essays on serial killers

108 Serial Killer Essay Topics & Examples

🔝 top-10 serial killer research paper topics, 🏆 best serial killer topics & essay examples, 🎓 good serial killer research topics, ⭐ argumentative essay topics about serial killers, ❓ research questions about serial killers.

• What is the nature of serial killers?
• Criminal profiling of John Wayne Gacy.
• Popular culture: true crime documentaries.
• The mind of H.H. Holmes.
• Psychological research of serial killers.
• Nature vs. nurture: are serial killers born or made?
• Cold cases: The Zodiac Killer.
• The story of Ted Bundy.
• Serial killers and forensic science.
• Psychology and sociology of Jeffrey Dahmer.
• The Psychology of Serial Killers These are just a fraction of questions that require answers in order to have a complete understanding of the psychology of serial killers.
• Frankston Serial Killer: Background, Crimes, and Motives At the time, the police noted that Denyer was with his girlfriend. The letter claimed that Denyer knows his whereabouts, and that he was planning to break out of prison to kill him.
• Richard Angelo: A Serial Killer and His Ethical Dilemma The convicted claimed he made the injections to cause crises to be able to revive patients and become a hero in front of his colleagues.
• Jeffrey Dahmer: Serial Killer At the center of the legal debate was the interpretation of insanity, and how it could be utilized to absolve a criminal. George Palermo, a psychiatrist, made the conclusion that Dahmer was not insane.Dr.
• Arthur Shawcross and His Serial Killer’s Behavior Although most of his victims were killed in the late 1980s, his case still evokes a lot of debate since he is considered to be one of the most demonstrative examples of prisoners who were […]
• Criminal Profiling of Serial Killers Ted Bundy was one of the most famous serial killers of the 20th century. These are the types of serial killers that will target gays, minorities, and prostitutes.
• J. Dahmer as a Sexually-Motivated Serial Killer The paper at hand is devoted to the investigation of the life, personality, and criminal behavior of one of the most notorious American serial killers of 1980s-1990s, Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer.
• Serial Killers: Tommy Lynn Sells It is believed that in October of the same year he killed a 13-year-old girl in Missouri and moved to Texas.
• Ted Bundy, an American Serial Killer He was part of the team that worked in the campaign of the Republican governor of Washington, who later rewarded him with a recommendation letter.
• Edmund Kemper: The Serial Killer Kemper committed most of the murders in one year and confessed to his crimes only after he killed his mother. However, in a short time, Kemper decides to stop and report on his crimes to […]
• American Serial Killer Joseph Paul Franklin’s Crimes The reason for changing his name as because he wanted to join the Rhodesian Army and due to his criminal background, he was forced to change the name. The couple were killed and Franklin confessed […]
• Serial Killer Imagery: “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates The present paper argues that whereas Arnold Friend is portrayed by Oates as a “superhuman” copy of Carl Schmid, the murderer, and the situation with Connie is partially sketched from the case of Alleen Rowe, […]
• Serial Killer Psychology: Eileen Wuornos Eileen was a woman without remorse as she was not bothered by the death of her victims. It is said that her intention was to capture the attention of the man she was dating.
• Aileen Wuornos: The Serial Killer After four years since the birth of Aileen, her mother abandoned the family, leaving the girl and her brother with their maternal grandparents, whom the girl considered her birth parents.
• Aileen Wuornos: Anatomy of a Female Serial Killer Moreover, feminist scholarship has recently begun to examine serial murder as “sexual terrorism” or as a perpetuation of gynocide, the systematic crippling, raping and/or killing of women by men.
• Serial Killers and Their Social Construction Social construction of serial killers has become the subject of various studies, and it is recognized today that the social position, social interactions, and perceived social image may play a significant role in the process […]
• Albert Fish – the Serial Killer Fish’s mother, forced to look for another source of livelihood due to her inability to take care of her son following the death of his father, took him to Saint John’s orphanage in Washington.
• Ted Bundy, a Serial Killer and Psychopath The same was said about Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in the criminal history of the United States.
• The Crimes of Charles Manson, Serial Killer Even though his people did it himself, he was not involved in this, and the organization of a particular group of people is not in itself an immoral act but is prohibited in some places.
• Serial Killer Profiling Dimensions In order to better understand their practices and attempt to put a stop to their actions prematurely, there was a need for proper classification and consequent analysis.
• Serial Killers in Modern American Society Based on the above-stated arguments, this paper forms research for evidence from some of the serial killers in modern American society and various tactics utilized by the investigative departments to determine and differentiate between serial […]
• Serial Killers: Law Enforcement Response to Serial Killing The law enforcement agencies such as the FBI maintain that there are several serial killers in the United States and they are expected to increase and hit an epidemic proportion with many people losing their […]
• Principles of Justice: Serial Killers and Rapers On the same note, Ernest van de Haag mentions the use of principals relating to the utilitarian perspective where the law would be lenient and work for the greater good of people as a whole […]
• Serial Killers, Their Crimes, and Stereotypes The other serial killers presented in the killers list also conform to the stereotypes presented in Fox’s and Levin’s article. Most of the killers also rape, mutilate, and degrade their victims in order to feel […]
• Charles Manson: Serial Killer Profile One of the first crimes that he committed was connected to a stolen car that Manson took to have some fun and visit his relatives.
• A Study on Serial Killers: “Encounter and death: The Spatial Behavior of U.S. Serial Killers” From an analysis, of the article, it is evident that the research focuses on the geographical locations that surround the killings; the location of the first meeting between the serial killers and their victims, the […]
• Serial Killers: Women and Men Comparison Most of the time, crimes of men serial killers are heard regularly as they are more horrible than that of women serial killers. The physical counting of the men serial killers victims is very high […]
• Serial Killer “Theodore Robert “Ted” Bundy” As much as the psychiatrists related his problems to mental disturbances, this was not a major issue that determined the outcome of the cases.
• A Serial Killer: Typology and Abnormal Psychological Gratification
• Luis Garavito: The World’s Worst Serial Killer
• Existentialism: Serial Killer and Right Things
• Charles Cullen: Healthcare Serial Killer
• Israel Keyes: The Reluctant Serial Killer
• Countess Elizabeth Bathory: Serial Killer
• Arousal Theory and the Serial Killer Jeffery Dahmer
• The Dangerous Mind of a Serial Killer
• Clifford Olson: Canadian Serial Killer
• The Development of Serial Killers: A Grounded
• Exploring the Life and Possible Motives of Serial Killer
• How Edward Theodore Gain Became a Serial Killer
• Blood Loss, the Decline of the Serial Killer
• Sociological Theories: Rationalization and Motivation of the Serial Killer
• Serial Killer Era: So Many Murders in 1970 – 2000
• Famous Serial Killer: Jack the Ripper
• Defining the Factors That Contribute to Serial Killer’s Identity
• Deadly Motives: The Hedonistic Drive of Serial Murder
• Details of a Typical Female Serial Killer
• Profiling Art and Australian Serial Killer Ivan Milat
• Brilliant Serial Killer Jack the Ripper
• America’s First Serial Killer
• Serial Killer and Racism: African-Americans and Serial Killing in the Media
• Life and Death of a Serial Killer: Are Serial Killer Born or Created?
• Serial Killer: Erikson’s Theory-Based Analysis of the Behavior of Robert William Pickton
• Differential Association Theory and Serial Killer
• Aileen Wuornos America’s First Female Serial Killer
• Mary Bell Was Britain’s Youngest Serial Killer
• Criminal Shadows: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer
• America’s Sweetest Serial Killer – Sugar
• Unique Characteristics of a Serial Killer
• American Serial Killer: Albert Fish
• Serial Killer: The Mechanism From Imagination to the Murder
• Critical Theories: Crime Ted Bundy Serial Killer
• The Uncatchable Serial Killer: No Motive, No Victim Profile
• Serial Killers: Death and Life in America’s Wound Culture
• The Life of a Serial Killer: Edmund Emil Kemper Lii
• Criminal Justice: The Criminology Behind Serial Killers
• Canadian Serial Killer: Robert Pickton
• What Are Serial Killers?
• Are Serial Killers Born Psychopaths or Pushed to That Limit?
• What Causes Serial Killers to Kill?
• How Do Serial Killers Get Attention?
• What Makes Serial Killers Kill?
• Why Are the People Interested in Serial Killers?
• What Is the Nature of Serial Killers?
• How Do Juveniles Become Serial Killers?
• What Is in the Mind of Serial Killer?
• How to Cure a Serial Killer?
• What Steps Are Taken by the Country to Control Serial Killers?
• Where Did the Term “Serial Killer” Come From?
• What Are the Main Objectives of a Serial Killer?
• Is It Possible to Diagnose a Would-Be Serial Killer?
• What Are the Common Types of Serial Killers?
• How Does a Serial Killer Differ From a Maniac?
• What Lies Behind a Serial Killer’s Signature?
• Are There Naturally Born Serial Killers?
• What Makes a Serial Killer Tick?
• Are There Death Penalty Alternatives for Serial Killers?
• What Makes a Serial Killer Do What They Do?
• Are Humans Naturally Good or Evil?
• What Is the Difference Between a Mass Murderer and a Serial Killer in Modern Culture?
• Is There a Tendency to Increase or Decrease in Serial Killings in the Us in the XXI Century?
• Can Modern Therapies Available for Sociopathic and Psychopathic Disorder Set Serial Killers to Rights?
• What Are the Effects of Childhood Abuse on Serial Killing Behavior?
• How Are the Serial Killers Portrayed in Hollywood Compare to Real-Life Serial Killers?
• What Are Some of the Trademarks of Female Serial Killers?
• Do Serial Killer Partners Always Have a Dominant Personality and a Submissive Personality?
• How Has Modern Technology and Criminology Made It More Difficult for Serial Killers to Remain at Large?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Essay on Serial Killers

