Introduction
Criminology is an essential field of knowledge that enables individuals to understand crime, its roots, causes, characteristics, and key evidence. By applying specific knowledge, criminologists can effectively address specific offenses and ensure they are thoroughly investigated. It becomes crucial for complex cases posing a significant threat to society. For instance, serial killers have always been viewed as a severe challenge to the civil order and citizens’ well-being because of the difficulties linked to their identification and capture.
However, using the advances in criminology, the enhanced understanding of the murderer’s mentality, and victim typology, the police acquire better chances for investigating cases belonging to this cohort and protecting individuals. Under these conditions, the proposed study is devoted to investigating the topic of serial killers and victim typology. Its enhanced understanding is vital for maintaining civil order and ensuring societal safety.
Relevance of the Topic
Several factors can explain the choice of the topic. First of all, the emergence of a serial killer and their activity is a severe stress to individuals who face the risk of being attacked. It spreads panic and havoc, potentially promoting protests, growing opposition between various parties, or an outbreak of violence (Sharma, 2018).
Second, investigating these cases might be challenging for the police because of the specific motifs and mentality of a murderer (Choo & Choi, 2020). In numerous cases, it requires the mobilization of all available resources. It means that criminology might offer essential knowledge linked to the issue.
Investigating the peculiarities of serial killers, their motifs, and conditions impacting the choice of victims, along with the victim typology, might have practical importance. It will foster a deeper understanding of each case and enhance the effectiveness of addressing new ones. Moreover, the study can delve into the psychological peculiarities of criminals, which might serve as the basis for new research. Under these conditions, the topic is both relevant and necessary for society, and it has significant research potential.
Objectives
The paper has several objectives for in-depth research regarding the chosen topic. Thus, the study aims to define serial killers, their classification, and the investigation of the motifs impacting the choice of victims, along with the discussion of the existing approaches to victim typology. Achieving this purpose will help cultivate a deeper understanding of the selected theme. Moreover, regarding the goal of the research, the following objectives are formulated:
- To define a serial murderer.
- To discuss various approaches to classifying serial murders.
- To discuss the reasons impacting the choice of the victim.
- To address the problem of victim typology.
- To analyze various approaches to victim typology.
- To analyze serial killers regarding the victim typology.
- To provide a conclusion summarizing the significant findings.
In this way, the research’s formulated aim and objectives are introduced to ensure a comprehensive discussion of the problem under research and enhance its understanding. They also impact the collection and processing methods and offer significant findings and conclusions.
Organizational Overview
The structure of the paper is selected to preserve the logic and ensure the in-depth investigation of the issue under concern. It has the following sections:
- Introduction – this part introduces the study by explaining the importance of criminology and the necessity of investigating the problem of serial killers and victim typology.
- Relevance of the topic – explains why it was selected and remains relevant.
- Objectives – the section sets the framework for the research. It reveals the central aim of the paper and its objectives.
- Organizational overview – presents the study’s structure to explain the research’s logic and improve its understanding.
- Analysis approach – the section outlines and summarizes the methods used to collect and process data linked to the issue.
- Discussion and Results – introduces the principal findings acquired during the research and provides information needed to meet the study’s objectives.
- Conclusion – summarizes the significant findings by structuring them. It also explains the importance of the research and establishes the basis for new investigations.
The selected structure helps to conduct the investigation logically and avoid flaws in the research.
Analysis Approach
The selected research issue, the paper’s purpose, and its objectives impact the collection and analysis methods. The qualitative paradigm is viewed as applicable, as it will help collect necessary facts and analyze them. Thus, the case study method will be employed to cultivate an enhanced understanding of the problem of serial killers and victim typology. It implies investigating a selected phenomenon from various perspectives to enhance its understanding (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). It is beneficial when it is vital to understand the problem under research in the real context (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Thus, the literature review will be used as the primary data collection tool. Primary and secondary sources, such as academic articles, books, and other studies, will be employed to create the theoretical framework and explore the issue. In such a way, using this approach, it is possible to investigate the selected problem and acquire the information needed to present findings linked to the issue.
