Assignement introduction Factors That Influence Violence and Homicidal Ideation.pdf

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study

Background

There have been many studies conducted to understand criminal behavior (Reid,

2017; Scruton, 2017; Thorpe, 2018). However, the one finding that each of the studies

had in common was that no answers had been developed, only theories and possibilities.

The background concerning my study was that all research conducted started with a

theory and remained a theory. Even though some theories incorporated sexual

gratification and fantasies, some form of categorical mental disposition quickly followed

deflecting from the idea there is a relationship between sexual fantasies and violence. The

purpose of this study was to examine whether not only mental dispositions drove people

to conduct violent acts, but also sexual fantasies.

Silva, Ferrari, and Leong (2002) suggested that substantial progress has been

made in the development of methods aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals

who exhibit sexual homicidal behaviors. Silva et al. looked at the behaviors of Jeffrey

Dahmer from a neuropsychiatric and developmental viewpoint; however, they neglected

to address the possibility that Dahmer was acting on his true nature and sexual desires. To

comprehend such an individual’s heinous acts, one must understand not only

environmental and biological factors but also their deepest desires that might trigger them

to act out violently. By doing so, the true foundation of violence may be understood.

Problem Statement

Humans are no strangers to utilizing violence as a means of intimidation, self-

advancement, and murder (Lee & Reid, 2018). Some have speculated that humans has

perpetuated the ability to conduct violence on one another. However, the source of

violence has not been clarified. Violence may be a trait embedded in the human mind, or

it may be enhanced by environmental factors causing a person to conduct violent acts.

Violence may also be associated with some form of mental disposition causing a person

to unwillingly conduct violent acts.

Thorpe (2018) addressed the link between violence and human nature. It is

possible that human nature remains primitive, making the concept of violence a natural

desire. Thorpe provided an in-depth examination into the relationship between violence

and human nature including factors associated with natural human instincts. Lee and Reid

(2018) stated that “serial killers are opportunists who target marginalized and vulnerable

populations.” It is interesting to think about how a serial killer chooses which population

is vulnerable. The killer may study the targeted population to determine what aspects of

the victims categorize them as vulnerable, or the victims’ vulnerability may pique the

sexual fantasies of the serial offender. One-way researchers have addressed these

questions is by utilizing biological theories.

Understanding the neurobiological factors of violence may facilitate the

understanding of how these factors play a role in violent behaviors. Miczek, Takahashi,

Gobrogge, Hwa, and de Almeida (2015) stated that “projections from hypothalamic and

mesencephalic neurons to the medial prefrontal cortex contain microcircuits that appear

pivotal for the escalation of aggression. The neurotransmitters serotonin, glutamate and

GABA have also been implicated concerning the escalation of aggression.”

Understanding the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functioning and

tends to control how aggression is used, may help researchers decipher what is innate and

what is learned. The idea of sexual fantasy, which has also been suggested as an innate

behavior and typically processed in the prefrontal cortex, has rarely if ever been linked

with serial aggression. If one were to identify sexual fantasies as a human trait, a better

understanding of the relationship between violence and sexual fantasies may lead to a

foundation of determining the serial offender’s attraction to their victims. Humans have a

tendency to act in the manner in which they are made to act. If a violent disposition is the

cause of violent behavior, the violent disposition could be classified as a biological issue

or possibly a human trait. If violence is a human or biological trait, it may be associated

with sexual fantasies. The purpose of this study was to address this issue.

Reid (2017) examined biologically based developmental theories for serial

homicide. Such theories addressed the effects of life events and how such events alter a

person’s path turning them to violent conduct. Another factor addressed in recent

research is the age of serial offenders. Researching a younger population may provide a

better understanding of the age at which sexual fantasies might begin to influence violent

behavior.

Soron, Srabony, and Chowdhury (2018) discussed mental health issues that have

been related to aggression. Soron et al. stated that depression is one of the major mental

health issues identified with aggression. Soron et al. also noted that “The burden of

depression is frequently underestimated in the developing world due to lack of evidence

from proper research and sociocultural stigma.” Understanding the difference between

clinical depression and other forms of mood disorder is critical in improving the

understanding of the relationship between mental health issues and aggression.

According to the bio-psychosocial framework, disorders like depression are complicated

in their etiology. Although depression may be a biological disposition, consideration of

environmental factors might help to explain the onset or course of the disorder. For

example, Soron et al. (2018) stated that

among the biological factors genetic influence and positive family history [are]

noteworthy. The other important factors are psychosocial factors (e.g. quality of

attachment, relation between parents, family support, self-esteem, and cognitions

pattern) and several environmental factors (parental loss, divorce, physical/sexual

abuse and illness or death of parents).

A thorough examination of the network of biological and psychological factors must be

taken into consideration.

One example of how psychological factors provide a deeper understanding of the

relationship between mental health issues and aggression is personality. Personality

disorders may alter a person’s behavior toward violence and aggression. Several

personality disorders have been associated with aggressive behavior. Bipolar disorder,

antisocial disorder, and borderline and histrionic personality disorders have been noted in

the literature. Sexual fetishism has also been mentioned, especially bondage, discipline,

sadism, and masochism. Weiser (2018) found that individuals with schizophrenia are

more likely to be violent than the general population. The need for gratification may be

the dominant factor in a person’s external behavior.

Pu et al. (2017) identified other psychological concepts to consider:

“psychopathic traits of conduct disorder (CD) have a core callous-unemotional (CU)

component and an impulsive-antisocial component.” However, it is not clear what other

factors may distinguish a psychopath from an individual categorized as normal. As Pu et

al. suggested, perhaps the core callous-unemotional component separates a serial offender

from an individual considered the societal norm. The current study addressed what

separates serial offenders from normal categorized individuals.

Researchers have endeavored to establish a relationship between violence and

neurodevelopmental disorder. To clarify what factors constitute a neurodevelopmental

disorder, researchers have considered the definition of the disorder and the factors

accompanying the disorder. Raine (2019) stated

A neurodevelopmental disorder has its origins in childhood, frequently before

grade school; is characterized by abnormalities throughout development in brain

structure and function; is accompanied by neurocognitive impairments; has a

significant genetic basis; runs a relatively stable course throughout development

without remission or relapse; and continues into adult life, resulting in impaired

social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Saxbe et al. (2018) included social concepts to address the issue: “community

violence exposure is a common stressor, known to compromise youth cognitive and

emotional development.” Saxbe et al. examined the relationship between community

violence and a youth’s cognitive development and brain functionality. Saxbe et al.’s

study included 22 adolescents with reported exposure to community violence (witnessing

a beating or illegal drug use, hearing gunshots, or other forms of community violence).

The findings indicated a positive relationship between exposure to community violence

and developmental brain functionality, and suggested that exposure to community

violence may lead a person to commit violent acts. However, it is not clear how exposure

to community violence may influence sexual fantasies once the youth reaches puberty,

when sexual gratification becomes prominent.

Ray (2018) perceived violence as a result of what happens when integrative

institutions and values break down. Institutions and members of society may have

allowed their morals and values to promote violent human behavior. When addressing the

issue of violence, it is imperative to consider different definitions. For example, one

definition may include physical assault, rape, aggression, mental abuse, or actions

conducted to protect one’s self or family. No matter the definition used to describe

violence, it can be viewed as a plague on society, often reinforced by religious dogma.

The relationship between organized religion and aggression or violence has been

well established. Although there are approximately 4,200 different religions in the world,

I focused on the top two religions practiced in the United States: Islam and Christianity.

Many might find it hard to believe that religion causes violent behaviors; however, there

is evidence to support this premise. Three arguments support the premise that religion

and violence have a relationship.

Ibrahim (2018) noted that “there is far more violence in the Bible than in the

Qur’an.” Christians and Muslims have been at war for centuries. Ibrahim addressed the

Crusades and how the idea of Islam imposing itself by the sword is fiction when it was

the Christians who were fighting holy wars against Islam. Perhaps religion is linked to

the pursuit of power, which causes people to conduct violence to obtain the power. There

is historical evidence of violent or aggressive behavior in each religion. Stories involving

figures acquiring land, wives, or kingdoms have supported the aggression ideology that

has defined each religion. Although religion cannot be blamed for aggression, a

relationship apparently exists between violent human behavior and organized religion.

Clarke (2019) provided a different view on the influence of religion on human

behavior:

It is sometimes argued that a lack of religion makes people less moral than they

would be otherwise, and, therefore more inclined to violence. It is argued that

religion makes people tolerant, and it is sometimes argued that religion makes

people intolerant, which can drive violence.