Students are often asked to write an essay on Serial Killers in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Serial Killers

Who are serial killers.

Serial killers are people who commit the crime of murder repeatedly over time. They usually follow a pattern and have a specific way of choosing their victims. Unlike other murderers, they kill many people, one after another, rather than just once.

Reasons Behind Their Actions

The reasons why serial killers do what they do are hard to understand. Some have had very tough lives, while others may have problems with their minds. They might also feel powerful or in control when they hurt others.

Their Ways of Killing

Each serial killer may have a different method or plan for killing. They might use the same weapon every time or look for a certain type of person. They often try to hide what they do so they won’t get caught.

Stopping Serial Killers

Catching a serial killer is not easy. Police use clues, talk to witnesses, and sometimes get help from the public. Once caught, these criminals are often put in jail for life to keep them from harming anyone else.

250 Words Essay on Serial Killers

What are serial killers.

Serial killers are people who commit the crime of murder over and over again, usually following a pattern. They often choose victims who have something in common, like their appearance or job. Unlike other murderers, serial killers often wait for some time between their crimes.

Why Do They Commit Crimes?

The reasons why serial killers act can be hard to understand. Some have had very tough lives or problems with their minds which might push them to harm others. They might also feel powerful or excited when they hurt someone, which is very wrong and sad.

How Do They Choose Their Victims?

Serial killers might pick people who they see as easy targets, like someone who is alone a lot or doesn’t have a home. They might also look for people who remind them of someone else or just because they have a certain look that the killer doesn’t like.

Getting Caught

Catching a serial killer is not easy. They can be very sneaky and careful about hiding their crimes. But, police and detectives work hard to find patterns and clues that can lead them to the killer. Once caught, these criminals are often put in jail for life to keep them from hurting anyone else.

Staying Safe

It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and to know who to trust. If something feels wrong, it’s best to stay away and tell an adult. Remember, while serial killers are real, they are not very common, so staying safe is something everyone can do.

500 Words Essay on Serial Killers

Serial killers are people who commit the crime of murder repeatedly over time. They follow a pattern or method that is often unique to them. Unlike other types of murderers, serial killers usually target strangers and their actions are often driven by a desire for power, control, or satisfaction of twisted fantasies. They might take a break between their crimes, which can last days, weeks, or even years.

Their Patterns and Victims

These criminals often choose their victims based on specific traits, which can include age, appearance, or even occupation. This choice is part of what creates their ‘signature’, which is a special way they carry out their crimes. For example, a serial killer might always leave a certain item at the crime scene or tie victims up in a particular way. These patterns help law enforcement officers to connect different crimes to the same person.

Why They Do It

The reasons behind why serial killers commit such terrible acts are complex. Some have had very difficult childhoods, including abuse or neglect. Others might have mental health problems that affect their ability to know right from wrong. There are also those who feel a sense of excitement or thrill from causing fear and taking lives.

Catching Serial Killers

Catching a serial killer is a tough job for police and detectives. Since the killer often does not know their victims, it’s hard to find a connection that leads to an arrest. However, law enforcement agencies use clues from the crime scenes, patterns of the killings, and sometimes even the help of the public to track these criminals down. Advances in technology, like DNA testing, have also made it easier to catch and prove the guilt of serial killers.

Preventing Future Crimes

Preventing someone from becoming a serial killer is a challenge. It involves understanding the early warning signs and causes that might lead a person down this path. Education, mental health support, and early intervention can help address the issues that might contribute to someone committing such crimes.

The Impact on Society

Serial killers create fear and can cause panic in communities. They often become infamous, with movies, books, and television shows telling their stories. It’s important to remember the victims and the pain their families suffer, rather than glorify the killer. Society must focus on supporting the victims’ families and finding ways to stop such crimes from happening in the future.

In conclusion, serial killers are individuals who commit multiple murders over a period of time. They are driven by various motives and often follow a pattern in their killings. Understanding and catching these criminals is hard work, but it is crucial to keep communities safe and to bring justice for the victims and their loved ones. While they may fascinate some, it’s important to approach the topic with sensitivity and a focus on prevention and support for those affected.

