Serial Murder: Compare And Contrast Gacy And David Berkowitz

Adriana Sanchez

14.Feb. 2023

English Honors

8th P.d

“Serial Murder” The names Ted Bundy, Jeffery Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy and David Berkowitz could instill fear in people. Horrid accounts of gruesome crimes can be heard when these names are simply whispered in America. What sparks fear of such ordinary names? These names belonged to famous wicked serial killers that roamed around the country. America is the highest producer of serial killers in the world, with over 3,204 estimated serial killers in the history of this country (History and Profiling 12). Noticing the signs of a serial killer and looking into the mind of a serial killer can play a crucial role in preventing the act of serial murder and discovering their motives and

Since the new century serial murder has gone down. During the 1980’s only 770 recorded serial murders took place. While in the 1990’s only 650 serial murders took place (Cotter 1). Serial murder is not a new thing. In fact, it’s been going on for thousands of years. Early accounts say that Neanderthals committed these crimes (Cottier 4). However, the very first records of these crimes can be found in 331 BC in Ancient Rome (History Profiling 3). Crimes like these can be blamed on all sorts of things. Such as different times, primitive nature, or war. It’s been seen though that during more recent centuries it was blamed on witchcraft and demons (History Profiling 5). Elizabeth Báthory was a rich and respected woman in the 16th century. It comes to a surprise to find out that she had around 650+ victims, All young virgin girls. She believed that killing these girls and bathing in their blood was the only way to regain her youth. She never took responsibility for her actions and only blamed vampires and monsters for the death of so many young girls. Even while imprisoned she stuck to her story (History and Profiling 6). This is where it’s believed that most folk tales and scary stories of monsters began. Serial murder has declined though since the new century. As C. says on page 4, “society has gotten better at detecting and reforming potential serial killers, especially in their youth.” Only showing that

It’s not always easy though. Many obstacles have to be gone through just to investigate a killer. As Kaylee states, “in order to investigate a potential serial killer, a request by an appropriate state official is required” (1). Requesting this takes time though. Time is very delicate with situations like these. Arresting a killer before they take their next victim is crucial. “Most commonly, the FBI uses victim traits and the crime scene to determine a profile for serial killers (Osowski 7). Many things though can go hand in hand with the investigation and Justice of a victim. For many crimes there is always a motive. Anger, financial gain, power, thrill, and criminal enterprise can all be motives (Serial Murder FBI 18). It’s not exactly known why these are such strong motives amongst killers and why they act upon them. Yet, a lot of investigation has gone into this. Many people believe that all serial killers want to get caught. However, as stated by the FBI, “It’s not that serial killers want to get caught; they feel that they can’t get caught” (15). This can only push the idea that all serial killers may even lack empathy. Serial killers have been found to boast about their murders. Acting as if it’s something to be proud of. As J. States on page 7, “most serial killers love to boast of their accomplishments, a lot of them see themselves as above the law and smarter than everyone else.” It’s common for