However, religion has been a tool in not only wars throughout the centuries but also in

individual violence and cult ceremonies. Christianity and Islam also have in revered texts

and stories of sexual aggression and assault.

Sexual assault is often viewed as violence with various motives. However,

research indicated that violence associated with sexual assault typically focuses on modus

operandi and victim selection (Marsh, 2018). However, the internal desires that drove the

victim selection have not been addressed, including possible factors such as religious

masochistic teachings, physical attributes, the scent of the victim, or the way the victim

carried themselves. Another factor that may influence victim selection is sexual fantasies.

For example, a serial offender may look at a targeted population through the lens of

sexual fantasies and then look for vulnerability within that population, or the serial killer

may find what they believe to be a vulnerable population and try to accommodate their

sexual fantasies within that population. Understanding victim selection is imperative in

the research to discover how sexual fantasies influence violence. The purpose of the

current study was to explore the connection between violence and sexual fantasies.

Sexual fantasies may be related to the desire for dominance, pain, or violence.

Without a better understanding the mindset of violent individuals, this relationship cannot

be confidently asserted. Van Bommel, Uzieblo, Bogaerts, and Garofalo (2018) examined

the associations between psychopathic traits and deviant sexual interests. Van Bommel et

al. found that “relationship analysis supported the positive link between psychopathic

traits and deviant sexual interests.” The current study focused on the relationship between

violence and sexual fantasies among prominent serial killers.

Serial killers are often portrayed as similar, which is not supported by the

evidence. Sharma (2018) stated that

The worldview that portrays a serial killer as being a white male, an evil monster

with unusual appearance, having dysfunctional relationships, engaging in animal torture

or being sexually or physically abused in childhood, and therefore, sadistically killing for

sexual gratification should be challenged.

Researchers have found that contemporary serial killers live among society

members as seemingly normal individuals. Serial killers may go to work, have a family,

own a pet, and conduct normal behaviors as individuals without homicidal tendencies.

However, many do not consider these normal behaviors with thinking of serial killers.

Annually, the statistics concerning the men and women who fall into the category

of victims of serial offenders continue to rise. In 2017, the total reported murders were

17,284 (Statista Research Department, 2019). However, the effects of violent acts do not

stop with the victim; the problem continues to alter the lives of those surrounding the

victim. One issue to consider is how to categorize a serial offender’s sexual fantasies that

drive them to commit acts of violence.

Although some serial killers act alone, others (Gerald and Charlene Gallego, Fred

and Rosemary West) act in tandem. Gurian (2017) studies 508 cases (738 total offenders)

consisting of solo males, solo females, and partnered serial killers to examine statistical

differences and similarities in offending patterns. The current study addressed the

association between serial killers’ sexual fantasies and violent conduct. The exploration

of this relationship may lead to further research on the subject.

Pettigrew (2019) noted that hybristophilia is the attraction and sexual arousal to

the criminal acts of another, and described how hybristophilia enthralls other individuals

to assist in heinous acts of violence. Pettigrew recommended further research to

understand how a person’s sexual fantasies may alter the sexual fantasies of another and

how that might lead to violence. Pettigrew provided a rationale regarding why serial

offenders often work with an accomplice; however, Pettigrew did not explore the

offenders’ sexual fantasies, which were addressed in the current study.

When conducting a study on serial offenders, it is imperative to research all

aspects of offenses. Higgs, Carter, Tully, and Browne (2017) conducted a study of 700

sexual murderers focusing on three types of murder; grievance murder, sexualized

murder, and rape. Higgs et al. distinguished the different types of sexual assault and how

the offenders’ sexual desires influenced their violent actions. The current study also

addressed different types of sexual assault and how such assaults might be linked to

offenders’ sexual fantasies.

One issue associated with the study of serial offenders and their victims is how a

researcher ascertains the truth regarding an offender’s sexual fantasies and how such

fantasies influence their violent actions. Pettigrew (2019) stated that “existing literature

on the killing method of choice for sexually motivated serial killers suggests

strangulation as the preferable means of homicide when the victim is female.” However,

Pettigrew also provided evidence that firearms and different forms of knives (blades) are

preferable methods of causing death. The lack of compelling evidence regarding violent

tendencies, choice of victims, and methods of causing death warranted further

exploration of the relationship between violence and sexual fantasies.

Chi, Lin, Jin, Xu, and Qi (2017) examined the patterns of crimes to discover an

association between the crimes and the factors that influenced them. Williams (2019)

stated that “serial homicide for personal gratification is, often commonly assumed to be

driven by an underlying psychiatric compulsion, characterized by loss of control.” Such

control might be the main factor in the desire to commit violence, and the violence may

be linked to sexual fantasies. The notion of compulsion is supported by the fact that it

takes a specific number of murders with similar characteristics to become a serial killer.

Keatley, Golightly, Shephard, Yaksic, and Reid (2018) utilized the history of a

serial offender’s life and the sequence of their violent offenses to link their violent

offenses with their sexual fantasies. Keatley et al. explored whether sexual fantasies

influenced violent conduct based on a pattern of behavior. Reid, Katan, Ellithy, Della

Stua, and Denisov (2019) conducted a study to trace the developmental mechanisms that

shape the psychopathology that drives the motivations of sexual serial killers. Both

studies addressed the link between a serial killer’s violent tendencies and their past,

which provided the foundation for the current study addressing the relationship between

violence and sexual fantasies.

I explored the relationship between serial killers’ violent actions and sexual

fantasies by analyzing their manifestos (personal writings) and the case logs from their

crimes. I utilized the writings of serial killer Gary M. Heidnik. Heidnik was a serial killer

and rapist who abducted, tortured, and brutally raped multiple women while they were

forcibly held in a basement. Heidnik, also known as a cannibal, wrote letters that he sent

off to Dr. Jack Apsche throughout his stint in prison. I examined these writings to

discover whether sexual fantasies played a role in Heidnik’s acts. The link between

violence and sexual fantasies cannot be established by developing a theory. The answers

are with the offenders’ personal writings.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to understand how sexual fantasies influence serial

killers’ violent behaviors. Every individual has some form of sexual fantasy that drives

their violent conduct. However, what separates serial offenders from law-abiding citizens

is the inability to restrain gratification. One example is pornography. With the

development of the Internet, pornography consumption has increased. Those who enjoy

pornography may find gratification with the observation of pornography. However,

others may develop a tolerance to pornography that elicits a need to find a more hands-on

way of gratifying their sexual desires. Such hands-on methods might include

masturbation outside of a neighbor’s window or breaking into a person’s home with the

intent to touch. The key is discovering the strength of a person’s sexual desires, the

means of accommodating their gratification, and the lengths they will go to satisfy the

next level of their gratification. The current study addressed the link between serial

killers’ violent acts and their sexual fantasies.

James, Beauregard, and Proulx (2019) conducted a study utilizing a population of

serial sexual murderers and non-serial sexual murderers. James et al. found that sexual

murderers are marginalized individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives and whose

crimes are triggered by stressful events. However, James et al. did not address whether

sexual fantasies influenced sexual murderers’ actions. Many crimes that do not fall under

the category of murder are often conducted because of stressful situations, such as

stealing and reckless driving. However, murder is often based on the offender’s need for

gratification.

Many researchers have conducted studies trying to link violence and sexual

fantasies in an attempt to associate sexual fantasies as a human trait. It is possible such a

relationship exists. One way to understand such a relationship is to examine the

manifestos and interviews with serial offenders. Even though sexual fantasies may be

considered a human trait, many times human nature is considered primitive in that

humans fall into the attraction of their sexual fantasies and have no control over the

embedded illusions provided by the fantasies.

Scruton (2017) noted that human nature is no more developed than animal nature

in that humans have needs that are driven by emotional stability and instability, which is

why they give into their sexual fantasies. Research addressing the link between violence

and sexual fantasies was needed. One way to improve the understanding of the

connection between sexual fantasies and violence is to explore the driving force such

fantasies possess.

Research Questions

The first research question addressed the nature of a serial killer’s sexual fantasies

as a driving force of their violence. To answer this research question, I used certain

theories to discover patterns concerning factors that play a role in the development of

homicidal behavior. The second research question focused on a serial killer’s lived

experiences as a potential etiology of sexually violent behavior. Sexual acts have long

been associated with serial killing. What has not been addressed in the literature is the

role of sexual fantasies prior to the sexually violent act.