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104 Serial Killer Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Serial killers have long been a subject of fascination and terror for people around the world. The idea that someone could commit multiple murders without remorse or regret is both horrifying and intriguing. If you are studying criminology or psychology, writing an essay on serial killers can be a captivating and challenging task. To help you get started, here are 104 serial killer essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your research and writing:

• The psychology of serial killers: analyzing the motivations and behaviors of notorious serial killers.
• Nature vs. nurture: are serial killers born or made?
• The role of childhood trauma in the development of serial killers.
• How media coverage of serial killers influences public perception and fear.
• Serial killers and misogyny: exploring the connection between gender and violence.
• The impact of social isolation on the development of serial killers.
• The relationship between serial killers and psychopathy.
• The influence of popular culture on the mythos of serial killers.
• The role of mental illness in the actions of serial killers.
• The significance of victim selection in understanding serial killers.
• Serial killers and the criminal justice system: how are they caught and prosecuted?
• The impact of technology on the investigation and apprehension of serial killers.
• The evolution of serial killer profiling in law enforcement.
• The phenomenon of groupie culture surrounding serial killers.
• The role of trauma bonding in the relationships between serial killers and their followers.
• The ethics of studying and writing about serial killers.
• Serial killers and the death penalty: should they be executed or given life in prison?
• The portrayal of serial killers in literature and film.
• The influence of childhood abuse on the development of serial killers.
• The connection between animal cruelty and serial killers.
• The role of substance abuse in the actions of serial killers.
• The role of fantasy in the crimes of serial killers.
• The impact of childhood neglect on the development of serial killers.
• The role of social media in the glorification of serial killers.
• The impact of trauma on the victims of serial killers.
• The relationship between serial killers and organized crime.
• The role of pornography in the actions of serial killers.
• The connection between serial killers and cults.
• The influence of family dynamics on the development of serial killers.
• The significance of signature behaviors in the crimes of serial killers.
• The impact of technology on the prevention of serial killings.
• The role of forensic science in the investigation of serial killers.
• The connection between serial killers and terrorism.
• The influence of cults on the actions of serial killers.
• The significance of ritualistic behaviors in the crimes of serial killers.
• The role of religion in the motivations of serial killers.
• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of female serial killers.
• The connection between serial killers and organized religion.
• The role of race and ethnicity in the actions of serial killers.
• The significance of geographic profiling in the investigation of serial killers.
• The influence of social media on the actions of serial killers.
• The connection between serial killers and the occult.
• The impact of celebrity status on the actions of serial killers.
• The role of gender identity in the motivations of serial killers.
• The significance of mental health treatment in preventing serial killings.
• The connection between serial killers and political extremism.
• The influence of trauma bonding in the relationships between serial killers and their victims.
• The impact of childhood abuse on the development of female serial killers.
• The connection between serial killers and organized crime.
• The significance of signature behaviors in the crimes of female serial killers.
• The influence of family dynamics on the development of female serial killers.
• The relationship between childhood neglect and the development of female serial killers.
• The role of mental illness in the actions of female serial killers.
• The connection between female serial killers and cults.
• The impact of substance abuse on the actions of female serial killers.
• The significance of ritualistic behaviors in the crimes of female serial killers.
• The influence of gender identity on the motivations of female serial killers.
• The role of religion in the actions of female serial killers.
• The connection between female serial killers and terrorism.
• The impact of social isolation on the development of female serial killers.
• The significance of media coverage in the apprehension of female serial killers.
• The influence of social media in the glorification of female serial killers.
• The role of forensic science in the investigation of female serial killers.
• The connection between female serial killers and the occult.
• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of black serial killers.
• The significance of signature behaviors in the crimes of black serial killers.
• The influence of family dynamics on the development of black serial killers.
• The relationship between childhood neglect and the development of black serial killers.
• The role of mental illness in the actions of black serial killers.
• The connection between black serial killers and cults.
• The impact of substance abuse on the actions of black serial killers.
• The significance of ritualistic behaviors in the crimes of black serial killers.
• The influence of gender identity on the motivations of black serial killers.
• The role of religion in the actions of black serial killers.
• The connection between black serial killers and terrorism.
• The impact of social isolation on the development of black serial killers.
• The significance of media coverage in the apprehension of black serial killers.
• The influence of social media in the glorification of black serial killers.
• The role of forensic science in the investigation of black serial killers.
• The connection between black serial killers and the occult.
• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of Hispanic serial killers.
• The significance of signature behaviors in the crimes of Hispanic serial killers.
• The influence of family dynamics on the development of Hispanic serial killers.
• The relationship between childhood neglect and the development of Hispanic serial killers.
• The role of mental illness in the actions of Hispanic serial killers.
• The connection between Hispanic serial killers and cults.
• The impact of substance abuse on the actions of Hispanic serial killers.
• The significance of ritualistic behaviors in the crimes of Hispanic serial killers.
• The influence of gender identity on the motivations of Hispanic serial killers.
• The role of religion in the actions of Hispanic serial killers.
• The connection between Hispanic serial killers and terrorism.
• The impact of social isolation on the development of Hispanic serial killers.
• The significance of media coverage in the apprehension of Hispanic serial killers.
• The influence of social media in the glorification of Hispanic serial killers.
• The role of forensic science in the investigation of Hispanic serial killers.
• The connection between Hispanic serial killers and the occult.
• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of Asian serial killers.
• The significance of signature behaviors in the crimes of Asian serial killers.
• The influence of family dynamics on the development of Asian serial killers.
• The relationship between childhood neglect and the development of Asian serial killers.
• The role of mental illness in the actions of Asian serial killers.
• The connection between Asian serial killers and cults.
• The impact of substance abuse on the actions of Asian serial killers.

These essay topic ideas and examples provide a starting point for exploring the complex and disturbing world of serial killers. Whether you are interested in the psychology, sociology, or criminology of serial killers, there is no shortage of fascinating and challenging topics to explore. By delving into the minds and motivations of these notorious criminals, you can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and the dark side of humanity.

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Serial Killer Ted Bundy

This essay about Ted Bundy’s childhood explores the early years of one of America’s most infamous serial killers, seeking clues to understand the origins of his violent behavior. Born to a single mother and raised under the pretense that his grandparents were his parents, Bundy discovered the truth about his parentage in his teenage years, an event that significantly impacted him. Despite outward signs of a normal childhood, including involvement in social activities, Bundy exhibited early interests in macabre themes and voyeurism, hinting at his future crimes. The essay examines the complexities and contradictions of Bundy’s upbringing, suggesting that while certain aspects may have influenced his pathological behavior, they do not fully explain his descent into criminality. It underscores the challenge of pinpointing the origins of such behavior, considering Bundy’s capacity to maintain a facade of normalcy alongside his dark fantasies.