Discussion and Results
Serial Killing and Its Distinction from Other Forms of Homicide
The discussion of the topic should start by defining a serial killer. Although the topic has been investigated for an extended period of time, there are still some issues in introducing the general definition of a serial killer. This problem comes from the increased complexity and sophistication of the problem.
The first attempt to define the phenomenon was made using the term chain killers, who slaughter individuals and leave a chain of victims (Sharma, 2018). In the 1970s, the term serial killer was introduced, and it further evolved into a concise and precise definition of the problem (Sharma, 2018). Thus, serial killing implies three or more murders committed at different times and having a cooling period between them (Sharma, 2018).
At the same time, it is vital to distinguish it from mass and spree killing. The first one is an act of slaying four or more victims in a single event, while the second one implies three or more murders in a single event but in different locations (Sharma, 2018). In such a way, serial killers are a specific type of criminal characterized by a particular behavior.
Behavioral Typologies of Serial Killers
Considering the complexity of every case involving serial murderers’ activity, it is vital to acquire an enhanced understanding and classify them. Thus, contemporary criminology offers a specific classification of serial offenses regarding their peculiarities and nature. Thus, the most common one is the organized/disorganized typology used by investigative agencies to work with crimes that might be related to the discussed cohort. Following this approach, the organized offender lives an ordinary life reflected in their approach to crimes (Choo & Choi, 2020). They possess specific characteristics such as intelligence, social competence, stable employment, and performance (Choo & Choi, 2020).
In most cases, this type of serial killer plans all murders, might use restraints, and more often uses verbal approaches to communicate with their victims before the act of violence (Choo & Choi, 2020). The motifs impacting serial killers of this sort might include a stressful event that altered their mentalities and cultivated the desire to kill (Choo & Choi, 2020). As a result, they become extremely dangerous to society and the people surrounding them.
A disorganized offender has another set of characteristics that might help to investigate crimes committed by them. Thus, a disorganized serial killer is often socially incompetent and has low intelligence levels (Choo & Choi, 2020). The crime scene investigation shows a random act of murder, which leads to the emergence of numerous pieces of evidence, such as blood, fingerprints, the murder weapon, and other details (Choo & Choi, 2020). In general, they are characterized by a lack of planning and a spontaneous style of offense (Choo & Choi, 2020).
The absence of everyday social interactions and sexual life leads to an increased chance of sexual violence or perversions (Deepak & Ramdoss, 2021). In such a way, homicidal acts committed by organized and disorganized offenders are different, which simplifies their identification and the following investigation. The correct definition also helps to determine the psychological characteristics of a criminal and find them.
Moreover, some investigators might differentiate the third type of serial killer. The mixed killer is an offender who cannot be identified as an organized or disorganized offender (Sharma, 2018). They might have characteristics of both types mentioned above. These might include a high level of intelligence, poor organization of crimes, numerous pieces of evidence, and a spontaneous approach to committing crimes (Sharma, 2018).
Motivational Typologies Based on Psychological Reinforcement
As a result, investigating such cases becomes more complex as it requires the correct understanding of the crime scene and the motives impacting serial killers (Sharma, 2018). For this reason, conducting an in-depth investigation of the available signs is vital to ensure the appropriate typology is used and employed to collect information necessary for concluding. Otherwise, there is a high risk of failure because of the poor interpretation of findings.
On the other hand, in most cases, serial murderers act out because of specific psychological factors impacting individuals. Thus, the process through which a person evolves into a serial killer is gradual and does not have a predetermined path (Deepak & Ramdoss, 2021). At the same time, the interaction of various factors plays a more important role than a single standalone fact (Deepak & Ramdoss, 2021). It means that the larger contexts of killers’ lives play a critical role in determining their motives for killing individuals and victim selection (Deepak & Ramdoss, 2021).
In some cases, it might result from deep maladjusted psychopathology that emerged in early childhood (Reid et al., 2019). It results in isolation and unmanageable psychological distress (Reid et al., 2019). However, it is impossible to say that all serial killers have childhood trauma that triggered the desire to kill. Instead, it is vital to use personalized approaches to understanding their behaviors and victim choice.
