Serial Killer Motives

jeffrey dahmer
Eugene Garcia/AFP/Getty Images
Jeffrey Dahmer at his trial
in 1991. He killed at least
17 men and boys.
One of the most studied aspects of serial murder is “why?” A number of theories have been set forth as potential explanations. But “unraveling the making of a serial killer is like aligning a Rubik's cube” [source: Vronsky]. In other words, there is no one answer. Let's take a look at three possible theories: childhood neglect and abuse, mental illness and brain injury.

Neglect and Abuse
One theory centers around the neglect and abuse that many serial killers experience as children. Robert Ressler and Tom Shachtman describe a study conducted by the FBI, which included interviews with dozens of murderers (mostly serial killers). In each case, they found “similar patterns of severe childhood neglect” [source: Ressler & Shachtman]. During a child's development, there are important periods in which he learns about love, trust, empathy and basic rules about how to interact with other human beings. If these traits aren't imprinted upon the child during that period, it may not be possible for him to learn them later in life.

Serial killers were often physically or sexually abused as children or witnessed the abuse of family members. This pattern of neglect and abuse, some researchers say, leads serial killers to grow up without a sense of anyone other than themselves. But at the same time, many children grow up neglected and abused, but do not become violent criminals or serial killers.

On the next page we'll learn about mental illness and brain injury in serial killers.

Focus of Some Infamous Serial Killers
  • Gary Ridgway, the “Green River Killer,” confessed to killing four women, all of whom were prostitutes. Ridgway was a missionary killer. In his plea statement, he said, “I hate most prostitutes” [source: CNN.com].
  • Many of the most publicized cases are lust killers, including Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. All three killers found sexual gratification in the torture and murder of their victims.
  • David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam,” was a thrill killer who enjoyed the excitement of the kill. He did not touch any of his 15 victims (six of whom died -- nine were injured), but followed and shot at them from a distance.
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