RQ1: How would a serial killer describe their sexual fantasies as a driving force

to violent behavior?

RQ2: What are the lived experiences of serial killers that have driven them to

sexually violent behavior?

Framework

One way to examine the link between violence and sexual fantasies is to analyze

each offender. This understanding would result from examination of the offender’s

history, mental dispositions, environmental factors, and sexual desires that drive them to

conduct violent acts in a specific fashion. Analysis of a serial offender must be

individualized. Given that each offender’s mind is unique, it is imperative not to

categorize them. The key is to examine their uniqueness to discover what drives them to

conduct violence and how it link with their sexual fantasies.

Keatley et al. (2018) provided a novel method for mapping the developmental

sequence of serial offenders’ life histories. The importance of utilizing the history of a

serial offender is that it provides an opportunity to look inside their mind. One

assumption in the current study was that a person’s nature is the starting point of their

sexual fantasies. Some offenders obtain gratification by displaying dominance, which

often leads to a violent outcome.

It was necessary to mitigate researcher bias in the study. I analyzed interviews,

manifestos, case studies, and observations of serial offenders already in prison. Plano

Clark and Ivankova (2016) provided information about how mixed-methods approach

may enhance research findings. Although this study was qualitative, I considered the

possibility of including statistical findings to support any evidence that may emerge. This

research was conducted to understand the commonalities and patterns of violent conduct

related to sexual fantasies.

Theoretical Orientation

According to Bronfenbrenner (1994), “human development occurs in the midst of

a vibrant, complex environment.” I utilized the ecological systems theory to conduct an

analysis of serial killers. The ecological systems theory purports that from a

psychological perspective, the environment is defined by social and cultural practices and

institutions that provide most of the experiences that people have (Bronfenbrenner,

1994). The ecology of human development ranges from family to economic and political

structures that have made an impact on the world of psychology concerning the effects of

environmental surroundings on individuals’ development (Ceci, 2006).

The ecological systems theory supported my comparative analysis of serial

killers’ behavior and motivation. Bronfenbrenner’s (1994) theory provided a foundation

to examine the differences in culture, beliefs, way of life, and environment to identify the

factors that contributed to serial killers’ violent tendencies. Bronfenbrenner developed a

theory that helps researchers understand human behavior. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological

systems theory was used to conduct a comparative of serial murderers’ behavior and

motivation.

Social learning theory was another foundation considered in this study. According

to Akers and Jennings (2019), “social learning theory is a general theory of criminal and

deviant behavior that has found consistent and robust empirical support for more than

four decades.” According to social learning theory, behavior is based on the association

or interaction with others within a social context (Nicholson & Higgins, 2017). For

example, if a person were to be consistently exposed to violent behavior, the chances of

them committing violence as they develop becomes more probable.

Many researchers have utilized the social learning theory to examine different

areas of behavior, such as substance abuse, disorders, and violence. The purpose of using

social learning theory is to understand the environmental factors of the population being

studied. I used social learning theory and ecological systems theory to examine the

environmental surroundings of serial murders thorough a comparative analysis.

Nature of the Study

I used a qualitative approach. The interviews had already been conducted with

known serial killers, which I used to conduct a comparative analysis of the factors that

contribute to a serial killer’s actions, including the gratification of sexual fantasies. I

examined the differences and similarities in tactics, tools, and methodology of serial

killers. Bhattacharjee (2018) found that a human’s best and worst instincts are shown

through extreme altruists and psychopaths. Bhattacharjee did not mention whether the

extreme altruists or psychopaths display the best or the worst human instincts

(behaviors), which leaves much to the imagination concerning which category of people

is more prone to act inconsistently with societal norms.

My intent was to associate a serial killer’s violent characteristics with preexisting

sexual fantasies and environmental factors. The use of manifestos was another data

collection technique used in this study. Serial offenders often document their violent

endeavors along with their gratification after conducting violence. Examining the

manifestos of serial offenders allowed me to discover a relationship between violence and

sexual fantasies.

Possible Types and Sources of Data

Sources of data that were utilized consisted of case studies, interviews, and

manifestos. Also, useful information and experience of my dissertation committee were

utilized. I used the Internet to look up public records of serial offenders. I also used

Walden University’s library to collect all possible evidence concerning violence and

sexual fantasies.

Definitions

Cannibal: The eating of a person’s flesh.

Child abuse: Inflicting harm on a child mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Control: The ability to influence another person.

Criminogenic: The desire to produce criminal acts.

Domination: Controlling or influencing another person or thing.

Ecological systems theory: Behavior based on one’s environment.

Ephebophile: The act of being attracted to an adolescent.

Gratification: Satisfying a desire.

Hebephile: Preferring children sexually.

Homicidal ideation: Thoughts about homicide.

Hybristophilia: Sexual arousal toward criminal acts of another.

Modus operandi (MO): Method of doing something

Molestation: Assault and/or abuse in a sexual fashion.

Murder: The killing of another.

Necrophiliac: A strong sexual desire toward or obsession with dead bodies.

Neglect: Unproperly cared for.

Pedophile: An individual with strong sexual desires toward children.

Prefrontal cortex: Cerebral cortex covering the frontal lobe.

Qualitative: Measuring the quality of a topic.

Rape: The forceful act of sexual intercourse.

Sadistic: Gratification by inflicting pain on another.

Serial homicide: Homicide of three people by the same offender.

Serial killer: An individual that conducts a series of murders.

Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual conduct.

Sexual fantasies: Fantasies based on sexual gratification.

Signature: Featured qualities of something or someone.

Social learning theory: Behavior based on the interaction with others.

Torture: Inflicting pain on someone as an act of punishment.

Violent behaviors: Behavior that inflicts harm on another.

Significance

To provide credible findings, a researcher must look past their personal

perspectives and analyze the data objectively. I provided scholarly references to support

the direction of this study, which was examining the link between serial killers’ violent

tendencies and their sexual fantasies. This study was not only a personal interest but also

a professional interest. The driving force behind my interest in the study was discovering

whether sexual gratification is a strong motivator of violent behavior. Clarifying the link

between violent behavior and sexual fantasies may be used to prevent future violent

conduct. A better understanding of the foundation of violent tendencies may be used to

prevent the emergence of serial offenders. Given the lack of understanding concerning

the relationship between violence and sexual fantasies, this study was warranted.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The statistics concerning the men and women who are victims of serial offenders

continue to rise. In 2017, the total reported murders were 17,284 (Statista Research

Department, 2019). The effects of violent acts do not stop with the victims; the problem

also alters the lives of those surrounding the victims.

The notion that all serial killers are similar could not be further from the truth.

Hickey (2016) provided a compelling analysis of myths and facts of serial killers. A few

myths that Hickey mentioned were that all serial murderers are White, male, insane, and

lustful. Hickey (2016) also noted that

Overall, one of five serial killers are black, which has moved to 50% in recent

years, nearly 17% are female, very few are legally insane, which insanity is a

legal term, and several cases do not involve sexual assaults, torture, or sexual

mutilations.

Sharma (2018) stated that

The worldview that portrays a serial killer as being a white male, an evil monster

with unusual appearance, having dysfunctional relationships, engaging in animal

torture or being sexually or physically abused in childhood, and therefore,

sadistically killing for sexual gratification should be challenged.

Factual descriptions of serial killers, as Hickey (2016) noted, indicate that many serial

killers live among society as normal individuals. They may go to work, have a family,

own a pet, and conduct normal behaviors as other individuals without homicidal

tendencies.

Although some serial killers act alone, a few (Gerald and Charlene Gallego, Fred

and Rosemary West) act in tandem. It is not accurate to think serial offenders always act

alone. There are many times serial offenders find themselves accompanied by an

accomplice. Gurian (2017) conducted a quantitative study including 508 cases (738 total

offenders) consisting of solo males, solo females, and partnered serial killers to examine

statistical differences and similarities in offenders’ patterns. Gurian found that serial

killers do not always work alone.

Pettigrew (2019) suggested that hybristophilia, which is the attraction and sexual

arousal to the criminal acts of another and how it enthralls other individuals to assist in

heinous acts of violence, is crucial in the understanding of those who commit crimes.

Pettigrew alluded to how one may influence the violent mindset of another, which can

lead to violence. This study provided a glimpse into how serial offenders often work with

an accomplice; however, Pettigrew did not examine the foundation of violent offenders’

actions.

Considering previous theories is imperative when researching serial murderers.

