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Serial Killer Vs Mass Murderers Essay

616 Words3 Pages

To begin, while serial killers and mass murderers are one in the same, they are also theoretically different. According to The Defenders, “Serial killers and mass murderers commit more than one murder to be given the name serial killer or mass murderer. They must murder at least three people either at one time for a mass murderer or at three separate occasions for a serial killer (2023, Fowler).” While this is only a technical term of difference between the two, there are mental and reasoning differences as well. While serial killers have been on the decline, mass murders remain constant, with the United States being number one in the world with 656 mass shootings in the year of 2023, compared to only 21 in Russia. Comparison Furthermore, serial …show more content…

Yet, in recent years, serial killings have plummeted. One scholarly study found that the number of active serial killers dwindled from 198 in 1987, the largest number on record, to 12 in 2018 (2023, De Vise).” With this information it’s clear to see that serial killers just aren’t as common in this social climate, with that being said its quite the opposite for mass murders. Arguably the most gruesome mass shooting that seemed to spark a trend occurred in 1999, which was the Columbine school shooting. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, dressed in trench coats stocked with ammo and weapons, opened fire on fellow classmates, killing 12 students and one teacher, wounding more than 20 people (2009, History.com). Consequently, after Columbine there have been approximately 413 school shootings (2024, Washington Post). The decline of serial killers is often contributed to advancements in law enforcement, while the rise of mass murders is contributed to the availability of firearms, social pressures, and mental health issues. Motivations To continue, what motivates serial killers opposed to mass murders or do they share the same

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