Theterm “serial killer” really only came into existence in the 1970s. Since thattime, serial killers are no longer just individual people, but rather acomplete entity with their own subculture. It is indisputable that the media,in every sense of the word, glorifies serial killers. Through my research, Iwill prove that the media’s representation of serial killers is not alwaysaccurate. Furthermore, there is an underlying component to this representationthat exists almost entirely in the human tendency to question misrepresentationmanifests itself in the constant justification of the actions of these killers.That is, there must always be a reason why a man murders in our society, evenif there is no real or singular reason these actions can be attributed to. Toexplore this, four things must be taken into consideration: (1) what defines aserial killer, (2) the cultural fascination with serial killers, (3) serialkillers being misrepresented by the media and (4) the justification of thesekillers by creating a reason why society continually searches for a reason toexplain behavior.

Definition and Case Studies

Feb 06, 2011 Missionary serial killers believe it is their duty to kill what they believe is an unwanted element. For example, they believe homosexuals, prostitutes, and people of different religions and ethnicities deserve to be killed to rid society of an unwanted element. Which of the following is a mission-oriented serial killer? An offender who kills for profit b. An offender who kills victims he believes to be evil c. An offender who kills during the commission of other crimes d. An offender who gain sexual pleasure from killing.

Firstand foremost, serial murder is “The unlawful killing of two or more victims bythe same offender(s), in separate events,” as defined by attendants of theNational Center for the Analysis of Violent Crimes’ Serial Killer Symposium(Morton). The exact qualifications of serial murder have been modifiedthroughout the years, but this is the most recent and most accepted definitionaccording to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Morton). Serial killers canthen be further grouped into the organized and disorganized persuasions. Anorganized killer is one that has a distinct and meticulous plan, kills quicklyand efficiently, and does not typically mutilate or overkill the body. Adisorganized killer is one that has little planning for the crime, tends to bemore violent, and often mutilates or dismembers the body (Aggarwall, Bhullar,& Sharma p. 22). These killers can also be further divided into visionary,mission-oriented, hedonistic, control-oriented or predatory (Simons p. 348).The visionary killer hears voices telling him to kill (Simons p. 348). Themission-oriented killer kills to eradicate an unwanted group of people (Simonsp. 349). The hedonistic killer receives sexual release from the act of killing(Simons p. 349). Control-oriented killers dwell on the power of controlling andending lives (Simons p. 351). Finally, predatory killers think of killing as ahunting game and recreational activity (Simons p. 351).

Forthe purposes of this research, it is also necessary to understand the nature ofJack the Ripper, David Berkowitz, and Dennis Rader. A short description of eachkiller is provided. These 3 killers were highlighted in the episode of CriminalMinds titled “Zoe’s Reprise” that provided the inspiration and laid theinspiration for this investigation, which will be used for further research. Totruly understand the reality of serial killers, these brief case studies willbe extremely useful.

In1888 in Whitechapel, England there were 6 murders determined to be committed bythe same perpetrator based on the analysis of modus operandi and signature(Brown, Keppel, Weis, & Welch p. 1). These 6 women were prostitutes ages24-25 and were killed between the hours of midnight and 6:00am (Brown, Keppel,Weis, & Welch p. 19). The cause of death was strangulation althoughpost-mortem mutilation, evisceration, and organ removal were also present(Brown, Keppel, Weis, & Welch p. 20). The killer was never found (Brown,Keppel, Weis, & Welch p. 20).

A second type of serial killer is mission oriented. These serial killers are motivated to eliminate certain types of people. They do not hear voices or see visions commanding them to kill. Rather, they view their victims as “undesirable,” and killing them is fulfilling a.

For 13months, beginning in July 1976, David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam,was causing chaos in New York City. Berkowitz shot a total of 6 people whilethey were in their cars with a .44 caliber gun (Newton p. 14). He alsotaunted police by sending letters. He also claimed that his neighbor’s dog waspossessed and commanded him to kill (Newton p.15).

DennisRader, more commonly known as Bind, Torture, Kill Killer, is the finalimportant killer to take note of for these purposes. Rader began killing in thewinter of 1974 in Wichita, Kansas and would not be captured until 2005(Mariotte p. 207). He killed 10 people in these 31 years and he did so by tyingup his victims with rope, strangling them, often putting a plastic bag overtheir heads, and either raping or masturbating over the victims (Mariotte p.208). Like Berkowitz, Rader also taunted the police through letters. Jack theRipper, Son of Sam and BTK all gave themselves their respective nicknames.

These three killers all fit the definition provided bythe FBI. Furthermore, these killers are some of the most prolific andwell-known serial murderers. Through their actions and characteristics, theyepitomize what the modern day serial killer has become.

Fascination

Section one of thisanalysis has provided the technical and historical foundation for the remainderof the research. It is crucial that the facts be understood before moving forward.The next aspect to consider is the public’s fascination with serial killers andtheir crimes. Proof of this exists in the fact that there is an entire marketcalled murderabilia. The website titled Serial Killer Calendar: Murder,Madness, and Merchandise is a perfect example of this platform. This websitesells videos, interview transcripts, articles, letters, documents, and artworkall having to do with serial killers. The fact of the matter is a site likethis only exists because people are willing to buy this merchandise. Themission statement for the company states: “Although the magazine takes thissubject very seriously and in no way attempts to glorify the crimes describedin it, it also provides a unique collection of rare treats,” (Gilks). Thecaptivation is real. The use of the word “treats” is sickening, but ifrationalized it makes sense. For some individuals, these rare finds are indeedtreats, which speaks volumes of the extreme fascination with human evil.

Thisfascination is something that is mentioned in many different locales. Serialkillers are described as a sort of “catchphrase” that is becoming ever morecommon in all forms of media from books and movies to news coverage (Aggarwal,Bhullar, & Sharma p.21). Recently, Dennis Rader agreed tocorrespondence with Katherine Ramsland to write a novel about his life saying,“ I can never replace their loved ones, the books or movies is the only way tohelp them,” (Dodd). Again, serial killers are greatly influencing popularculture, as further evidenced by the fact that this article appeared in Peoplemagazine in 2014. It is expected that this book will do very well oncepublished and it would not be written if people were not interested.

Notonly does popular culture lend itself to evidence of this fascination, thereare also commentaries on this very fascination on popular culture platforms aswell. Dr. Scott Bonn is a renowned psychologist who also touched on this topicin his interview on Huffington Post Live on Halloween 2014. He called theserial killer media industry “popcorn entertainment” (Camilleri). He alsodescribed the appeal of the serial by comparing it to a spectrum of humannature. The serial killer represents the very, very edge of the spectrumbecause the things these killers do are the absolute worst things that can everbe down, especially to a fellow person (Camilleri). This makes serial killer

Examples Of Mission Oriented Serial Killers