To continue this research, it is important to look at what shapes a serial killer. A

comparative analysis of serial killers’ sexual fantasies was needed to understand the

foundation of a serial murderers’ violent behavior.

It is difficult to place a categorical theory on violent offenders when every mind is

unique. Even if two serial killers endure similar childhood traumas, it is not always

similar traumas that drive one to conduct violence. As stated before, “The research into

serial murder is in its infancy” (Hickey, 2016). Such a statement carries weight

concerning the research already conducted on serial killers. Although we have come far

concerning theories that have built foundations for understanding violence and serial

killers, we are far from developing factual evidence to provides the hallowed truth to a

serial killer’s violent birth.

When researching serial killers, the word insane is often utilized. However, even

though we know the definition of insanity, how do we categorize one to be insane when

we do not fully understand the capability of the human mind and what force it holds over

the actions the human body can display? Hickey (2016) states, “As long as we continue

to seek quick answers without first constructing a framework for the discussion of serial

murderers’ behavior, we will continue to treat the symptoms of the illness rather than the

illness itself.”

What we know if there are many theories and categories created to depict the

personality, characteristics, and behaviors of serial killers. As stated by Hickey (2016),

we seek quick answers. In saying that, perhaps, it is wise to slow down, stop looking for

the usual path taken, and look for new perspectives and dynamics to provide a new

foundation concerning the study of serial killers. Society has implemented what it

believes to be the standards to be classified as normal. However, the question is, who gets

to decide what normal is and how society should utilize its normal abilities?

One of the first concepts a learner that ventures into psychology will understand

is, “Every mind is unique.” If that is the case, how do so many individuals dwell in the

category of normal? The world of psychology claims to understand the complex issues

that drive one to cause violent acts, such as, childhood trauma (abuse and neglect), the

injury inflicted on one’s head, PTSD, dissociation, and low self-esteem, just to name a

few. However, what we are needing to learn is the truth of a serial killer’s violent

tendencies. Perhaps, human nature is the key concept. Human nature would be the only

theory/classification that one would be able to associate to all individuals that carry out

heinous acts of violence.

Each of the above-mentioned serial killers has similarities that may prove

insightful concerning the foundation of their violence. Such similarities consist of child-

abuse, neglect, and violent desires toward others. In saying that, let us take a look at these

factors. Child abuse is conducted, usually, by a parent or guardian. To discover the root

of such a factor, one would have to continue to research previous generations that lead up

to the known serial killers. We as a society point fingers at those that conduct the acts;

however, we seldom look to put blame on those that created the said individuals.

So, what do we know about serial killers and how they may differ concerning

geographic locations? Not much. That is why we need to further the research into such an

area. We can discover similarities and that one may classify as a driving force in a serial

killer’s heinous acts; however, it is in the differences that we may finally discover what

truly separates serial killer’s mindsets.

Serial Killers

Many people state theories as to what makes a serial killer. Willmott et al. (2017)

states, “Three key elements necessary to be defined as a serial killer; (1) the existence of

two or more forensically linked murders with or without a revealed intention of

committing additional murder, (2) murders that are committed as a discrete event(s) by

the same person(s) over a period of time and (3) where the primary motive is personal

gratification.” Although the three previously mentioned factors of a serial killer define

what a serial killer is, it does not describe the foundation of the serial killer’s motives and

desires.

Ostrosky and Ardila (2017) states, “Criminology defines a serial killer as an

individual who shows the following characteristics: kills on at least three occasions and

with a certain period between each murder; establishes direct contact with the victim;

uses a knife, strangles, or strikes, and seldom uses a firearm; and, finally, commits the

crime as a sort of ritual in which he or she is stimulated, combining personal fantasies

with death.” With the two previously mentioned references defining what defines a serial

killer, only one resource goes on to speak of what is believed to be the most dangerous

type of serial killers, the psychopathic killers because of his or her ability to

professionally ability to produce false emotions. Ostrosky and Ardila (2017) state, “There

are three firm ideas that rule serial killer’s minds: manipulation, domination, and control

of the situation which begins with a fantasy and ends in depression.”

Although there are some similarities concerning the definition of a serial killer in

the previously provided information, there are differences that may affect the true

depiction of a serial killer. For example, one definition of a serial killer states that one of

the key elements to a serial killer is one must perform two or more murders, where the

second definition states one must conduct, at least, three murders. One definition speaks

of tools used to conduct a murder mentioning that guns are not usually utilized, while the

other shares no mention of weapons.

Where the similarities strike interest is with the fact that a serial killer conducts

his or her heinous acts based on some form of motive based on personal gratification.

Also, the fact that a timeframe is mentioned in both definitions of what makes a serial

killer provides one theme. As stated by Ostrosky and Ardila (2017), which is backed by

Willmott et al. (2017), each violent act conducted begins with a desire that is driven by a

personal gratification (fantasy); however, tends to end in some form of depression, which

provides a theme. In saying that, when a murder is conducted and a profile begins, is it

wise to search for the individual’s gratifying fantasy, or is it wise to search for his or her

foundation concerning their depression?

Hickey (2016) associated three characteristics often found with serial killers;

bedwetting (enuresis), animal cruelty, and arson (starting fires). Bedwetting, which falls

under the category of enuresis, is one’s inability to control his or her urination. To back

such a claim, Hellman and Blackman (1966) found that enuresis was tied to aggression

and fantasies of destruction in a study utilizing 84 prisoners where 31 were charged with

aggressive crimes against the persona and 53 were charged with misdemeanors and minor

felonies. Enuresis, in some cases, is considered to be an overt manifestation of internal

turmoil usually caused by a disturbance in the home (Hickey, 2016).

One area of bedwetting that must be mentioned is the fact that any parent can

attest that his or her child, at some point, faced some minor to a major form of

bedwetting. To place focus on bedwetting as a factor of a serial killer’s character might

prove to be less than factual evidence. Hickey (2016) states, “For approximately 80% of

children who suffer enuresis, the causes have biological roots and heredity is a major

contributing factor.” In saying that, to mention bedwetting as one of the three main

characteristics of a serial killer is not backed by factual evidence, which places a gap in

research. To back such information, Houts, Berman, and Abramson (1994) states,

“Enuresis is, most often, caused by a failure of muscular responses that inhibit urination

or by a hormonal imbalance that permits too much urine to accumulate during the night,”

which teaches that many children, not only serial killers, face such an issue.

Animal cruelty is an aspect of serial killers that do not sit well with the public and

those researching such individuals. It has been said even though some serial killers have

taken enjoyment from hurting animals, many enjoy more the vivisection (conducting

operations on live animals for experimental research) and exploration of dead animals

(Hickey, 2016). In a study utilizing 102 males serving time in a federal penitentiary,

Felthous and Kellert (1985) found that cruelty to animals during childhood occurred

much more often among aggressive criminals than among nonaggressive criminals or

non-criminals. In the above-mentioned study, Felthous and Kellert (1985) identified nine

motivations for childhood cruelty to animals: to control the animal, to retaliate against the

animal, to satisfy a prejudice against a specific species or breed, to express aggression

through an animal, to enhance one’s aggressiveness, to shock people for amusement, to

retaliate against another person, displacement of hostility from a person to an animal, and

nonspecific sadism.

Even though many serial killers have admitted to the abuse of animals, it does not

always mean that every serial killer has taken on violence toward an animal. However,

when researching known and less than known serial killers, one might come across the

fact he or she had some violence toward animals. It is said that some serial killers who

were physically or sexually abused seem to mimic their mistreatment on their companion

animals (Gill, 1994).

According to Hickey (2016), the term fire-setting is more used to describe the

actions of juveniles, whereas arson described the actions of an adult; however, each term

is used interchangeably. Although we have all known or had that, at least, one friend that

enjoyed blowing things up or setting things on fire, it does not mean he or she was or

became a serial killer. Many juveniles that have conducted some form of setting fires

have lacked in certain areas concerning his or her home life. In saying that, it is the

absence of many home-environmental factors that drive one to conduct such aggressive

acts.

Within juvenile fire-setters, noted family dysfunctions that play a role in a

juvenile setting fires included low marital satisfaction, little or no display of affection,

ineffectual role modeling, and excessive physical force in disciplining children (Hickey,

2016). Even though a large number of juveniles display some, if not all, of the behaviors

listed under the most common psychological and behavioral problems in fire-setters, the

signs remain factual concerning fire-setters. According to Hickey (2016), the following

are the most common psychological and behavioral problems observed in the Fresno

group of juvenile fire-setters: learning problems, poor school behavior, poor

concentration, lying, excessive anger, fighting with siblings, disobedience, being

influenced by peers, attention-seeking, impulsiveness, impatience, preoccupation with

fire, unhappiness in a dysfunctional family, and pronounced need for security and

affection.