In such a way, regarding the significant differences in serial killers and their motifs, there is another typology. It focuses on presumed psychological reinforcements and intrinsic motivations peculiar to this cohort of killers (Sharma, 2018). For instance, the visionary type implies offenders who believe in their psychotic symptoms and kill their victims following their delusions (Choo & Choi, 2020).
Mission-oriented type includes serial killers who believe they have a special mission to purify society and ensure specific populations do not threaten them (Sharma, 2018). In numerous cases, they kill immigrants, sex workers, people of various age groups, drug-addicted people, and others (Sharma, 2018). Both types feel specific psychological satisfaction after committing crimes, as they believe in the necessity of their actions and justify their actions by their positive impact on society (Choo & Choi, 2020). This information is essential for investigating crimes of this sort and analyzing the choice of victims and serial killers’ behaviors.
Lust killers are another type differentiated by the specific psychological stimuli they acquire. It implies that a person feels sexual gratification from their murders, while there might be no traditional sexual acts (Choo & Choi, 2020). Moreover, lust killers might feel excitement because of their actions, meaning that extended torture might be peculiar to such crimes (Choo & Choi, 2020).
Finally, the power, or control-oriented type, feels pleasure because of their ability to control and dominate their victims (Choo & Choi, 2020). It becomes a significant motif of their actions and might explain the choice of their method. In such a way, the given typologies are vital for the enhanced understanding of serial killers, their motifs, and factors affecting the choice of their victims. It might also help to investigate such cases and provide appropriate punishment for criminals. In such a way, there are different approaches to classifying serial killers regarding their behavior, motifs, and factors impacting the emergence of the desire to kill.
Victimology as a Framework for Understanding Serial Crime
At the same time, numerous attempts exist to understand how this type of murderer chose their victims, meaning the issue is closely linked to victimology. It can be defined as a field of science investigating crime victims and their peculiarities (Daigle, 2017). It is often viewed as part of criminology as they are closely interconnected and are necessary for understanding the nature of crime and its roots (Daigle, 2017). Understanding the peculiarities of victimization is fundamental for working with serial killers.
Thus, victimology delves into the role of a victim in the crime. For instance, victim precipitation is the degree to which a victim is responsible for their victimization (Daigle, 2017). Victim facilitation happens when a victim unconsciously or unintentionally simplifies committing a crime by an offender (Daigle, 2017). Finally, victim provocation is when someone incites another individual to commit a crime (Daigle, 2017). These concepts are fundamental for understanding the peculiarities of every severe offense. However, speaking about serial killers, the role of a victim is often more complex.
In most cases, serial killers select their victims because of specific psychological and personal characteristics (Marono et al., 2020). This means that they know nothing about the person who will become a victim (Daigle, 2017). It makes the investigation more challenging because of the difficulties in establishing the victim’s type.
Victim Typologies and Degrees of Victim Responsibility
However, victimology offers specific types of victims that might be applied to speak about every case. For instance, the classification offered by Mendelson implies six different types regarding the degree of culpability (Daigle, 2017). A completely innocent victim is a person who has no responsibility for victimization and is selected only because of their nature (Daigle, 2017). The second type is a victim with minor guilt or an individual victimized by ignorance (Daigle, 2017). These two categories are generally used to speak about innocent people who suffered occasionally or because of the spontaneous choice of a criminal.
The following categories imply a higher degree of the victim’s involvement in their victimization. Thus, a victim as guilty as an offender has the same responsibility as a criminal (Daigle, 2017). The next category is a victim more guilty than an offender or a person provoking victimization by their actions and words (Daigle, 2017). The most guilty victim is an individual victimized during the perpetration (Daigle, 2017). Finally, an imaginary victim fabricates a victimization event for various purposes (Daigle, 2017). In such a way, these four categories imply that a victim might have a certain degree of responsibility for being affected by a criminal because of their actions, words, or behaviors.