How it works

The figure of Ted Bundy stands out as one of the most perplexing and discussed in the annals of American criminal history. Notorious for his charm and intelligence, Bundy’s heinous crimes against women have been the subject of extensive analysis, attempting to unravel the complex interplay of factors that led to his life of violence. Central to these discussions is an exploration of Bundy’s childhood, a period that many researchers and criminologists have examined in search of clues that might explain the genesis of his later behavior.

While no single factor can account for the trajectory of Bundy’s life, an exploration of his early years provides valuable insights into the development of one of the most infamous serial killers in history.

Born on November 24, 1946, in Burlington, Vermont, to Eleanor Louise Cowell, Ted Bundy’s early life was marked by a tapestry of lies and secrets. For the first few years of his life, Bundy was raised by his grandparents in Philadelphia, believing that his mother was his sister. This familial arrangement, common in cases of out-of-wedlock births at the time, was the first of many distortions in Bundy’s understanding of his family and identity. It wasn’t until Bundy was a teenager that he discovered the truth about his parentage, a revelation that reportedly had a profound impact on him. The stigma of illegitimacy and the deception practiced by his family could have contributed to his later disdain for society’s norms and rules.

Despite these early upheavals, Bundy’s childhood, on the surface, seemed relatively normal. He was described as an intelligent and articulate child who, as he grew older, showed a keen interest in skiing and politics. However, beneath this veneer of normalcy were signs of the darker impulses that would fully emerge in his adulthood. Bundy exhibited an early fascination with the macabre, with some reports suggesting that he became interested in pornography at a young age and that this interest evolved into a fixation on violent images. Furthermore, Bundy himself hinted at a compulsion to wander his neighborhood, looking into windows and imagining the lives of those inside, a behavior that foreshadowed his later crimes.

Bundy’s adolescence was a period of further contradictions. While he was remembered by some as a loner and an awkward teenager, others recall Bundy as a well-liked figure in his high school, someone who was involved in social activities and had a normal dating life. This duality—Bundy’s ability to appear charming and normal while harboring dark, violent fantasies—became a hallmark of his personality and modus operandi in his criminal career.

The question of how Bundy’s childhood experiences contributed to his development into a serial killer is complex and multifaceted. Psychological analyses suggest that the early deception about his parentage, combined with possible feelings of abandonment and a sense of not belonging, could have sown the seeds of Bundy’s later pathological behavior. However, many people experience similar childhood traumas without resorting to criminality, indicating that Bundy’s upbringing, while undoubtedly influential, was not the sole determinant of his actions.

Bundy’s childhood is a study in contradictions and complexities, embodying the difficulties in pinpointing the origins of criminal behavior. While certain aspects of his early life—such as the initial deception about his mother and his fascination with voyeurism and violence—offer potential insights into his psyche, they do not provide definitive answers. Bundy’s ability to maintain a facade of normalcy, coupled with his intelligence and charm, complicates the narrative of his development from a troubled child to one of America’s most notorious killers. Ultimately, the exploration of Ted Bundy’s childhood sheds light on the enigmatic nature of his character but also underscores the profound mysteries that lie at the heart of human behavior.

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Serial Killers Essay

A serial killer is a person whom everybody knows as a friend, a lover or even a father but no one knows about his killer instinct until it’s to late. Serial killers have plagued this country and others for many years. They are hard to find and virtually undetectable until they start murdering the innocent. Serial killers are usually young, white males who are quite intelligent and often come from broken homes . They may have been abused either physically or sexually during childhood and they have serious personality defects, such as low self-esteem and a lifelong sense of loneliness.

Although no two serial killers are alike, they all fit this description somewhat. In the sixth edition of Crime and Criminality by Sue Titus Reid, a serial killer is defined as a person who commits more than one murder but at different times (Reid, p. 134). Serial killers have been around for decades but According To Jack Levin, “seven of the ten largest mass killings in American history have taken place in the last decade (Douglas, p. 137). One of the most popular and well-known serial killers in history was Ted Bundy .

He was convicted of killing three women but is suspected of killing thirty-six other women (Douglas, p. 137). So what makes a serial killer? Levin points out that contrary to popular belief, serial killers don’t just “snap” or “go crazy” (Douglas, p. 137). Many of the serial killers have been the victims of childhood abuse. Jack Levin stated “Research shows many serial killers suffered abuse, incest or neglect as children and develop poor self images” (Douglas, p. 137). Serial killers often have a childhood marked by the absence of any nurturing relationship.

They often come from families where the parents were absent or ineffective, where authority was not defined, and where they could engage in destructive behavior undeterred-violent play, cruelty to animals , and incidents of arson being some of the childhood behavior patterns noted among many serial killers” (Clark, p. 206). A serial killer’s murdering spree is methodical and extremely well planned, and the motive usually is to get even (Douglas, p. 137). A serial killer often plans his crimes extremely carefully. He looks for a certain type of victim based on lifestyle, age, appearance or occupation (Clark, p. 206).

As a way of gaining the victim’s confidence and avoiding the use of force to abduct the victim, the serial killer may use a pseudorelationship (Clark, p. 206). After he gets the victim’s trust he persuades them to do things that they normally wouldn’t do with a stranger and that is when he strikes. Psychologists classify a serial murder as sociopath because they continue to murder over a period frequently shows sociopath tendencies (Clark, p. 206). Two FBI agents conducted a study of serial killers over an eight-year period and came up with two distinct types of personalities , the organized and the disorganized serial killer (Clark, p. 6).

An organized killer will most likely be a highly intelligent, skilled, socially competent individual who plans his crimes carefully (Clark, p. 206). Most of the men during this eight-year study had an average IQ of 115, with some ranging as high as 145 (Casey, p. 80). Disorganized serial killers are almost a complete opposite of organized serial killers. “They are of average or below average intelligence and are socially and sexually incompetent” (Clark, p. 206). They are often the youngest or younger children in the family. They were abused or very sternly disciplined during their childhood.

The disorganized murders are usually in an anxious state during the crime. They rarely use alcohol or drugs before or during an offense and are experienced minimal stress beforehand. They live alone, usually near the crime scene. They do not follow news accounts of the crime and do not move around in an effort to escape detention (Markowitz, p. 3). The disorganized killer is often spontaneous and his murders are often unplanned. “These types of killers are usually caught more quickly because they leave behind the most evidence often including the murder weapon” (Markowitz, p. .

Research shows that nearly all of the serial killers targeted women and the murders tended to have a sexual aspect to them. Most serial killers have overactive fantasy lives and their deeds fuel their fantasies. “If no suitable “victim of opportunity” is found during a serial killer’s hunt, the killer might return to the scenes of previous abductions, murders or disposal sites, seeking fuel for their fantasies” (Stalking evil, p. 85). The murder in itself is relatively quick and the killer may use excessive assault to the face to try to depersonalize himself with the victim.