When thinking of a serial killer, one often thinks of the infamous Jack the Ripper

from the streets of London in 1888. Society often celebrates or glorifies Jack the Ripper

venturing away from the heinous acts of serial killing. Given that Jack the Ripper fits in

the same category as the celebrity, perhaps, it is the perspective of society that may

contribute to the self-perception a serial killer has of him or herself.

According to Simpson (2017), the murders conducted by Jack the Ripper

stand at a particular nexus in the representation of true crime, where fact and legend

immediately fused in popular media to create a terrifying new modern, urban

mythology of a preternaturally cunning human super-predator: one who strikes from

the shadows to commit ghastly murder with impunity and then retreats into that

darkness until the next atrocity.” Such a perspective backs the theory of the United

States compared to international countries that differ concerning the image of a serial

killer.

Sexual Fantasies

To associate a serial killer with a sexual fantasy, it is important to understand the

concept of sexual fantasy and gratification. Hickey (2016) stated, “Most serial killers

known widely to the public have usually been involved sexually with their victims. This

may include rape, sodomy, and an array of sexual tortures and deviations.” In saying that,

it is not out of line to discover a relationship between violence and sexual fantasies for

serial killers.

One factor to take into consideration when looking at a serial killer’s sexual

fantasies is to understand the definition and difference between a sex murderer and a lust

murderer. According to Hickey (2016), the sex murderer kills often out of fear and a

desire to silence his victim, whereas the lust murderer appears to harbor deep-seated

fantasies. Many serial killers have admitted to venturing into the pornography material.

Hickey (2016) wrote, “Some offenders admit to the occasional or frequent use of

pornography, sometimes violent materials involving bondage and the torture of women

and children. With this in mind, it is interesting to think about how a serial killer’s sexual

gratification peaks at some point and develops the need to move onto more concerning

behaviors.

Sexual Violence

Sexual assault is often viewed as violence with various motives. However,

research shows that violence associated with sexual assault typically focuses on modus

operandi and victim selection (Marsh, 2018). In saying that, what internal desires drive

the victim selection of the offender(s)? Was it the scent of the victim or the way the

victim carried him or herself? Such a series of questions open the door to further research

concerning violence and victim selection, which can be driven by one’s sexual fantasies.

For example, does a serial offender look at a targeted population that link with his or her

sexual fantasies and then look for vulnerability within the said population? Or, does the

serial killer find what he or she believes to be a vulnerable population and try to

accommodate their truest desires with the said population? Perhaps, it is the physical

attributes of the victim that caught the attention of the offender, or a plethora of other

possibilities.

Fritz Haarmann (The Butcher of Hannover)

Fritz Haarmann, also known as “The Butcher of Hannover,” was a known serial

killer that also fell into the category of pedophile, serial rapist, cannibal, hebephile, and

ephebophile. Haarmann was responsible for 24-27 murders and was eventually sentenced

to death. Much like many other serial killers, Fritz Haarmann was exposed to a difficult

childhood. According to Hickey (2016), Haarmann was a homosexual with a real sexual

passion for picking up young males at railway stations. His psychopathic ability to

manipulate others made the boys easy targets as he lured them to his apartment, where he

tortured, sodomized, and killed them by biting through their throats (Hickey, 2016).

Hickey (2016) stated, “a “true hematolagniac” is a fantasy-driven psychopath and

to be considered very dangerous. Such desires are founded in severe childhood abuse.

The child may engage in auto-vampirism in tasting his own blood and during puberty.

These acts are eventually sexualized and reinforced through masturbation. A progressive

paraphilic stage during adolescence is the sexual arousal of eating animals and drinking

their blood (zoophagia) while masturbating. The compulsive, fantasy-driven, sexual

nature of this paraphilia creates a very dangerous adult.” Much like Peter Kürten, Fritz

Haarmann found sexual gratification in blood and violence. Haarmann’s reign was

between 1919-1924. Although he was apprehended and sentenced to death by guillotine

in 1924, the damage had already been done. Fritz Haarmann once said, “Often, after I had

killed, I pleaded to be put away in a military asylum, but not a madhouse. If [Hans] Grans

had really loved me he would have been able to save me. Believe me, I’m not ill – it’s

only that I occasionally have funny turns. I want to be beheaded. It’ll only take a

moment, then I’ll be at peace.”

Albert Henry DeSalvo (The Boston Strangler)

Albert DeSalvo, also known as the “Boston Strangler,” was a known serial killer

and rapist that conducted his heinous acts between 1962 and 1964. DeSalvo was one of

the many serial killers that were raised in an abusive and poor environmental household.

According to Hickey (2016), Albert DeSalvo learned to steal from stores from his

alcoholic father whom he had watched on many occasions beat and abuse his mother.

Albert DeSalvo gradually developed his violent behavior starting with animals

moving to women as his sexual desires began to take control. According to Hickey

(2016), Albert DeSalvo was responsible for 13 killings of women who ranged in age;

however, 60% were older women. DeSalvo’s methods ranged from mostly stabbing to

blows to the head and stabbing. Hickey (2016) stated, “Although DeSalvo was unsure of

his motives for killing, he was even less sure why he suddenly stopped in January 1964.

Perhaps, he felt he had given the supreme insult to society through the explicit

humiliation of his last victims.”

According to Durden-Smith (2008), DeSalvo’s attorney wrote about him stating,

“Without a doubt, the victim of one of the most crushing sexual drives that psychiatric

science has ever encountered.” Durden-Smith also speaks about the excessive demands

DeSalvo had on his wife and how she did not care to submit to his kind of kissing, which

was extensive as far as the body was concerned. Known as a serial killer and rapist,

Albert DeSalvo had such an extensive appetite for lust he could not control his thirst,

which lead to his heinous actions.

Edmund Emil Kemper III

Born in 1948, Edmund Emil Kemper III began his reign of violence at the young

age of 15 killing his grandmother. It is said that as a child, Kemper would act out his

death pretending to be executed by an executioner or role-play his death in a gas chamber

(Hickey, 2016). Kemper’s childhood was anything but easy. Kemper was forced to live in

the basement of his mother’s home with only a small trap door as an exit, which usually

was covered by a kitchen table (Hickey, 2016). Kemper struggled concerning a

relationship with his mother. Kemper also struggled growing close with a male father

figure given his mother married many times throughout his childhood.

Edmund Kemper III was eventually sent to live with his grandparents at the age of

13. When Kemper hit the age of 15, he began his violent streak by shooting his

grandmother in the back of the head multiple times and then repeatedly stabbing her.

Kemper waited for his grandfather to get home just to continue his violence by repeatedly

shooting him on the front porch (Hickey, 2016). Throughout Kemper’s childhood, he was

deprived of love from his family. Often, Kemper would fantasize about killing his family.

Given his jealously of his sister, Kemper fantasized about killer her. In fact, according to

Hickey (2016), Kemper eventually admitted to fantasizing about killing his family,

especially his older sister because he felt she received more love than he did from their

family (Hickey, 2016).

In 1970-1971, Kemper began giving rides to hitchhikers. Usually, these

hitchhikers were young females. According to Hickey (2016), Kemper was

psychologically preparing himself for future violent missions. Known for shooting,

stabbing, and strangling, Kemper continued his reign of carnage at the age of 23.

Eventually, Kemper would add eight more victims to his killing list. His methods became

more gruesome as the killings continued. Hickey (2016) stated Kemper cannibalized, at

least, two of his victims, slicing off parts of their legs and cooking the flesh in a macaroni

casserole.

Looking at Kemper’s methods, and knowing that was 6 feet 9 inches tall, 280

pounds, and his IQ was 136 (Hickey, 2016), he was showing his strength and ability to

control his victims. In fact, on one Easter morning, Kemper killed his mother in her

bedroom with a hammer and a large hunting knife he named “The General” (Hickey,

2016). Heinously, Kemper smashed his mother’s head in, then slashed her throat. Once

Kemper had conducted the previously mentioned violent act, he continued to cut out his

mother’s larynx and placed it in the garbage disposal (Hickey, 2016). Kemper would

continue to dissect his mother’s remains by detaching her head from her body and having

sex with her dead body. Ed Kemper once said, “When I see a pretty girl walking down

the street, I think two things: one part of me wants to take her home, be really nice and

treat her right; the other part wonders what her head would look like on a stick.”

