A presentation made before the law students of University of Dhaka, encapsulating the differences between different multiple homicide i.e. mass murder, killing spree, serial murder. Historical development, case analysis have been accompanied by criminology-explanation behind the behavior of serial killers and how to treat the anomalies.
2. Introduction
• LOCUSTA OF GAUL (AD 54): The evil genius of Roman
civilisation who lived during the reign of emperor Nero
• GILLES DE RAIS (1404-1440): Rais raped, tortured, and
murdered between 80 and 200 boys—and a few girls—
on the grounds of his various estates.
• ELIZABETH "THE BLOODY LADY" (1560-1614): Killed
2,000 young girls (mostly peasants, but some lower
gentry)
3. Definition
• Killing involving at least four, events that take place at
different locations and are separated by a cooling-off
period: FBI
• In most definitions now, however, the number of
events has been reduced
• FBI lowered the number of events to three in the
1990s
4. Definition
• Serial murder involves at least two different murders
that occur “over a period of time ranging from hours
to years.” (National Institute of Justice, an agency of
the U.S. Department of Justice)
• The unlawful homicide of at least two people carried
out by the same person (or persons) in separate
events occurring at different times.
5. Mass Murder V Spree V Serial Killing
• Mass murder is killing a number of lives (at least
three) by an individual in a short space of time in the
same location is termed classic mass murder
• A spree murder involves the slaying of three of more
people in at least two locations within a short period
of time.
13. Characteristics of a Serial Killer
• Family Background
• Fantasy
• Sadistic Nature
• Lack of Guilt
• Unchecked Killing
14. Categorization of Serial Killing
Holmes & De Burger
• Visionary: Psychotic delusions
• Mission-oriented: Distinct goal (Killing prostitutes)
• Hedonistic: Thrill seeking
• Control Oriented: Absolute power over victim
18. Genetic Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM) classifies APD by a
range of personality and behavioral
traits that describe how a person functions,
how he or she relates to others, and how
those beliefs express themselves by
actions.
19. • One gene in particular is linked with an increased risk
of violent or aggressive behavior, studies have found.
• Known as MAOA (monoamine oxidase A)
• This "warrior gene" controls the production of a
protein that breaks down brain-signaling chemicals
like dopamine, noradrenalin, and serotonin, which all
influence mood.
20. Sociopath & Psychopath
There are some who say that "sociopaths
are made and psychopaths are born," but
this characterization may be too far broad
21. Sociopath v Psychopath
Sociopath
• Make it clear they do not care how others
feels
• Behave in hot-headed and impulsive ways
• Prone to fits of anger and rage
• Recognize what they are doing but
rationalize their behavior
• Cannot maintain a regular work and family
life
• Can form emotional attachments, but it is
difficult
Psychopath
• Pretend to care
• Display cold-hearted behavior
• Fail to recognize other people's distress
• Have relationships that are shallow and
fake
• Maintain a normal life as a cover for
criminal activity
• Fail to form genuine emotional
attachments
• May love people in their own way
22. Sociopaths have a conscience, albeit a
weak one, and will often justify something
they know to be wrong. By contrast,
psychopaths will believe that their actions
are justified and feel no remorse for any
harm done.