THE HOLMES TYPOLOGY
There has been intense study in the field of serial murder since the 1970's which has resulted in two ways of classifying serial killers: one based on motive and one based on organizational and social patterns. The motive method is called Holmes typology, for Ronald M. and Stephen T. Holmes, authors of numerous textbooks on serial murder and violent crime. The Holmes typology is based on obsessive-compulsive characteristics of the serial killer as indicated from verbal interview data on the reasons they kill. It contains an implicit theory of interpersonal (socio-emotional) development, based upon their position in a cycle of violence. It should be noted that mixed types are also possible, and profilers do not feel constrained to choose between the two types presented here.
There has been intense study in the field of serial murder since the 1970's which has resulted in two ways of classifying serial killers: one based on motive and one based on organizational and social patterns. The motive method is called Holmes typology, for Ronald M. and Stephen T. Holmes, authors of numerous textbooks on serial murder and violent crime. The Holmes typology is based on obsessive-compulsive characteristics of the serial killer as indicated from verbal interview data on the reasons they kill. It contains an implicit theory of interpersonal (socio-emotional) development, based upon their position in a cycle of violence. It should be noted that mixed types are also possible, and profilers do not feel constrained to choose between the two types presented here.
DISORGANIZED: Victims of disorganized killers are often battered about the face or sometimes blindfolded, reflecting a need to depersonalize the victim, or because the victim might resemble someone in the killer's life for whom he feels fear or anger. Any sexually sadistic acts committed will usually be done after the victim is dead, and if the body is left at the crime scene, it will usually be in plain view, but some disorganized killers take the victim's remains with them as trophies. Footprints, fingerprints, and sometimes even the weapon are found at the crime scene or discarded nearby.
Often the crime scene itself will be chaotic and in total disarray. FBI research shows such killers are often below average in intelligence and socially inadequate. Within a family, they are usually among the younger children, with a father who combines harsh discipline with an unstable employment history.
The disorganized killer will himself have a poor employment record in an unskilled job, after possibly dropping out of school, and will tend to live on his own, or with an older family member, with minimal contact with people outside the family, and often tend to go out only after dark. They will have poor hygiene and low self-esteem, showing little to no interest in the news media, and will tend to live or work near the crime scene. They will either have no personal transport, or the vehicle they have will be old and badly maintained.
Because they commit crime under stress, this can trigger changes in behavior, such as increased use of drugs, alcohol, or a turn to religion. They often return to the scene of the crime and sometimes turn up at the victim's funeral or memorial service even occasionally placing "In Memoriam" messages in the local paper. Some keep a diary.
Often the crime scene itself will be chaotic and in total disarray. FBI research shows such killers are often below average in intelligence and socially inadequate. Within a family, they are usually among the younger children, with a father who combines harsh discipline with an unstable employment history.
The disorganized killer will himself have a poor employment record in an unskilled job, after possibly dropping out of school, and will tend to live on his own, or with an older family member, with minimal contact with people outside the family, and often tend to go out only after dark. They will have poor hygiene and low self-esteem, showing little to no interest in the news media, and will tend to live or work near the crime scene. They will either have no personal transport, or the vehicle they have will be old and badly maintained.
Because they commit crime under stress, this can trigger changes in behavior, such as increased use of drugs, alcohol, or a turn to religion. They often return to the scene of the crime and sometimes turn up at the victim's funeral or memorial service even occasionally placing "In Memoriam" messages in the local paper. Some keep a diary.
ORGANIZED: There will be signs of planning and care to avoid detection and identification, and the location will be carefully chosen, by organized killers, as the site(s) the victim is seized and taken. Organized killers usually personify their victims, selecting them according to a preference by type, age, gender, appearance, occupation, lifestyle, and very well other details which would seem trivial to anyone else. They will usually be socially confident enough to strike up a conversation, present themselves as non-threatening, and not appear odd or suspicious.
The organized killer is usually above average height and weight, with impressive appearance and clothing. He uses his own vehicle or the victim's vehicle for transport. In many cases, the victim will be raped before, or even instead, of being killed. Any weapon used will usually be taken away afterwards, as will any restraints such as chains, ropes, belts, gags, or blindfolds. The body too will often be taken away, to be disposed of carefully, making discovery less likely.