Andrei Chikatilo (The Russian Ripper)

The Russian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, a man of intelligence and modesty that

loved to play chess, represents one of Europe’s most prolific serial killers (Hickey, 2016).

Known as a serial killer, pedophile, enucleator, cannibal, necrophiliac, ephebophile, and

hebephile, Chikatilo was responsible for 52-57 murders, Chikatilo enjoyed utilizing a

knife for his heinous acts, which stimulated his sexual fantasies. An issue at that time was

that Russia was not prone to providing the public with information concerning serial

killers through any form of media. Given that Russia did not share such information,

innocent people were murdered because of a lack of knowledge. According to Hickey

(2016), Andrei Chikatilo is also known as the “Russian Ripper” brutally killed 14 young

girls, 21 boys, and 18 women continuing his reign of horror for 12 years between 1978

and 1990.

As stated above, many factors contribute to one’s well-being including

environmental factors. Andrei Romanovich Chikatilo was born on October 16, 1936, in

Yablochnoye, a village in the heart of rural Ukraine in the USSR (Hickey, 2016). Andrei

Chikatilo spent his childhood suffering from the agricultural collectivization policy

instilled by Stalin which caused many health issues for the population. If one were to

research the time of Andrei Chikatilo’s birth, he or she would learn how the effects of the

famine caused by Stalin left Chikatilo’s childhood to be guided by deprivation.

Looking at the environmental factors that contributed to Andrei Chikatilo’s

violent acts, much suffering and hardship may have driven his desire to conduct violence.

According to Hickey (2016), Andrei Chikatilo’s older brother Stepan had been abducted

and cannibalized during the Ukrainian famine of the 1930s, which caused many

psychological issues to take place, including fearfulness and insecurities. Thinking about

such information, the foundation of Chikatilo’s violent tendencies could have started at

an extremely young age pushing him to not only build violent fantasies but also build on

methods that would allow him to find a way to achieve sexual gratification.

Andrei Chikatilo attempted to rape a nine-year-old girl in 1978 (Vidar, 2019).

Because the nine-year-old girl would not consent to intercourse with Chikatilo, he began

to stab her. Looking at the murder, putting the age of the victim aside, it is interesting to

notice how Chikatilo tried to have consensual sex even though he was not able to have an

erection with a nine-year-old girl who would not have, at that age, fully understood any

sexual encounter. However, according to Hickey (2016), Andrei Chikatilo could never

use his genitals to penetrate his victims. Once he would ejaculate onto his victims, he

would use a twig to place his sperm into their vagina or anus (Hickey, 2016).

Looking at the murder of the above mentioned nine-year-old girl, the intent to

rape, the stabbing, which lead to her death, it is important to notice the desire to control

the victim and humiliate the victim. The nine-year-old girl had no chance of controlling

the situation and had no chance of escaping the situation. Also, it is important to notice

since Chikatilo was not able to sustain an erection, the nine-year-old girl would not have

known such information even when presented with his genitalia, which would mean his

victim would not have understood his inability to use his penis, or his handicap, for lack

of better term.

Even though rape and murder are extremely discomforting topics to discuss,

Chikatilo’s violence became more gruesome. According to Vidar (2019), Chikatilo

murdered again in 1982 killing seven people, 1983 killing four women and children,

relocated to Novocherkassk and murdered two women in 1985, killed three young boys

in 1987, killed nine people in 1988, and murdered two women and seven boys in 1990.

Throughout his murders, his methods began escalating to include mutilation and

cannibalism. Also, an important fact is that no adult males were victimized by Chikatilo,

which continues to lead one to believe in his desire to dominate. Andrei Chikatilo once

said, “When I used my knife, it brought psychological relief. I know I have to be

destroyed. I understand. I was a mistake of nature.”

John Edward Robinson (The Slave Master)

John Edward Robinson, also known as the “Slave Master” was an older male that

enjoyed meeting his victims in an online Internet chatroom. Robinson’s name “Slave

Master” came from his internet handle for sadomasochistic chatrooms. Responsible for 8

murders, multiple rapes, and assaults, Robinson’s method for killing was bludgeoning.

According to Hickey (2016), Robinson lured, at least, five women to his Kansas home

with promises of work or kinky sex.

Much like the other serial killer in this study, Robinson enjoyed the sexual

degradation of women, which according to Hickey (2016), the Internet was a useful tool

in procuring his victims. With a pattern of sexual dominance and the fact, Robinson

bludgeoned his victims to death, his sexual fantasies enabled him to follow such dark

desires and conduct these heinous acts.

Charles Albright (The Eyeball Serial Killer)

Charles Albright, also known as “The Eyeball Serial Killer,” was responsible for

multiple murders of female prostitutes from 1990-1991. According to Hickey (2016),

Albright was an intelligent man speaking multiple languages, a skilled painter, musician,

skilled taxidermist, and a biology teacher that was adored by women. Albright was said

to have been a faithful family man; however, he had often made visits to prostitutes. His

method for killing consisted of a .44-caliber handgun and was always directed toward

prostitutes.

When Charles Albright was 51-years-old, he raped a 13-year-old girl yet,

somehow, managed to minimize the incident (Hickey, 2016). Over time, Albright became

much more aggressive to females. Hickey (2016) states, “He was a consummate liar and

con man, a true Jekyll-and-Hyde personality.” One interesting aspect of Charles Albright

was his obsession with human eyes. When the bodies were studies for autopsies,

Albright’s victims were found to have no eyes because they were surgically removed.

According to Hickey (2016), the victim’s eyes were never recovered. Now incarcerated,

Albright still obsesses on his love for the human eye.

Wesley Allan Dodd (Sadistic Child Killer)

Wesley Allan Dodd, also known as “Sadistic Child Killer,” began his reign in

1974 with his gratification in abusing children. Dodd started exposing himself at an early

age to local children around his neighborhood. Hickey (2016) said Dodd sought out

children whom he knew and were close to him, and, at the age of 14, he molested his

cousins who were 8 and 6-years-old. However, when Dodd became the age of 18, he

began seeking out children he did not know to molest using money to lure the children to

secluded places, where he would order them to take down their pants (Hickey, 2016).

Like many serial killers, Dodd’s sexual fantasies escalated from molestation to

murder. Hickey (2016), wrote, “On September 4, 1989, Dodd accosted two brothers and

then molested and stabbed them to death. On October 29, 1989, Dodd lured a child away

from a schoolyard and took him to his apartment, where he bound the boy, molested him,

and later strangled him while he was sleeping. After the murder, he hung the child in a

closet and took pictures of him.” Dodd’s sexual fantasies of sexually overtaking children

and strangulation lead to his death by hanging on January 5, 1993.

Chapter 3: Research Method

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how sexual fantasies play

a role in serial offenders’ violent behaviors by conducting a comparative analysis of the

behavior, technique, and identification signatures of serial killers. A descriptive

phenomenological design was used to determine the environmental factors that contribute

to serial killers’ sexually violent tendencies. Patterns concerning serial killers’ methods

were examined, and environmental factors that contributed to serial killers’ antisocial

behavior were explored. Because environment and time are important determinants of

behavior, I used social learning theory and ecological systems theory were used to

conduct the comparative analysis. The significance of sexual fantasy as an etiological

factor was also investigated.

Research Design and Rationale

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was used to conduct the

analysis. Although no live interviews were conducted in this study, previously conducted

interviews, manifestos, and historical records were coded and analyzed to determine

environmental differences and similarities that may have contributed to the violence

committed.

A descriptive phenomenological design based on historical documentation was

used to obtain a clearer understanding of factors that played a role in the development of

serial killers’ violence. Ravitch and Carl (2019) found that a phenomenological inquiry is

used to understand the source of behavior. Ravitch and Carl noted that a person’s reality

and behavior are developed by experiencing life through the perspective of their personal

experiences.

The purpose was to understand how environmental factors and sexual fantasies

contributed to serial killers’ violent behavior. I examined the developmental milestones

and key factors of a serial killer’s childhood to identify the experiences that may have

altered their perception of normal behavior. A primary goal of this research was to

determine the influence of these environmental factors on the behavior of serial killers.