Victim Selection Patterns in Serial Killing
Speaking about serial killers in terms of victimology, it is possible to admit that the definition of the victim type is complex. In numerous cases, killers select completely innocent victims or victims with minor guilt who do not realize their vulnerable positions. For instance, sex workers were often selected as victims by numerous serial killers (Lee & Reid, 2018). However, the choice was preconditioned by their initially vulnerable position, lack of social protection, and easy access to them (Lee & Reid, 2018). As a result, they can be viewed as innocent victims or victims with minor guilt who suffered because of the psychological peculiarities of a serial killer (Marono et al., 2020).
The other types of victims are selected less frequently, which means it is difficult to trace the connection between a serial killer and a person who suffered from their attacks. It makes this type of criminal more dangerous and requires a specific approach to their identification and capture.
Conclusion
Altogether, the problem of serial killers remains one of the critical issues in criminology. A chain of murders committed by a single person at different periods becomes a severe challenge to society. It makes the security questions more essential and might spread panic among the population. The lack of protection and the risk of being chosen as the next victim introduce additional concerns. For this reason, numerous attempts exist to classify serial killers, determine their types to understand how they choose their victims, and outline the group of individuals who might be at a high risk of being attacked.
Thus, the presented study has a specific aim and objectives. Its central purpose was to define serial killers, classify them, and discuss the existing approaches to victim typology. The objectives included the introduction of a clear definition of a serial killer, a discussion of existing approaches to typology and classification, an analysis of the current views on typology, and types of victims. It was performed by selecting relevant and credible sources and their analysis to create a case study and discuss the outlined problems within it. The given approach helped to structure information about serial killers, their peculiarities, and victims, along with their classification, and provided credible findings that can be used in future research.
The study helped to collect reliable and credible information on the topic. Thus, serial killers are individuals who kill three or more victims at different places during various periods. Their classification implies organized, disorganized, and mixed, depending on the personal characteristics and approach to selecting their victims.
Moreover, they can be classified in terms of psychological reinforcement, which includes visionary, mission-oriented, hedonistic, and control-oriented types. As for victimization and victimology, in most cases, victims are selected based on the killers’ personal characteristics, meaning that innocent individuals suffer. It makes the case investigation more complex and requires additional research to ensure a criminal is found and captured.
The findings might have important practical implications that might be used in practice. First of all, it shows the high risks associated with serial killers. Their unpredictability and the specific approach to choosing their victims might introduce additional complexity in addressing such cases and their investigation.
Additionally, the absence of an evident bond and relations between a criminal and a victim is another problem requiring specific attention. For this reason, it is critical to understand the significant peculiarities of serial killers, including their psychology and the events that trigger the development of the desire to kill. It would lead to a better understanding of these cases and their effective investigation.
Moreover, the study can be used to offer several recommendations. Thus, as stated previously, serial killers might choose their victims spontaneously, meaning it is impossible to guarantee complete protection. However, individuals informed about the activity of this criminal in their region might reconsider their behavior to avoid becoming a victim. It can also be linked to vulnerable populations such as migrants, young women, children, and sex workers. At the same time, the paper can be used as the basis for future investigation. It is vital to continue analyzing the bond emerging between a serial killer and a selected victim, focusing on psychological aspects. It would help to acquire an enhanced understanding of the issue and protect individuals.
References
Choo, T., & Choi, Y. (2020). Defining and explaining serial murders in the United States. Korean Journal of Legal Medicine, 44, 1-6.
Creswell, J., & Creswell, D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Daigle, E. (2017). Victimology: The Essentials (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications Inc.
Deepak, S. A., & Ramdoss, S. (2021). The life-course theory of serial killing: A motivation model. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 65(13–14), 1446–1472.
Lee, J., & Reid, S. (2018). Serial killers & their easy prey. Contexts, 17(2), 46–51.
Marono, A. J., Reid, S., Yaksic, E., & Keatley, D. A. (2020). A behaviour sequence analysis of serial killers’ lives: From childhood abuse to methods of murder. Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law, 27(1), 126–137.
Reid, S., Katan, A., Ellithy, A., Della Stua, R., & Denisov, E. V. (2019). The perfect storm: Mapping the life course trajectories of serial killers. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 63(9), 1621–1662.
Sharma, M. (2018). The development of serial killers: A grounded theory study [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Eastern Illinois University.