The organized killer is usually above average height and weight, with impressive appearance and clothing. He uses his own vehicle or the victim's vehicle for transport. In many cases, the victim will be raped before, or even instead, of being killed. Any weapon used will usually be taken away afterwards, as will any restraints such as chains, ropes, belts, gags, or blindfolds. The body too will often be taken away, to be disposed of carefully, making discovery less likely.
SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES: Both types may return to the scene of the crime!! Both types tend to have few genuine friends, but the organized type is a loner by choice, because he feels superior to others, has a stable employment history in skilled or specialist work, also being sexually competent, usually living with a partner in a long-term relationship, being among the older children with a father in stable and well-paid work, with an inconsistent style of discipline.
Organized killers usually have an earlier background history with drugs and alcohol, usually have their own transport, in good condition and well-maintained, and also tend to keep in touch with the local newspaper and broadcast coverage of the crime, to enable monitoring of police efforts and keep in close touch with the level of threat to themselves. After commission of the crime, an organized killer may well decide to change jobs or move as a precaution against being caught. His better education and greater confidence allows him to transplant himself.
Organized killers usually have an earlier background history with drugs and alcohol, usually have their own transport, in good condition and well-maintained, and also tend to keep in touch with the local newspaper and broadcast coverage of the crime, to enable monitoring of police efforts and keep in close touch with the level of threat to themselves. After commission of the crime, an organized killer may well decide to change jobs or move as a precaution against being caught. His better education and greater confidence allows him to transplant himself.
TYPES OF SERIAL KILLERS
Serial killers don't usually identify with their victims or feel any sympathy toward them. As they see it, they've been victims all their lives, dominated and controlled by other people. This is their chance to call the shots -- to decide who lives or dies and how someone should die.
Serial killers can be broken down into two categories: act-focused (who kill quickly), OR process-focused (who kill slowly), they cannot be both. For act-focused killers, killing is simply about the act itself. Within this group, there are two different types: the visionary and the missionary. Both the visionary and missionary serial killers are fairly rare compared to the process-focused killers.
Process-focused serial killers get enjoyment from torture and the slow death of their victims. These include four different types -- lust, thrill, gain and power-seeking killers. Many people think that the majority of serial killers are sex-related, but tat is false. If sex is involved, it may be used as a tool of power over the victim and not at all an act of lust.
Serial killers don't usually identify with their victims or feel any sympathy toward them. As they see it, they've been victims all their lives, dominated and controlled by other people. This is their chance to call the shots -- to decide who lives or dies and how someone should die.
Serial killers can be broken down into two categories: act-focused (who kill quickly), OR process-focused (who kill slowly), they cannot be both. For act-focused killers, killing is simply about the act itself. Within this group, there are two different types: the visionary and the missionary. Both the visionary and missionary serial killers are fairly rare compared to the process-focused killers.
Process-focused serial killers get enjoyment from torture and the slow death of their victims. These include four different types -- lust, thrill, gain and power-seeking killers. Many people think that the majority of serial killers are sex-related, but tat is false. If sex is involved, it may be used as a tool of power over the victim and not at all an act of lust.
There are six main types of serial killers, based on motive, as well as further subdivisions based on organization and methodology. We will begin though with an understanding of the different motives:
ACT-FOCUSED: They kill quickly
1. The Visionary Motive Type: Serial killers of this type are considered to be insane, even psychotic. It is not uncommon for this type of killer to report that they committed the crime because voices in their head told them to.
2. The Missionary-Oriented Motive Type: Although not apparent to the community around them, killers of this type are on a mission to rid the world of those whom they deem unacceptable for whatever reason.
PROCESS-FOCUSED: They kill more slowly
3. The Lust Killer: The lust killer is sexually motivated, killing for the pure turn on. These killers derive pleasure from torturing their victims. Most serial killers are of this type. Unfortunately, this type of serial killer is very difficult to distinguish from the average person as they are quite apt at maintaining relationships and functioning in society.
