This paper is about the differences and similarities between serial killers and murderers.

What is a serial killer and what are the differences and similarities between murderers and serial killers? In our world today there is a frightening reality that we could all be victims of a serial killer with in our lifetime. It is critical to not only define what is meant by the term serial killers, but to recognize signs of possible perpetrators, and to identify ways in which society could address this issue. By looking at various types of killers, examining their personality characteristics and/or behavior patterns we can learn some of the reasons why they commit certain crimes. The FBI's role in the capture of these criminals and our responsibility as members of society is critical in addressing this frightening reality.

Before defining the aspects of serial killing, it is important to briefly explain and differentiate the various types of homicides or serial killings. Besides the obvious single-incident homicides that has become a part of daily life, other types of homicides or murders include mass, spree and serial killings.

murder

Serial killer H.H. Holmes

Drawing of a serial killer John Wayne Gacy

Mass murder involves the killing of three or more people within a relatively short period of time, in some cases minutes, in and around the same location. Spree murders also include multiple victims, however, the killer's rampage or "spree" can go on anywhere from a couple of hours into several days.

The difference between these murderers and serial killers is that both mass murderers and spree killers usually take their own lives after the killings or force a confrontation with the police allowing no feasible escape, only death.

"Serial killers on the other hand, take great pains to avoid detection and take elaborate measures to elude apprehension."

In researching serial killers, it is noted that the "killings are repetitive ('serial'), Occurring with greater or less frequency, often escalation, over a...