The victim is often blindfolded or restrained. There is usually a series of assaultive acts against the victim resulting in death. After their death, the victim’s body is hidden, the evidence carefully disposed of, and the killer may carry the murder weapon with him to use again in other murders. “Disembowlment or mutilation of the face, genitals or breasts are often hallmarks of disorganized killer, who leaves a sloppy crime scene with blood and flesh scattered about” (Stalking evil, p. 85). A serial killer may take “souvenirs” of “trophies” to keep the high of the kill for a prolonged period or until their next kill.

These trophies may consist of victim’s underpants, jewelry, credit cards or even body parts. The more sadistic of the killers who may use a video camera to tape their victims so that they can relay them to relive the crime over and over again in their minds. “The anger of a serial killer usually surfaces when the killer is in his mid to late 20’s and the first murder is usually the result of a “precipitating stressor” some event that pushes him over the edge” (Clark, p. 206). Mass killers tend to be white, middle class , middle aged males.

After they kill their first victim, they may experience some remorse but after they kill again their remorse dwindles and they enjoy the kill and the high that goes along with it. Once the murder hunt begins, it never ends until the killer is caught, letting him operate for years without being detected. No one knows what causes these men to kill, they don’t know themselves. Jack Levin notes “the mass killer may be depresses, disillusioned, despondent, or desperate, during the kill but afterwards act like nothing has ever happened” (Douglas, p. 137).

A serial killer may have a fascination with law enforcement . Some serial killers will get involved in an investigation by going to bars where cops gather to try to overhear the cases details, some may monitor the investigation of their own crimes and some give bogus to throw off police (Clark, p. 206). When they are part of their own investigation, it allows them to keep extending control over their deed. Jack Levin stated “Afterwards knowing they’ve gotten away with the crime and they’ve left no evidence-that’s like earning their Bachelor of Science degree” (Douglas, p. 137).

Serial murderers have a great need for dominance and control, which they satisfy by taking the last breath from their victims. Very few will use a gun because they want physical contact with the victim. Serial killers know what they’re doing is wrong; they simply do not care (Douglas, p. 137). Levin is quoted as saying “They do not have a defect of the mind, they have a defect of the character. They are not mad, they are bad. They are not crazy, they are crafty. They are not sick, they are sickening” (Douglas, p. 137).

Authorities say sexual problems are a shard characteristic among serial killers (Reid, p. 4). Serial killers often have a childhood marked by absence of any nurturing relationships (“Stalking evil”, p. 85). Based on their interviews, the author of “The Grim Face of Death” says a serial killer may be a first or second born child. His father was a good provider, but during childhood, he was inconsistently disciplined. A serial killer may live with someone, but that someone is usually unaware of his activities (Clark, p. 206). “These are two types of multiple homicides. First are the mass killings often in the news.

Here the individual kills a number of within a short period. Serial killings differ in that instead of a violent outburst, the murderer kills one victim at a time over a period of days, weeks, years, and even decades” (Douglas, p. 137). Ted bundy is probably one of the most famous serial killers in American history. “Ted Bundy was born to a prim, modest department store clerk, the eldest of three daughters in the family of a Philadelphia nurseryman. On November 24, 1946 Ted Bundy was born to Louise Cowell, Bundy’s father left his mother when he found out she was pregnant.

Just before his fourth birthday, Ted and his mother left Philadelphia to join her uncle and his family in Tacoma, Washington” (Michaud and Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99). Bundy’s mother later married John Culpepper Bundy and that’s how Ted got his last name. Ted didn’t like his new stepfather but to his mother John was the whole world. Ted did anything he could to upset his stepfather. For instance, Ted became friends with a black kid that lived down the street because his stepfather was prejudice (Michaud and Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99).

When Ted was about eight years old his mother gave birth to a boy , Glenn, then to a daughter, Sandra in 1965 and finally to Richard in 1961 (Michaud & Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99). Ted was just like any other boy. He daydreamed of being adopted by movie cowboy Roy Rogers and having his own pony. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout, ran the low hurdles on the junior high track team and was graduated from high school and lacked self confidence, but few friends he had then were fond of him. Ted Bundy was not a man who didn’t have anything going for him.

At age 25, Bundy had received a BA in psychology and served as a campaign aid to Washington’s governor, Dan Evans. Bundy as educated, articulate, likable, witty and industrious, a politically active young lawyer in the making (Markowitz, p. 3). Not long after a wealthy sweetheart broke off with him, young attractive women in the Seattle area began turning up as mangled corpses in remote wooded areas (Michaud & Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99). Since Bundy was a very intelligent he used to trick the women he captured to accompany him to where ever he wanted them to.

He would show up on college campuses and would put his arm in a sling and ask young women to help carry books to his car (Michaud & Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99). Bundy’s victims were innocent, trusting young ladies who fit the ideal of the girl next door. His first victim, 21 year old Lynda Ann Healy, was an accomplished singer, she had a sweet voice, wide set blue eyes, shoulder length brown hair and an even smile. She was a senior psychology major at the University of Washington; she wanted to become a teacher (Michaud & Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99).

She was the type of girl that Bundy thrived on killing, pretty, young and outgoing. Bundy was only convicted of murdering three girls, Lisa Levy, 20, Margaret Bowman, 21, and the youngest of all his victims Kimberly Leach, 12. Although Bundy was only convicted of those three murders he is suspected of killing almost 30 other women from three different states, Washington, Utah, and Colorado (Michaud & Ayensworth Hugh, p. 99). His victims were mostly in their lower 20’s. On August 16, 1975, Bundy finally made a mistake. It was in Granger, Utah.

A Utah State policeman was going home from the night shift when he saw a man parked in a Volkswagen. It moved away, headlights off. The trooper caught up at a gas station. The driver, Bundy, said he had lost his way after watching “The Towering Inferno” at a drive-in theater. “The Towering Inferno” wasn’t playing there, the trooper knew. He wondered why a law student, dressed all in black, was lurking in Granger in the middle of the night. In Bundy’s car, police found a crowbar, an ice pick, handcuffs; pantyhose made into a mask and strips of cloth torn from a bed sheet.

Bundy was charged with evading an officer and possession of burglary tools. He laughed it off, but it was the end. Soon he was charged with kidnapping and telephone operator in Murray. He became publicly known as a suspect in the Utah disappearances and Washington disappearances (Markowitz, p. 3). The true definition of a serial killer is a person who commits more than one murder but at different times (Reid, p. 34). “Recent studies of serial murderers have refocused attention on the sociopath” (Reid, p. 134).

People who continue to murder over a period of time frequently show sociopath tendencies. Serial killer’s have little self-esteem and a sociopath’s inability to feel other people’s pain or sorrow for any wrongful acts that they have committed (Casey, p. 80). Levin points out that all told about 500 people die a year at the hand of a serial killer. This is quite small compared to the 23, 000 single victim homicides a year (Douglas, p. 137). These 500 victims don’t seem to be a lot but to those 500 victims families they are 500 murders to many.