Role of the Researcher

The role of the researcher in a qualitative study is the most crucial aspect when

conducting thorough research. My role in this study was to obtain all factual evidence

concerning the history of the selected serial killers, including geographical history,

diagnosed mental disposition(s), sexual fantasies, subsequent acting-out behavior(s), and

identification signatures. Another role was to identify factors that may have altered a

serial killer’s mental state. Lastly, coded data included methods used for the killings.

Methodology

The proposed serial killers used for this research were selected based on their

popularity and social impact. Within the selected 7 serial killers, each one will have

characteristics and signatures that stem from sexually gratifying violent acts. The chosen

serial killers for this study have already been interviewed and studied by previous

researchers; however, for different reasons and to support theories. This study will begin

by utilizing already conducted interviews, and psychosocial evidence gathered to obtain a

deeper look into the mind of those identified serial killers. Next, the researcher of this

study will use the manifestos of the chosen serial killers for this research to better

understand historical and potentially sexual factors that may have altered the mental state

of each serial killer.

This research is primarily based on the social learning theory and supported by

the ecological systems theory to conduct a comparative analysis of selected serial killers.

Many factors contribute to a serial killer’s violent behavior, including physical trauma,

deprivation, abuse, neglect, and socioeconomic status. A look into each of the previously

mentioned factors that contribute to a serial killer’s mental state will provide a better

understanding of his/her choice of methods and victim selection. Both the social learning

theory and ecological systems theory are the most suitable approaches for this qualitative

study. The coding of key information and the analysis of manifestos, historical records,

presentations of normative culture, and sexual fantasy will be included as methods of

research used to compare and contrast identified serial killers.

Participant Selection Logic

This study will look into the time frame of each murder. Each serial killer selected

for this study has a unique approach and unique signatures that defined their acts. Even

though we are not utilizing live participants for this study, the history, manifestos, already

conducted interviews, and methods will be crucial evidence for providing empirical

results. Each serial killer for this study will be chosen not only because they are

categorized as serial killers but also because each carry unique differences that may shed

light on this common behavior (serial killing) for this comparative analysis.

Data Analysis Strategy

Many studies have been conducted in an attempt to link different theories with

violent behavior (Keatley et al. (2018), Reid et al. (2019), Hickey (2016)). Each study has

provided solid evidence concerning the foundation of violence. However, the goal is to

further the research of those already conducted and fill in the gaps concerning the

foundation of violence and subsequent compulsive actions. One major gap in the

literature is the comparative analysis of the variables that led to acts of murder. Given this

study is looking to analyze lived experiences to determine a foundation of violence, a

descriptive phenomenology and thematic analysis based on the works completed by the

previously mentioned researchers will be utilized.

Instrumentation

A coding protocol (see Appendix: Coding Protocol) will be used to gather data

from the variety of sources. Data collected on this protocol form will then be imported

into NVIVO. NVIVO version 12 will be utilized as the key Instrument for data analysis.

The NVIVO software has been identified by the literature as a standard instrument for

qualitative data analysis. The software application allows scholars the ability to

Collect, Analyze/Organize unstructured and/or semi-structured data. Included in this

application package are key functions that will prove helpful in this study. The software

is sectioned off into the features; Analyze cases, which provides initial comparative

analysis; Sets of data, which organizes and groups all similar data; Attributes and

classifications, which outline those factors are distinctly different from other concepts;

Nodes, which are codes to signify themes and subthemes; Queries; which allow

researchers to ask meaningful questions of the data collected; and Matrices, which help

the researcher to cross-tabulate related information.

The researcher will obtain, organize, and code all factors gathered to study the

chosen serial killers for this study. By utilizing the rich data of manifestos, and evidence

gathered by previous researchers on serial killers and violence, the features of the

NVIVO software will be employed. Thus far it has been found that every serial killer

tends to leave behind some form of writing or signature mark that depicts his or her

internal turmoil. The goal of including that data is to provide a more detailed analysis of

historical facts that may shed light on factors associated with their violent tendencies.

Other evidence that will be included and analyzed will consist of information given to the

public from law enforcement agencies, and published writings on each of the chosen

serial killers. Each serial killer chosen for this study provides a unique look into the mind

of a violent murderer. Every piece of data included and analyzed will play a vital role in

the development of this study.

Data Collection

As this study seeks to provide an in-depth look into the history and environment

of chosen serial killers, there is the general hope of completing a thematic comparative

analysis. All data (Manifestos, Historical accounts, etc.) will be collected and coded into

NVIVO. No face-to-face participation will be conducted during this process. As

mentioned earlier, this study will also include a detailed analysis of the histories and

significance of childhood traumas both physically and mentally that may have

contributed to a serial killer’s violent desires.

Issues of Trustworthiness

Although this study will not utilize human subjects for any portion of this

research, the writings and interviews of those selected serial killers will be used to

complete this study. The sole concern related to trustworthiness would be with the

writings (manifestos) of the chosen serial killers. It has been suggested by Hickey (2016),

that given serial killers are known pathological or habitual liars, it is difficult to

determine what words spoken by each serial killer are truth. Even with the manifestos, it

may become an issue if one of the serial killers has a grandiose perception of self.

However, this research is striving to obtain factual evidence and it is not believed this

will pose a threat to conducting a solid research study. Using the published writings of

previous researchers, such as Hickey (2016), issues of trustworthiness will not be an

issue.

Ethical Procedures

Even though this study will not use participants, all ethical procedures will be

respected and followed. With every aspect of this study, all considerations concerning

ethical procedures will be adhered to. At every stage of this study, adherence to

professionalism and ethics will be employed. It is not the intent of this researcher to

violate or compromise any ethical procedures.

Summary

The population for this research are individuals that have impacted society in a

detrimental fashion. Each serial killer has unique characteristics and signatures that

separate them from other killers. The questions that will be answered include, (1) How

factors play a role in the development of one’s homicidal ideation? (2) How the degree to

which one’s sexual fantasies play a role in homicidal ideation? (3) How factors influence

the dynamic of a serial killer’s method of killing? and (4) How do homicidal signatures

help us to better understand one’s lived experiences? To help us better understand these

questions this study will identify 7 serial killers based on their popularity and social

impact. This study will use a qualitative approach. A phenomenological and thematic

analysis will be applied to conduct a study based on lived experiences of serial killer’s

history that may have contributed to their violent behavioral characteristics. A thematic

analysis will be utilized to capture any patterns or themes that may show a relationship

between variables found in the data collected.

This study will utilize the NVIVO qualitative statistics software package to

analyze coded data from multiple sources. All sources will be collected, manipulated, and

coded using qualitative research standards by the investigator. Each source of data

collected will play a vital role in developing themes that will contribute to an empirical

understanding of the behavioral etiology of serial killers.

Chapter 4: Findings

This study addressed the dynamics a serial killer displays when conducting a

murder. From luring tactics to the methods of killing, serial killers demonstrate

characteristics that represent their internal turmoil and history. Discovering patterns in

serial killers that were associated with their sexual fantasies was the purpose of this

study. I looked at the history, methods of killing, interviews, manifestos, and previously

conducted interviews with each serial killer to identify patterns of sexual fantasies.

Many serial killers come from homes that inform their extreme physical, verbal,

and emotional dispositions (Hickey, 2016). Abuse is carried by these individuals who

become labeled as serial killers. This abuse drives their violent behavior. One of the first

patterns noticed was the mental abuse each serial killer endured. One common form of

abuse these serial killers endured was a series of experiences that impaired their mental

state causing abandonment issues, mental anguish, internal turmoil, and anger (Hickey,

2016; Philbin & Philbin, 2009).

Segeren, Fassaert, de Wit, and Popma (2020) addressed the criminogenic factors

associated with young adults’ violent behavior. Segeren et al. noted that mental abuse is

as detrimental, if not more, to a youth’s mental development as physical and emotional

abuse. Each serial killer in the current study experienced a pattern of abusive situations

encountered in youth. In saying that, mental adaptation was most likely to occur based on

the consistency of the abuse. If such a patterned mindset is built on sex or violence, the

mental norm for such a mindset will focus on sexual or violent ideation, with the

potential for it to dominate a developing mindset.

The process of researching patterns that reveal a serial killer’s sexual fantasies

started with focusing on the history of each offender. Hickey (2016) and Philbin and

Philbin (2009) discovered patterns such as mental abuse, neglect, rejection by parents or

authority figures, molestation, and humiliation by parental figures. These patterns

influenced the development of a loss of control, pain, and a higher level of gratification

concerning appeasing internal desires.

