongside individual predispositions. In the case of serial killers, Ferri’s perspective remains highly relevant. No single cause explains their crimes; rather, it is the combination of multiple influences that shapes their behavior.
The Social School of Criminology and Serial Killers
The Social School of Criminology emphasizes the role of society in shaping criminal behavior. Pioneers like Émile Durkheim argued that crime is a normal part of society and serves important functions, such as reinforcing social norms. Later, Robert K. Merton’s Strain Theory suggested that crime occurs when individuals are unable to achieve socially approved goals through legitimate means.
Question: Can society create a serial killer?
Answer: While society alone may not “create” a serial killer, social conditions such as neglect, abuse, poverty, and exclusion can contribute significantly to their development. When combined with psychological and biological predispositions, these factors may push an individual toward extreme deviant behavior.
From the social perspective, serial killers may be viewed as products of environments that failed to integrate them properly. Social alienation, lack of strong family bonds, and exposure to violence can all increase the likelihood of serial murder.
This school challenges the idea that serial killers are solely “evil individuals.” Instead, it highlights the social structures and cultural dynamics that contribute to their formation.
Raffaele Garofalo and the Idea of “Natural Crime”
Another influential thinker, Raffaele Garofalo, introduced the concept of “natural crime.” He argued that some acts are universally condemned because they violate fundamental moral sentiments shared by all human societies.
Question: How does Garofalo’s idea of natural crime help us understand serial killers?
Answer: Serial killing violates the most basic moral sentiments—respect for human life and compassion for others. By Garofalo’s definition, serial killers commit the most extreme form of natural crime, making them an essential focus for criminological study.
Garofalo’s work is particularly useful for distinguishing between crimes that are socially constructed (such as financial fraud, which may vary across cultures) and those that reflect universal violations of human morality, like serial murder.
Garofalo’s theory of natural crime elevates criminology into a moral science by focusing on universal sentiments. Unlike Lombroso’s biological determinism or Ferri’s multifactorial model, Garofalo rooted his theory in morality and collective human conscience. This perspective provides a strong framework for understanding why serial killing evokes universal horror: it violates sentiments so deeply ingrained in humanity that their breach destabilizes social trust at its core. For Garofalo, natural crimes are not contingent on laws or cultures but are inherent violations of the social fabric. Serial murder, in this sense, is not merely a legal issue but a moral catastrophe. By categorizing serial killing as the most extreme form of natural crime, Garofalo gave criminologists a lens to study it not just as deviance but as the ultimate rupture of human solidarity. This moral dimension also has implications for justice: crimes against life and compassion demand not only legal punishment but also collective moral condemnation. In contemporary criminology, Garofalo’s insights remain vital, reminding us that beyond theories and data, crime must always be viewed in relation to the universal moral codes that hold societies together.
Criminal Profiling and Serial Killers
One of the most important modern tools in criminology is criminal profiling. Profiling involves analyzing crime scenes, victim selection, and behavioral patterns to create a psychological portrait of the offender.
Question: What is psychological profiling of serial killers?
Answer: It is a method of identifying the likely personality traits, behavioral tendencies, and emotional drives of a serial killer. Profiling helps narrow investigations and predict future crimes.
The FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit developed profiling methods in the 1970s, particularly to catch serial killers like the “Green River Killer.” Profiling has since become an essential technique in criminology, blending psychology, sociology, and forensic science.
Criminal profiling reflects the evolution of criminology from purely theoretical frameworks to applied forensic science. Its success lies in the ability to merge psychology, sociology, and investigative practice into a cohesive method of offender detection. Profiling does not claim to “read minds,” but it systematically analyzes crime scene evidence, victimology, and behavioral patterns to infer the likely traits of an offender. In cases of serial killers, profiling has been instrumental: it can reveal whether the killer is organized or disorganized, whether they target specific demographics, and what psychological gratifications they seek. This allows law enforcement to narrow suspects and anticipate future moves. For example, the FBI’s use of profiling in the 1970s led to breakthroughs in understanding killers like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. Profiling also acknowledges the ritualistic and symbolic aspects of serial murder, linking crimes to deeper psychological needs. While critics argue that profiling is not always accurate, its integration with data science and forensic psychology strengthens its reliability. Ultimately, profiling is not only a tool for catching killers but also a way of understanding how pathological personalities interact with their crimes.
Case Studies of Famous Serial Killers
Serial killers provide real-world examples for criminologists to test theories.
- Ted Bundy: Known for his intelligence and charm, Bundy manipulated victims before killing them. His case demonstrates the role of psychopathy and manipulation.
- John Wayne Gacy: The “Killer Clown” used his social position to lure victims, illustrating how outward normality can mask deviance.