In conclusion, serial killers might be anyone in particular; you will never know where they are lurking around. They have been around for a long time and mostly all of them are hard to find. It even takes some police months to years to even get clues to where they might be and when they do find them they just hope to catch them before they flee. When they finally get convicted, Douglas believes that serial killers can’t be rehabilitated if they show no remorse or sorrow for their acts and until a serial killer can show some kind of sorrow for their acts. It is then that someone can finally help them.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Crime — Serial Killer

Essays on Serial Killer

1. prompts to get you started.

Let's take a look at some sample prompts. These will help you understand the direction your essay could take:

• Discuss the psychology behind the actions of notorious serial killers.
• Examine the cultural fascination with serial killers and its impact on society.
• Analyze the role of law enforcement in tracking and capturing serial killers.
• Explore the portrayal of serial killers in popular media and its influence on public perception.

These prompts can serve as a fantastic starting point for your essay, offering you a clear path to follow while crafting your masterpiece.

2. Brainstorming and Choosing Your Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for a captivating serial killer essay. Here are some points to consider while brainstorming:

• Interest: Pick a topic that genuinely intrigues you. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.
• Uniqueness: Avoid common or overused topics. Instead, opt for a unique angle or perspective.
• Research Potential: Ensure there is enough research material available to support your chosen topic.
• Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of the ethical implications of your topic and approach it sensitively.

Once you've taken these points into account, you'll be better equipped to narrow down your topic to something that truly stands out.

3. Unique Essay Topics

Now, let's explore some unique and thought-provoking essay topics related to serial killers. Remember, avoiding trivial or common topics will make your essay more engaging:

• The Dark Charisma: Analyze the magnetic personalities of some notorious serial killers and their ability to manipulate others.
• The Female Serial Killer: Investigate the lesser-known world of female serial killers and their motives.
• Serial Killers in Fiction: Examine how literature and movies have portrayed serial killers over the years and their impact on our perceptions.
• The Zodiac Killer Mystery: Dive into the unsolved case of the Zodiac Killer and the ongoing fascination surrounding it.
• Serial Killers and Social Media: Explore how social media platforms have shaped the public's obsession with serial killers.
• Ted Bundy: A Study in Charisma and Deception - Analyze the charming facade and manipulative tactics of Ted Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers in history.
• The Zodiac Killer's Unsolved Mystery: Explore the enigmatic case of the Zodiac Killer and the enduring fascination with his identity.
• Aileen Wuornos: The Life and Motives of a Female Serial Killer - Examine the life and motives of Aileen Wuornos, one of the rare female serial killers.
• John Wayne Gacy: The Killer Clown - Investigate the dual life of John Wayne Gacy, who portrayed himself as a friendly clown while committing heinous crimes.
• The Influence of Jeffrey Dahmer on Popular Culture: Discuss how Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes have been depicted in books, movies, and documentaries.
• Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker's Reign of Terror - Analyze the reign of terror unleashed by Richard Ramirez in Los Angeles.
• Serial Killers and Childhood Trauma: A Psychological Analysis - Investigate the role of childhood trauma in the development of serial killers, using real cases as examples.
• The Green River Killer Investigation: Explore the complex investigation that led to the capture of Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer.
• Ed Gein: The Inspiration for Fictional Horror - Examine how Ed Gein's gruesome crimes inspired iconic fictional characters like Norman Bates and Leatherface.
• The BTK Killer: A Study in Cold Calculation - Analyze the chillingly calculated actions of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer.
• The Golden State Killer: Solving a Cold Case Decades Later - Discuss the breakthroughs and technology that led to the apprehension of the Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo.
• Andrei Chikatilo: The Butcher of Rostov - Investigate the gruesome crimes and psychological profile of Andrei Chikatilo, one of the most prolific serial killers in Russia.
• The Role of Forensic Psychology in Profiling the Unabomber - Explore how forensic psychology contributed to the capture of Theodore Kaczynski, the Unabomber.
• Albert Fish: The Horrors of a Cannibal Killer - Examine the horrifying crimes and motives of Albert Fish, a serial killer with cannibalistic tendencies.
• Serial Killers and Their Impact on True Crime Journalism: Analyze the influence of true crime reporting in sensationalizing serial killers' stories using real-life cases.
• The Hillside Stranglers: A Partnership in Crime - Discuss the deadly partnership of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, known as the Hillside Stranglers.
• The Nightstalker: Richard Ramirez and Satanic Panic - Explore how Richard Ramirez's crimes contributed to the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.
• The Moors Murders: Ian Brady and Myra Hindley - Investigate the disturbing case of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, who abducted and murdered children in England.
• The Case of Aileen Wuornos: A Legal and Ethical Analysis - Discuss the legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding the case of Aileen Wuornos.
• The Milwaukee Cannibal: Jeffrey Dahmer's Psychological Profile - Analyze the psychological profile and motivations of Jeffrey Dahmer, the Milwaukee Cannibal.

These topics offer a fresh perspective on the subject matter and are sure to pique the interest of your readers.

4. Sample Paragraphs and Phrases for Inspiration

Now, let's get down to the meat of your essay - the content! Here are some sample paragraphs and phrases that can serve as inspiration as you craft your serial killer essay:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Serial killers have long fascinated society with their chilling tales of murder and mayhem. From the cunning tactics of Ted Bundy to the enigmatic mystery of the Zodiac Killer, these individuals have left an indelible mark on our collective psyche. In this essay, we will delve deep into the world of serial killers, exploring their psychology, cultural impact, and the enduring allure that surrounds them.

Paragraph 2: The Psychology Behind Serial Killers

Understanding the mind of a serial killer is a complex and intriguing endeavor. Psychologists have delved into the depths of their psyche, attempting to unravel the motivations and triggers behind their heinous acts. One common thread that emerges is the profound need for control, often stemming from early trauma or a disturbed childhood. This insatiable desire to dominate and inflict pain on others becomes a driving force for their gruesome actions.

Paragraph 3: The Media's Role in Serial Killer Infatuation

It's no secret that the media plays a significant role in perpetuating our fascination with serial killers. Television shows, movies, and true crime documentaries often sensationalize their crimes, turning these criminals into antiheroes of sorts. This glorification blurs the line between reality and fiction, leading to a macabre celebrity status for some serial killers.

Paragraph 4: Serial Killers in Popular Culture

From Hannibal Lecter to Dexter Morgan, fictional serial killers have found their way into popular culture with compelling narratives that explore the complexities of their characters. These portrayals often humanize the killers, forcing audiences to grapple with the uncomfortable realization that evil can wear a charming facade.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of serial killers is a dark and twisted labyrinth of human psychology and societal fascination. While their crimes are abhorrent, they continue to captivate our imaginations, making them a subject ripe for exploration. Whether you're intrigued by their psychology or their influence on pop culture, the realm of serial killers offers endless opportunities for thought-provoking essays that challenge our understanding of the human condition.

