Theodore Robert Bundy is considered the most famous and sophisticated kidnapper, rapist, and necrophiliac in U.S. history. The future serial killer was born on November 24, 1946, in the town of Burlington in the United States (Cimino, 2019, p. 23). Theodore’s mother, Louise Cowell was from a respectable family; the woman became pregnant when she had no husband and then concealed her pregnancy and claimed that Theodore was her brother. Bundy realized this when he was a teenager, and the incident severely influenced his psyche. In addition, there are suggestions that Bundy is his grandfather’s child. Theodore remembered him with high regard, but at the same time described how he beat his wife, the boy’s grandmother, and abused animals, and eventually, the woman lost consciousness (Cimino, 2019). Hence, the family had a significant negative influence on Theodore’s early years.
It is significant to note that Bundy studied psychology at university and law at law school, from which the man was expelled for missing classes. At the same time, the first reports of the disappearances of women began to emerge. In total, Bundy murdered about 30 girls and young women, although most researchers estimate that the real number exceeds a hundred (Cimino, 2019). Therefore, Theodore Robert Bundy is one of the most famous serial offenders in history.
Personality Disorder
Individuals who commit a series of crimes have certain personality disorders. Bundy was examined for mental health after his trial in Florida (Vronsky, 2021). He was interviewed by Hervey Cleckley and diagnosed Bundy as a psychopath. It should be noticed that because of their virtuosic ability, in most cases, these people have a perfect reputation, attract women, and are highly charismatic and intelligent. An excellent example is Theodore “Ted” Bundy, whom people thought of as a wonderful father and husband (Vronsky, 2021). Even his wife could not believe that Bundy was killing individuals before her husband’s confession.
Importantly, psychopathy is a personality feature that qualifies as an antisocial personality disorder. A person with an antisocial personality disorder has a longstanding habit of violating the rights of others without any remorse. Theodore committed more than 30 murders over a period of four years, which indicates that he had no remorse (Vronsky, 2021). Bundy possessed the following character traits, which are indicative of psychopathy. In order to play the role of a good citizen, Theodore used deception, manipulation, and arrogance. In this way, members of society were assured that he was a respectable individual. The perpetrator was attractive and assertive, which indicated extroversion and enabled him to communicate with women to kill them (Vronsky, 2021). Bundy’s low neuroticism explains the offender’s charm and fearlessness. Thus, it permitted him to date women in public places and store their severed heads in his apartment.
The Difference Between a Psychopath and a Sociopath
Both psychopaths and sociopaths ignore the rights and feelings of others and do not feel guilty about causing harm to any person. Simultaneously, these types of people are proficient liars and manipulators (Vronsky, 2021). While psychopaths more often become serious killers because they sufficiently plan a strategy of action, instead sociopaths are incapable of planning. The other distinction is that psychopaths are more manipulative and charming and find it easier to create an appearance of normality and minimize their involvement in illegal activities. These traits were specific to Bundy; he had no scruples, which is why he became a serial killer. At the same time, the man attempted to maintain the image of a respectable citizen. Sociopaths, on the other hand, are more eccentric, furious, and incapable of leading any normal life (Vronsky, 2021). They commit crimes recklessly and without consideration of the consequences. Therefore, they cannot be serious killers because they do not sufficiently deliberate their own actions.
References
Cimino, A. (2019). Ted Bundy: America’s most evil serial killer. Arcturus Publishing.
Vronsky, P. (2021). American serial killers: The epidemic years 1950-2000. Berkley Books.