4. The Thrill-Oriented Motive Type: These guys kill for the joy of it...They get a high from killing. Of the six types, this one is the one who enjoys killing very sadistically. He is into the killing for excitement, the chase, and as he gets better and better, the crimes continue to escalate.
5. Power-seeking Motive Type: They believe they are “God” and play with people as if they are toys. Their main objective for killing is to gain and exert power over their victim. Many power/control-motivated killers sexually abuse their victims, but they differ from lust killers in that rape is not motivated by lust but as simply another form of dominating the victim. They may kill and resuscitate the victim over and over again, controlling the power of life and death.
6. Gain Motive Type: Very rare, they believe they will somehow profit from killing. Most criminals who commit multiple murders for material ends (such as organized crime hit men) are not classed as serial killers, because they are motivated by economic gain rather than psychopathological compulsion. There is a fine line separating such killers, however.
In determining the overarching motive of a serial killer, he or she is EITHER act-focused OR process-focused-- NOT BOTH. One cannot kill quickly and slowly at the same time! Hence, there one only ONE overarching motive for a serial killer; PROFILERS PICK ONE OVERARCHING MOTIVE- AND STICK WITH IT. ONE!
ACT-FOCUSED: They kill quickly
1. The Visionary Motive Type: Serial killers of this type are considered to be insane, even psychotic. It is not uncommon for this type of killer to report that they committed the crime because voices in their head told them to.
2. The Missionary-Oriented Motive Type: Although not apparent to the community around them, killers of this type are on a mission to rid the world of those whom they deem unacceptable for whatever reason.
PROCESS-FOCUSED: They kill more slowly
3. The Lust Killer: The lust killer is sexually motivated, killing for the pure turn on. These killers derive pleasure from torturing their victims. Most serial killers are of this type. Unfortunately, this type of serial killer is very difficult to distinguish from the average person as they are quite apt at maintaining relationships and functioning in society.
4. The Thrill-Oriented Motive Type: These guys kill for the joy of it...They get a high from killing. Of the six types, this one is the one who enjoys killing very sadistically. He is into the killing for excitement, the chase, and as he gets better and better, the crimes continue to escalate.
5. Power-seeking Motive Type: They believe they are “God” and play with people as if they are toys. Their main objective for killing is to gain and exert power over their victim. Many power/control-motivated killers sexually abuse their victims, but they differ from lust killers in that rape is not motivated by lust but as simply another form of dominating the victim. They may kill and resuscitate the victim over and over again, controlling the power of life and death.
6. Gain Motive Type: Very rare, they believe they will somehow profit from killing. Most criminals who commit multiple murders for material ends (such as organized crime hit men) are not classed as serial killers, because they are motivated by economic gain rather than psychopathological compulsion. There is a fine line separating such killers, however.
In determining the overarching motive of a serial killer, he or she is EITHER act-focused OR process-focused-- NOT BOTH. One cannot kill quickly and slowly at the same time! Hence, there one only ONE overarching motive for a serial killer; PROFILERS PICK ONE OVERARCHING MOTIVE- AND STICK WITH IT. ONE!
PSYCHOLOGICAL PHASES OF SERIAL KILLERS
In 1988, the psychologist Joel Norris described the psychological phases that serial killers experience when preparing to find a victim to the aftermath.
1. The killer begins with an fantasy phase, in which there is a withdrawal from reality and a heightening of the senses. This phase may last anywhere from several moments to several months prior to actually finding a victim, and can begin as a prolonged fantasy, which may have been active for a short time or for years. The person fantasizes about killing but has not gone beyond that point. The killer may attempt to medicate himself with alcohol or drugs.
2. The trolling phase consists of the behavior patterns that a particular killer uses to identify and stalk his victim.
3. The wooing phase is that time period when most killers win the confidence of victims before luring them into a trap.
4. The capture phase may include the locking of a door or a blow that renders the victim helpless. The killer savors this moment.
5. Norris described the murder phase as the ritual reenactment of the disastrous experiences of the killer's childhood, but this time he reverses the roles.
6. The totem phase. After the kill, murderers sink into a depression, with many developing a ritual to preserve their "success." This is why some killers keep news clippings, photographs, and parts of the victims' bodies, or eat parts of the victims, wear their skin, or show parts of victims' bodies to later victims. The trophy or souvenir (see above) is meant to give the murderer the same feelings of power he experienced at the time of the kill.