Unraveling Zodiac: Speculation and Investigation Reflections

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Aileens Hedonistic Serial Killers

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Aileen Wuornos, The Female Serial Killer

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Research of Whether Serial Killers Are Born Or Made

John wayne gacy – a man full of evil, research on ted bundy – one of america’s most evil serial killer, serial killers: born evil or the result of upbringing, serial killer research paper: alexander pichushkin, criminal profiling - the foundation of studying serial killers, the notorious serial killer robert pickton, the reasoning behind why serial killers kill, serial killers: a product of nature or nurture, the making of a serial killer: nature vs. nurture, how traumatic childhood events are a baseline for criminal behavior: serial killers, psychological problems in serial killers, the problem of serial killers in philippines and its reasons, werewolf of mysteria: the terrifying crimes of albert fish, aileen wuornos: story of one killer, aileen wuornos’s seven murders, how ted bundy shocked the united states, highlights upon the case of aileen wuornos, the biography of elizabeth bathory, one of the evilest women in history, peter kurten biography.

A serial killer is typically a person who murders three or more people, usually in service of abnormal psychological gratification, with the murders taking place over more than a month and including a significant period of time between them.

Jack the Ripper, Jeffrey Dahmer, Harold Shipman (Dr. Death), John Wayne Gacy, H.H. Holmes, Pedro Lopez, Ted Bundy, etc.

The motives of serial killers are generally placed into four categories: visionary (psychotic breaks with reality), mission-oriented ("ridding the world"), hedonistic (for lust, thrill, or profit), and power or control; however, the motives of any given killer may display considerable overlap among these categories. Many serial killers also claim that a violent culture and media influenced them to commit murders.

Many serial killers have partners and families that have no idea. Since the 1980s, there are still 222,000 unsolved serial killer murders in the US. You can walk past at least 36 serial killers in your lifetime. 70% of all known serial killer murders come from America.

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• War on Drugs

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The Rookie: The Pentagram Killer, Explained

The Rookie introduced a new serial killer in Season 6, the Pentagram Killer, but this case is different from Rosalind Dyer and her many acolytes.

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The rookie has a history with serial killers despite being a beat cop show, who is the pentagram killer in the rookie, did the pentagram killer murder cheryl budny, who is jeff budny, the man lucy chen shot.

The following contains spoilers from The Rookie , Season 6, Episode 4, "Training Day" now streaming on Hulu .

The ABC series The Rookie is now in its sixth season, and is a network police procedural focused on the life of a beat cop. This means that the cases the characters work on each week can differ. Still, The Rookie has no shortage of serial killers in its ranks, and "Training Day" introduced a new one: The Pentagram Killer. However, the case was not as straightforward as some might think. In fact, the titular training day in The Rookie 's fourth Season 6 episode has nothing to do with the new serial killer on the show. Rather, it follows Tru Valentino's Officer Aaron Thorsen, after Season 5's finale shooting , returning to duty.

He is paired with Eric Winter's Tim Bradford, who puts him through a high-stress regimen designed to see if he's really over the trauma of nearly dying from both bullet wounds and complications after surgery. Thorsen proves his mettle, cracking a murder-for-hire case and getting a punch in the face for his trouble. The rest of The Rookie 's regulars work together to solve the murder of Cheryl Budny, whose body bears the signature mark of the Pentagram Killer. Nathan Fillion's Officer Nolan suggests that a new documentary inspired the killer to return or a copycat. Eventually, the identity of the Pentagram Killer becomes very straightforward, but the case itself is complicated and messy.

Why The Rookie Killed Off Jackson West — and Why the Episode Was So Strange

Despite trying to be a show about beat cops, there are a lot of television conventions in The Rookie . The officers get into gunfights almost every week, and patrol officers like Nolan or Melissa O'Neill's Lucy Chen likely wouldn't encounter serial killers as often as they do. The primary serial killer The Rookie 's characters encountered was Rosalind Dyer , played by the late Annie Wersching . However, from the second the character first appeared onscreen, she wasn't working alone.

Over the course of five seasons, three of Dyer's acolytes have surfaced to cause trouble for the Mid-Wilshire Police Division. Michael Cassidy's Caleb Wright was her protégé, introduced in the same episode as Rosalind, Season 2, Episode 10, "Dark Side." He was killed in the operation to rescue Chen, after he kidnapped her and buried her alive. Lucy Walter's Beth Weston, a defense attorney who kidnapped the District Attorney prosecuting Rosalind. She killed Beth's parents for her in return for that. Finally, Thomas Dekker played Jeffery Boyle, an acolyte of Rosalind's whose case crossed over with the now-canceled The Rookie: Feds .

The Pentagram Killer is unrelated to Rosalind Dyer and her army of creepy killer students . In fact, he got away with his crimes, as the Pentagram Killer was never identified. Eventually, the murders stopped. While the characters in The Rookie are able to solve the case, even identifying the Pentagram Killer, "Training Day," is not actually a serial killer case. Still, a lot of people end up dead or injured. Yet rather than the complex profile of villains like Dyer and her acolytes, these killers are born of regular, old human tragedy.

What Happened to Chris Rios in The Rookie?

When Nolan and Lisseth Chavez's Officer Celina Juarez respond to call at a city park bathroom, they find the body of Cheryl Budny. When Mekia Cox's Detective Nyla Harper and Alyssa Diaz's Detective Angela Lopez arrive, they quickly determine Cheryl wasn't killed at the scene. They also discover a gruesome pentagram carved into her mid-section, the signature of the Pentagram Killer . Active in the 2000s, Cheryl matched the profile of his past victims. Juarez makes a rookie mistake and says the name "Pentagram Killer" on the open radio, creating a sensation around the investigation.

Nolan and Juarez are left cleaning up that mess, specifically running down the dozens of tips that came in from citizens. However, one of them, from a woman named Opal Jesper, strikes Nolan as credible. When the two officers visit her home, she tells them that she believed her husband (not named in the episode) was the Pentagram Killer . By way of proof, she offers up a cigar box that contains California Driver's licenses belonging to the victims. She also later tells Nolan her husband gave her jewelry they couldn't afford on his commercial fisherman's salary. She also says she found a pair of women's underwear in the car, but she threw them away. "I didn't want to know," she tells Nolan.

The news of the Pentagram Killer's identity creates a media firestorm. Nolan and Juarez got to join Richard T. Jones's Sergeant Wade Gray at the press conference announcing Mr. Jesper as the serial killer. However, the press camped out on Opal's property, and the police took her front door for evidence. Overwhelmed and with no friends to turn to, Opal tries to flee and ends up crushing a reporter's leg under her car. Jenna Dewan's Bailey Nune, Nolan's new wife, calls the reporter and Opal "the last victims of the Pentagram Killer."

The Rookie: Why Mercedes Mason's Zoe Andersen Was Killed Off

Despite all this turmoil from the revelation that Opal Jesper's husband was the Pentagram Killer, he did not kill Cheryl Budny . Opal tells Nolan her husband died seven years earlier, and she only discovered his "trophies" after that. Ironically, Juarez's mistake in saying the Pentagram Killer's moniker over the radio, gave Opal the justification she needed to finally report this discovery. She knew her husband couldn't have killed Cheryl Budny, and she even had second thoughts about coming clean when Nolan and Juarez showed up .