Transitioning from historical facts to the modus operandi was necessary to

discover how sexual fantasies influenced violent and homicidal ideation. Within the

chosen serial killers for this study, signature methods of conducting sexually violent acts

were discovered. These methods showed a pattern in serial killers with similar historical

abusive situations, including rape (sexual activity without consent), torture (inflicting

pain on someone as punishment or swaying a victim to doing something demanded),

control (directing someone’s behavior), and assault (physical attacks and abuse).

Charles Albright, also known as the “Eyeball Serial Killer,” faced a series of

mental and emotional abuse as a child (Hickey, 2016) that built a pattern in his thought

process allowing him to develop a higher and more violent sexual gratification level.

Much like Wesley Allan Dodd, John Robinson, Andrei Chikatilo, Albert DeSalvo, Fritz

Haarmann, and Ed Kemper, Charles Albright faced humiliating circumstances inflicted

by parental figures that formed a violent pattern and placed a lower value concerning the

life of another. Looking at sources, such as Hickey (2016), and Philbin and Philbin

(2009), and theoretical foundations, such as the social learning theory, and the ecological

systems theory, it was found that the environmental abuse endured by each serial killer

altered their mindset and detrimentally affected the development of their sexual desires to

violent fashion.

Profiling Sexual Fantasies

Sexual fantasies differ from person to person. Some may fantasize about control

and dominance, while others may fantasize about being controlled and being dominated.

Noorishad, Levaque, Byers, and Shaughnessy (2019) wrote, “Sexual fantasies, interests,

and experiences are three important aspects of human sexual expression that likely are

related yet distinct.” In saying that, the types of sexual fantasies differ depending on

one’s interests and experiences. Even though sexual fantasies, interests, and experiences

are considered three different categories, each of them are linked by historical encounters

experienced by a person.

There are many types of sexual fantasies. Sexual fantasies consist of multiple

partners, control (dominance, rape), novelty (something adventurous), taboo (something

uncommon), passionate (accommodating emotional desires), polygamy (open-

relationship), online sexual activity (pornography), and gender differences (touching on

same-sex interest) (Kahr, 2009), just to name a few. What separates the common

individual with any form of sexual fantasy(s) and a serial killer is the compulsion that

comes after the obsession. Another concept is sexual homicide. Malmquist (1996) stated,

“Sexual homicide is a broad term that includes different types of sexual killing, such as

rape killings, sexual lust killings, and killings after a sexual act in order to destroy

evidence.” Hickey (2016) wrote, “Sexual serial killers tend to either kill after a rape or be

involved in lust murders. These sexual killers are more inclined than other solo male

offenders to seek out strangers for victims.”

Many researchers have studied the prevalence and content of men’s aggressive

sexual fantasies, including their link with rape-supportive cognition; however, little to no

research has examined the link between imaginal ability and the use of such fantasies

(Bartels, Harkins, & Beech, 2020). Where this study left a gap in research was with the

population used to obtain results. Utilizing violent offenders, such as serial killers, is the

key to understanding how one’s sexual fantasies turn to violence. Bartels, Harkins, and

Beech (2020) touched on how it is normal for the average individual to have sexual

fantasies to appease his or her sexual gratification, and how men are more prone to

having aggressive fantasies, such as rape-related and sadistic themes. Where it becomes

abnormal is when an individual takes his or her sexual fantasies and obsesses on the

details of the said fantasies moving to a compulsion to gratify the overwhelming

sensation to find some form of orgasmic ending.

Abramowitz and Reuman (2020) wrote, “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

is characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts that provoke anxiety or distress (i.e.,

obsessions) and ritualistic behaviors (i.e., compulsions) and extreme avoidance behavior

performed to reduce distress. Obsessions and compulsions are often theme-based (e.g.,

contamination, harm) and functionally related.” When applying this disorder to serial

killers, it is imperative to focus on the pattern-based behaviors each display.

Incorporating the mental development of each serial killer as a youth, developing a

pattern concerning violent conduct became a behavioral norm. Breaking down the

obsessive-compulsive patterns of each serial killer was a major key to unlocking the

sexual fantasy behind each serial killer’s violent endeavors.

As stated in chapter two, sexual assault is often viewed as violence with various

motives. However, research shows that violence associated with sexual assault typically

focuses on modus operandi and victim selection (Marsh, 2018). When we think about

what drives one’s sexual fantasies, the question becomes, where does each aspect of

one’s sexual fantasies stem? To truly understand a serial killer’s sexual fantasies, we

must look at the victim selection. Each aspect of a victim is a key source for

understanding how the said aspect gratifies a serial killer’s sexual fantasy.

Hickey (2016) stated, “Cases of serial killing share commonalities and

characteristics. Anger, low self-esteem, fantasy, facilitation, and objectification of victims

all are common denominators in understanding the general etiological roots of serial

murder.” Given the research conducted on each serial killer for this study, learning what

historical encounters each serial killer faced tells the story of their sexual development.

At specific moments in each serial killer’s life a loss of control, inflicted pain, becoming

a victim, and the learning concerning the value of another person is implemented.

The sexual fantasies of the serial killers chosen for this study consist of taking the

power and control away from a victim. The gratification of inflicting pain on the chosen

victim is a gratifying factor that appeases a serial killer’s sexual fantasies. By conducting

these acts, the internal gratification of a serial killer can be peaked, and a form of sexual

relief can be discovered. At this point, the behavior of the assaulter is the goal of the

serial killers. The orgasmic ending comes with the signature each serial killer implements

in their method of killing, such as rape and strangulation.

Sexual fantasies are an aspect of every individual. No matter one’s beliefs, sexual

fantasies are present in the mind. A study conducted on sexual fantasies utilized sixty-two

participants between the ages of 21-45. According to Zurbriggen and Yost (2004),

“Desire and pleasure were more closely linked in the fantasies of men than in the

fantasies of women, for whom the two were distinct constructs. Although fantasies of

submission were not associated with problematic attitudes for either gender, men’s

fantasies of dominance were associated with greater acceptance of rape myths. For

women, greater rape myth acceptance was associated with emotional and romantic

fantasy themes.” This study found that dominance was stronger in men than women as

well as submission and sexual pleasure and desire. Regardless of gender, Hickey (2016)

states, “Serial murder can find its roots in stressors such as rejection, abandonment, loss,

humiliation, and hatred.”

Anzani and Prunas (2020) stated, “Sexual fantasies typically represent sexually

arousing mental imagery and, thus, are thought to play a role in sexual activation and

sexual desire.” Apply such information with an obsessive nature and one can imagine not

only the sexual imagery of one’s desires but also the internal drive to accommodate the

gratification that comes with appeasing the fantasies. The previous two studies depict the

strength of sexual fantasies for individuals not categorized as a serial killer or even

possess the qualifying characteristics of a serial killer: “(1) the existence of two or more

forensically linked murders with or without a revealed intention of committing additional

murder, (2) murders that are committed as a discrete event(s) by the same person(s) over

a period of time and (3) where the primary motive is personal gratification” (Willmott et

al., 2017). While tying sexual fantasies to a serial killer’s violent conduct, it is important

to note the normalcy of sexual desires. Allen, Katsikitis, Millear, and McKillop (2020),

suggests, “Sexual fantasies are a common aspect of human experience and a prominent

consideration in the conceptualization and treatment of harmful sexual behavior.”

Lived Experiences

Utilizing aspects of the social learning theory and the ecological systems theory,

the goal was to uncover a link between lived experiences and the development of sexual

fantasies. It is believed that sexual fantasies serve as a driving force to violent and

homicidal ideation. Exposure to violence, neglect by parents, humiliation, abuse,

abandonment, and experiencing torturous situations seem to lead us to the etiology of a

serial killer mindset. Viewing abuse in the home was found to have an affiliation with

future violent and homicidal behaviors pushed by a severe hatred. Humiliation founded

feelings of sorrow and inadequacy, which caused a desire to control every situation.

While each serial killer has his or her signature and/or modus operandi, the

creation of these characteristics was formed by the lived experiences each serial killer

endured during his childhood. Based on the collection of information, certain key factors

were found that help us to understand the importance of early influences of trauma (see

Figure 1). This graph provides a depiction of influential factors each serial killer

experienced as a child. These factors consist of violence (blue), neglect (orange), abuse

(grey), abandonment (yellow), humiliation (blue), and torture (green).

Figure 1. Exposure to early influence of childhood environmental factors.

Table 1

Childhood Exposure

Name

Assignement introduction Factors That Influence Violence and Homicidal Ideation.pdf

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