7. The last phase is the depression phase. A victim, now killed, no longer represents what the killer thought he or she represented, and the memory of the individual that tortured the murderer in the past is still there.
In 1988, the psychologist Joel Norris described the psychological phases that serial killers experience when preparing to find a victim to the aftermath.
1. The killer begins with an fantasy phase, in which there is a withdrawal from reality and a heightening of the senses. This phase may last anywhere from several moments to several months prior to actually finding a victim, and can begin as a prolonged fantasy, which may have been active for a short time or for years. The person fantasizes about killing but has not gone beyond that point. The killer may attempt to medicate himself with alcohol or drugs.
2. The trolling phase consists of the behavior patterns that a particular killer uses to identify and stalk his victim.
3. The wooing phase is that time period when most killers win the confidence of victims before luring them into a trap.
4. The capture phase may include the locking of a door or a blow that renders the victim helpless. The killer savors this moment.
5. Norris described the murder phase as the ritual reenactment of the disastrous experiences of the killer's childhood, but this time he reverses the roles.
6. The totem phase. After the kill, murderers sink into a depression, with many developing a ritual to preserve their "success." This is why some killers keep news clippings, photographs, and parts of the victims' bodies, or eat parts of the victims, wear their skin, or show parts of victims' bodies to later victims. The trophy or souvenir (see above) is meant to give the murderer the same feelings of power he experienced at the time of the kill.
7. The last phase is the depression phase. A victim, now killed, no longer represents what the killer thought he or she represented, and the memory of the individual that tortured the murderer in the past is still there.
The MacDonald “Triad of Behavior”.
TRIAD 1 - ANIMAL CRUELTY
Torturing animals is a disturbing red flag. Animals are often seen as "practice" for killing humans. Ed Kemper buried the family cat alive, dug it up, and cut off its head. Not all serial killers take their aggressions out on pets.
TRIAD 2 - PYROMANIA
Pyromania is often a sexually stimulating activity for these killers. The dramatic destruction of property feeds the same perverse need to destroy another human. Because serial killers don't see other humans as more than objects, the leap between setting fires and killing people is easy to make.
TRIAD 3 - BED WETTING
Bed wetting is the most intimate of these symptoms, and is less likely to be willfully divulged. By some estimates, 60% of multiple murderers wet their beds past adolescence. Thus, as the isolation of a child grows more severe, the reliance on fantasies, especially destructive ones, can grow. These fantasies of violence often reveal themselves when the child engages in these other ‘at risk’ triad of behaviors. In identifying these behaviors in children, it may be possible to predict criminal behavior in the future, a goal worthy of additional research.
MALE VS. FEMALE
Males are more likely to kill strangers, be geographically mobile, torture or mutilate more often when killing, and report a sexual motive. Male serial killers brutally kill their victims and desecrate the bodies. When committing their crimes, men’s methods include; firearms mainly (41%), suffocation (37%), stabbing (34%), bludgeoning (26%), firearms only (19%), poison (11%), drowning (3%), and other (2%). These men usually seek attention for their crimes and do not try to hide them. Often, the crime scenes are manipulated to provide clues for authorities and to entice the media. More often than not, the body count of a male serial killer is higher than that of most women serial killers.
Males are more likely to kill strangers, be geographically mobile, torture or mutilate more often when killing, and report a sexual motive. Male serial killers brutally kill their victims and desecrate the bodies. When committing their crimes, men’s methods include; firearms mainly (41%), suffocation (37%), stabbing (34%), bludgeoning (26%), firearms only (19%), poison (11%), drowning (3%), and other (2%). These men usually seek attention for their crimes and do not try to hide them. Often, the crime scenes are manipulated to provide clues for authorities and to entice the media. More often than not, the body count of a male serial killer is higher than that of most women serial killers.