Still, the police believed they had a copycat serial killer on their hands, who was perhaps gearing up to kill again. Perhaps the idea that someone would continue murdering (as inspired by her husband) is what motivated Opal Jesper to tell the truth. Still, it wrecked her life. She lost her friends, and she no longer felt safe in her home. In fact, Nolan implies at the end of "Training Day" that she will face charges and a conviction for hitting the reporter with her car. Especially since so many other members of the press caught the accident on video.

Detectives Lopez and Harper ended up with no suspects tied to the Pentagram Killer, so they went back to looking at Cheryl's life. She had a lot of enemies for a middle-aged suburbanite, specifically at the school she worked at. Her biggest enemy was Conrad Battaglia, who later confessed to killing her . He said it was an accident, but after posting horrible things about her on the school's unofficial online message board, he tried to make it look like the Pentagram Killer did it. However, Conrad was killed before he could be arrested and charged.

Why Afton Williamson's Talia Bishop Left The Rookie

Earlier in the episode, Jason Wiles's Jeff Budny was told of his sister Cheryl's murder, and he didn't take it well. When Nolan and Juarez went to question Conrad, they instead found his wife Justine murdered on the kitchen floor. She had been stabbed multiple times. Lopez and Harper thought Conrad killed her, but it turns out he was also a victim.

It was Jeff Budny, who apparently owned 87 guns, who wanted to kill Conrad in retaliation but not before making him "feel pain" like Jeff did, which is why Justine was killed. While treating Conrad for his injuries in the street, Jeff Budny shows up and shoots him. He also tries to kill Bailey, Lopez, Harper and Chen who are there in the street. Chen feels especially insecure because she failed her detective's exam, so she risks her life by rushing across the street to arrest Jeff. She's shot, but Jeff only hit her radio.

Lucy tries to take him in alive, but she shoots him just as he raised his rifle to fire at her. At the end of the episode, Lucy is deeply distraught at the thought of having killed Jeff Budny, even though he was now a serial murderer. She is emotional and grateful to learn he made it through surgery and, presumably, will face justice for the lives he took.

The Rookie debuts new episodes Tuesday nights at 9 PM Eastern on ABC and streams the following day on Hulu.

Starting over isn't easy, especially for John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of joining the LAPD. As their oldest rookie, he's met with skepticism from those who see him as just a walking midlife crisis.

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The Sydney Mall Stabbing Rampage: What We Know

The attack happened in a busy center for tourists and beachgoers in the eastern suburbs, an affluent area of Sydney.

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By Yan Zhuang and Emmett Lindner

A stabbing attack on Saturday afternoon at a crowded mall in Sydney, Australia, left six people dead and at least 11 others injured, including a 9-month-old girl. The rampage was the deadliest act of mass violence in the country since 2017 .

The authorities said that the attacker, who was identified on Sunday as Joel Cauchi, 40, was shot and killed by a police officer.

Two days after the mall stabbing, a man was arrested and accused of stabbing multiple people during a live streamed Mass at a church west of Sydney.

Here’s what we know so far.

What happened in Sydney?

The attack happened at Westfield Bondi Junction, a popular shopping center about a mile away from the famous Bondi Beach, in Sydney’s affluent eastern suburbs.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as shoppers noticed people running and saying that someone in the mall had a knife. As the attacker moved through multiple levels of the mall, the police said, he began to stab people.

Five people died of their injuries at the scene and a woman died later in a hospital, the police said. At least 11 others — including eight women, two men and the 9-month-old — were taken to hospitals, the police said.

Multiple calls were made from the mall about a stabbing, beginning shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time on Saturday.

Mr. Cauchi was shot and killed after Amy Scott, a police inspector, who was conducting routine duties nearby, was directed into the shopping center, where he lunged at her with his weapon.

Michael Dunkley, 57, who witnessed the attack, said that the officer ordered Mr. Cauchi to drop the knife. He “didn’t say anything,” Mr. Dunkley said. “He seemed determined.”

Five of the six victims were women.

By Monday morning, the identities of all six victims had been released by their families, employers, local communities or the authorities.

Ashlee Good, a 38-year-old new mother, was stabbed along with her 9-month-old daughter. The baby underwent surgery on Saturday night and was doing well, but Ms. Good did not survive, according to a statement from her family.

Faraz Tahir, 30, was a security guard who arrived in Australia about a year ago from Pakistan, according to a community group. Mirza Sharif, a spokesman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, said that Saturday was the first time that Mr. Tahir had worked at the Bondi Junction shopping mall.

Jade Young, 47, was a mother of two daughters and an active member of the nearby Bronte Surf Life Saving Club. According to her LinkedIn profile, she worked as an architect.

Dawn Singleton, 25, worked for White Fox Boutique, an online fashion retailer.

Pikria Darchia, 55, was an artist and designer, according to her social media accounts.

Yixuan Cheng, a Chinese citizen, was a student at the University of Sydney.

A motive for the attack is unclear.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb of the New South Wales Police said a motive for the attack was unclear but there were no indications it was a hate crime or related to terrorism.

Asked on Sunday if the attacker appeared to single out women, she said that would be an “obvious” line of inquiry for the police.

Roger Lowe, the assistant police commissioner for the state of Queensland, where Mr. Cauchi lived before moving to Sydney about a month ago, said that Mr. Cauchi had a history of mental health problems. The authorities did not offer specifics.

Mr. Cauchi’s family, who was not in regular touch with him, contacted the authorities after recognizing him on television broadcasts, the police said. In a statement, his family described his actions as “truly horrific.”

Bondi Junction is a shopping and tourism hub.

Bondi Junction is a wealthy area of Sydney where tourists and beachgoers meander, shop and meet with friends.

The district draws crowds on weekends, where people can shop at high-end stores in the Westfield mall complex, see a movie or buy groceries.

The district is also a point of access for beachgoers and residents from central Sydney to many of the city’s popular eastern beaches.

The attack was a rare occurrence in Australia.

Two days after the stabbing at the shopping center, a man was arrested in connection with the stabbing of multiple people, including a bishop, during Mass at a church in a suburb west of Sydney. In a livestream of the service, a man can be seen approaching the lectern in the church and attacking the bishop.

The stabbing at the shopping center was the worst act of mass violence in the country since 2017, when a man intentionally drove his car into a mall in Melbourne, killing six people, after he had stabbed his brother and taken a woman hostage.

After a mass shooting that left 35 people dead in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur in 1996, lawmakers tightened gun restrictions and standardized the laws across the country.

“In this country, this stuff shouldn’t happen,” Mr. Dunkley said . “People come here because it’s safe.”

Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news. More about Yan Zhuang

Emmett Lindner writes about breaking and trending news. He has written about international protests, climate change and social media influencers. More about Emmett Lindner