February 2, 1848 after the Mexican-American war California achieved statehood. Nine days later gold was found in California. November 1849 California was ratified, and October 1850 congress recognized California as a state. Even though heinous crimes, such as serial murders, did exist they were not really heard of. Serial murders, however, have been around just as long as regular murders.
Even though serial killers have been around forever the name "serial killer" has only been around since 1970. Before this, serial killers were known as "stranger killers". The name "serial killer" came from the word "series", since this is the way that a serial killer kills, in series' (Schetor 15). Serial killers have only been acknowledged for about 125 years. The acknowledgment came with Jack The Ripper. Serial killers tend to be white, heterosexual, males. They tend to be between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. Serial killers are dysfunctional and usually have very low self-esteem (Schetor 28).
Serial killer H.H. Holmes
Drawing of a serial killer John Wayne Gacy
English: Photo of infamous serial killer Billy Goh...They will also usually keep some sort of trophy from their victims. A serial killer is identified through seven characteristics. First; killings are separate. There are usually cooling off periods between murders. Killings last for months or years and will often last until the killer is caught or until the killer dies. Usually at least five victims will be killed by a serial killer. Second; killings will be performed one on one. Killings will occasionally be two on one. Third; victims are rarely known by the killer. Likewise, killers are rarely known by their victims. They hardly ever have any previous relationships with their victims. Fourth; although there is usually a pattern, motives are not clear, visible, or rational. Fifth; killers will often commit new murders before the previous victim has even been found. This characteristic has obviously been around...