Do Serial Killers KNOW What They Are?

As I've mentioned before, I write about serial killers, but mine don't even realize they're serial killers.  In one novel, the killer does it for a distorted view of love.  In another, the killer does it for revenge, and also to rid the world of animal abusers...a noble thing, but I digress.

I wonder how many serial killers don't realize what they are either.  People like Ted Bundy must have known, because he was way too smart and crafty NOT to.  Others actually DO it for the notoriety, like the Zodiac killer, who was never caught, even managing to taunt the authorities for decades.   

Another one that comes to mind is the diabolical Henry H. Holmes, who  built a hotel specifically for his murderous deeds, if you can believe it. (Henry H. Holmes)  

This guy knew exactly what he was doing, even taking some of his own employees as victims.

Do YOU think most serial killers know exactly what they are?

Let's Play "Analyst Armchair"....

Are we fascinated with serial killers?   I know I am...I write about them.  Granted, mine are fictional, but still.  They've been around since the 1800's, starting with Jack the Ripper.  In truth, they were probably around even earlier than that, but it wasn't widely known or reported to the public.

They kill with wanton abandon...without consequence...without mercy.   Perhaps we envy their ability to have no conscience?  They stalk their prey, always for their own twisted reasons, but still we wonder.  We want to know how they tick.  Did they have a dysfunctional childhood?  Is that really an acceptable fallback anymore?  Honestly, to some degree, we all have those.

Has it grown worse in the last few decades?  Are we "producing" more?  Or does it merely appear that way, thanks to 24/7 news coverage?

Hollywood even gets into the act with movies about them..."American Psycho," "Silence of the Lambs," "Seven," and the popular franchise, "Saw."

Do we sympathize or vilify?   Maybe we do both...we try to understand the all important question...WHY do they do it?  Is it compulsion?  A need they're trying to fulfill?  Two examples would be Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy.

My 'analyst armchair' says Dahmer had a need for people not to leave him.  Was it due to his parents' divorce?  He didn't want his victims to leave...he kept their hearts (and other body parts) in his freezer.

Ted Bundy was cunning and shrewd.  He was the 'everyman.'  The guy that appeared honest...who needed help since he pretended to have broken limbs in order to gain the trust of his victims.  He had a sense of entitlement.  He was smart and outwitted police for some time.

Sit in the 'analyst armchair' and tell me YOUR thoughts and diagnosis.....

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