- Jeffrey Dahmer: His cannibalistic crimes reveal deep psychological pathology and the role of fantasy in serial murder.
Question: What can criminologists learn from Ted Bundy’s case?
Answer: Bundy’s case shows how intelligence, charisma, and psychopathy can combine to make a highly dangerous serial killer. It also highlights the importance of psychological profiling in understanding offenders who can blend into society.
Case studies serve as practical laboratories for criminology, providing evidence that tests theories and grounds them in real-world behavior. Ted Bundy, for instance, embodies the fusion of intelligence, charisma, and psychopathy—a dangerous combination that challenges assumptions about the “typical” criminal. His ability to manipulate both victims and society demonstrates how psychological traits can be weaponized in criminal contexts. John Wayne Gacy’s crimes, by contrast, show how deviance can hide behind social respectability. His role as a community figure and “clown” allowed him to disarm suspicion while committing horrific acts, illustrating how social position can be exploited for criminal purposes. Jeffrey Dahmer’s case highlights the role of fantasy and psychological pathology, showing how unresolved desires can escalate into compulsive violence. By comparing these cases, criminologists can identify recurring themes such as manipulation, social masking, and trauma, but also unique aspects that defy generalization. Case studies thus validate and refine criminological theories, bridging abstract concepts with concrete human behavior. They remind us that behind every theory lies the reality of victims, offenders, and the societies that struggle to understand them.
Modern Approaches in Criminology and Serial Killers
Today, criminology has expanded beyond traditional theories. Modern approaches integrate technology, neuroscience, and big data to study serial killers.
Question: Can AI predict the behavior of serial killers?
Answer: While artificial intelligence cannot fully predict human behavior, it can analyze patterns in data to identify potential risks, predict geographic movement, and link unsolved cases. AI works best as a supplement to human criminological analysis.
Modern criminology also uses brain imaging, genetic studies, and sociological surveys to gain a holistic picture of serial killers. These methods reflect the interdisciplinary nature of criminology in the 21st century.
The modern era of criminology embraces interdisciplinarity, leveraging technology to complement traditional theories. Advances in neuroscience reveal how structural differences in the brain—such as abnormalities in the amygdala or prefrontal cortex—can affect impulse control and empathy. Genetics also plays a role, with some studies identifying heritable predispositions toward aggression. Yet these biological insights are balanced by sociological research into environments of neglect and trauma. Artificial intelligence has further revolutionized criminology: predictive algorithms now analyze vast datasets of crimes, detecting hidden patterns and linking unsolved cases across jurisdictions. Geographic profiling software can predict an offender’s base of operations, while forensic databases facilitate rapid suspect identification. These methods represent a convergence of disciplines—law enforcement, psychology, data science—that embody Ferri’s original call for multifactorial analysis. Importantly, modern approaches are not merely reactive but preventive: by identifying risk factors early, interventions can be designed to disrupt potential criminal careers. While no tool can guarantee prediction, the fusion of human expertise with technological insight brings criminology closer to anticipating and preventing serial crimes. This reflects the field’s transformation from descriptive analysis to proactive prevention in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Serial killers represent one of the most complex and terrifying aspects of human behavior. Their study brings together insights from psychology, biology, sociology, and law. Thinkers like Lombroso, Ferri, Garofalo, and Freud each contributed important ideas that continue to shape criminological research today.
Question: Why is studying serial killers important for the future of criminology?
Answer: Because serial killers embody the intersection of individual pathology and social dysfunction, their study helps criminologists prevent future crimes, improve profiling techniques, and deepen our understanding of criminal behavior.
By integrating classical criminological theories with modern technologies, criminologists aim not only to explain past cases but also to anticipate and prevent the emergence of future serial killers.
References
- CrimPsy. Theory of Multiple Causes: Enrico Ferri. Retrieved from https://www.crimpsy.com/theory-of-multiple-causes-enrico-ferri
- RUDN Journal of Law. Enrico Ferri on the criminal process. Retrieved from https://journals.rudn.ru/law/article/view/31093/en_US
- CrimPsy. The Role of Raffaele Garofalo in Criminology. Retrieved from https://www.crimpsy.com/the-role-of-raffaele-garofalo-in-criminology
- Wikipedia. Psychoanalytic criminology. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoanalytic_criminology
- Wikipedia. Criminal Shadows: Inside the Mind of the Serial Killer by David V. Canter. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_Shadows%3A_Inside_the_Mind_of_the_Serial_Killer
- Wikipedia. Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters by Peter Vronsky. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_Killers%3A_The_Method_and_Madness_of_Monsters
- The New Yorker. The Serial-Killer Detector (Murder Accountability Project). Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/11/27/the-serial-killer-detector
