Serial Killers
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In order for one to understand the motives of a serial killer, one must first understand the traits inherent in most serial murderers. These include understanding the definition of a serial killer, the common characteristics they possess and the horrific childhoods many endure. Also, one must examine the biological and/or psychological reasons for the heinous crimes which serial killers commit. Theodore Robert Bundy, although one of the most prolific serial killers of our time, is an exception to many of these criteria.
To define serial murder it's important to understand the difference between a serial murderer and a mass murderer. The most important difference between the two is that a serial killer includes any person, male or female who kills over a certain period of time which could be days, weeks or even years. Mass murderers kill multiple victims in a short period of time and most often take their own lives. A serial killer will murder indefinitely and will not stop until incarcerated or institutionalized. "Mass murderers are generally apprehended or killed by police, commit suicide, or turn themselves in to authorities. Serial killers, by contrast, usually make special efforts to elude detection...