THE KELLEHER TYPOLOGY:
Research on female serial killers is limited; however, one of the main studies on them has produced what was named the Kelleher Typology, which divides these killers into five groups: Profit Killers, Black Widows, Revenge Killers, Sexual Predators, and Angels of Death. Hickey’s research results show female serial killers are more likely to kill husbands, relatives, or people in hospitals or nursing homes where they work; murder in one specific place; poison the victims; and report money to be a motive.
Women, on the other hand, are less visible and use methods such as poisoning in order to be discrete and keep under the radar. This accounts for eighty percent of the methods used to kill their victims. Women can be termed ‘gentle killers’; however, their methods are still gruesome, just less graphic in nature (Newton 237). Other methods used by women include: shootings (20%), bludgeoning (16%), suffocation (16%), stabbing (11%), and drowning (5%).
Profit Killers, money is the motivation for 74% of their killings. Other motives include: control, enjoyment, sex, drugs, cult involvement, feelings of inadequacy, and cover-up. Many are usually diagnosed with a psychological disorder called Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. This illness involves the fabrication of symptoms or the infliction of injuries by the serial killer on dependent individuals, such as children, to gain attention or sympathy.
Research on female serial killers is limited; however, one of the main studies on them has produced what was named the Kelleher Typology, which divides these killers into five groups: Profit Killers, Black Widows, Revenge Killers, Sexual Predators, and Angels of Death. Hickey’s research results show female serial killers are more likely to kill husbands, relatives, or people in hospitals or nursing homes where they work; murder in one specific place; poison the victims; and report money to be a motive.
Women, on the other hand, are less visible and use methods such as poisoning in order to be discrete and keep under the radar. This accounts for eighty percent of the methods used to kill their victims. Women can be termed ‘gentle killers’; however, their methods are still gruesome, just less graphic in nature (Newton 237). Other methods used by women include: shootings (20%), bludgeoning (16%), suffocation (16%), stabbing (11%), and drowning (5%).
Profit Killers, money is the motivation for 74% of their killings. Other motives include: control, enjoyment, sex, drugs, cult involvement, feelings of inadequacy, and cover-up. Many are usually diagnosed with a psychological disorder called Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. This illness involves the fabrication of symptoms or the infliction of injuries by the serial killer on dependent individuals, such as children, to gain attention or sympathy.
“Black Widows” kill family members, friends, and anyone with whom they have created a close personal relationship. This type of killing is common for women. They prey upon people who are dependent upon them and those with whom they are acquainted.
The Revenge Killer is another common type of female serial killer who murders people who have wronged them out of hate and jealousy. Unlike the Black Widow, these killers do not seek attention and sympathy. They act and kill purely for personal satisfaction.
There is only one member of the Sexual Predator category, so this is extremely rare. Her name is Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute who murdered seven men in Florida. Because of this, she is the only woman identified by the FBI as being a true hedonistic-based serial killer based on their definition.
Most female serial killers slay victims weaker than themselves, but a special subset of their milieu murder those least able to defend themselves. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who murder their patients, usually for “fun” and occasionally for profit, have been given the sinister subset “Angel of Death”. It usually takes a long time for their crimes to even be recognized, let alone punished.
The most common types of female serial killers are the Black Widows and Angels of Death. Revenge Killers that are repeat offenders are rare because most are one time crimes of true passion. Profit Killers are also rare, but they are considered to be the most intelligent and resourceful.
The Revenge Killer is another common type of female serial killer who murders people who have wronged them out of hate and jealousy. Unlike the Black Widow, these killers do not seek attention and sympathy. They act and kill purely for personal satisfaction.
There is only one member of the Sexual Predator category, so this is extremely rare. Her name is Aileen Wuornos, a prostitute who murdered seven men in Florida. Because of this, she is the only woman identified by the FBI as being a true hedonistic-based serial killer based on their definition.
Most female serial killers slay victims weaker than themselves, but a special subset of their milieu murder those least able to defend themselves. Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who murder their patients, usually for “fun” and occasionally for profit, have been given the sinister subset “Angel of Death”. It usually takes a long time for their crimes to even be recognized, let alone punished.
The most common types of female serial killers are the Black Widows and Angels of Death. Revenge Killers that are repeat offenders are rare because most are one time crimes of true passion. Profit Killers are also rare, but they are considered to be the most intelligent and resourceful.