i

Serial Murder

Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives 

for Investigators 
Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime 

Critical Incident Response Group 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

ii 
Editor 

Robert J. Morton 

Supervisory Special Agent 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Contributors 

Leonard G. Johns 

Unit Chief 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-3 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Timothy G. Keel 

Major Case Specialist 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Steven F. Malkiewicz 

Supervisory Special Agent 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

James J. McNamara 

Supervisory Special Agent 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Kirk R. Mellecker 

Major Case Specialist (Retired) 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Co-Editor 

Mark A. Hilts

Unit Chief

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Mary Ellen O’Toole

Supervisory Special Agent

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2

Federal Bureau of Investigation

David T. Resch

Unit Chief 

Behavioral Analysis Unit-1

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Mark Safarik

Supervisory Special Agent (Retired)

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Armin A. Showalter

Supervisory Special Agent

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Rhonda L. Trahern

Supervisory Special Agent

Behavioral Analysis Unit-2

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,

 Firearms and Explosives 

iii 
Table of Contents

Message from the Director.........................................................................................

Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................

Foreword.....................................................................................................................

National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime..................................................

I. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 

II. Definition of Serial Murder.................................................................................

III. Causality and the Serial Murderer....................................................................

IV. Psychopathy and Serial Murder........................................................................ 

V. Motivations and Types of Serial Murder: 

 The Symposium Model........................................................................................ 

VI. Investigative Issues and Best Practices............................................................

VII. Forensic Issues in Serial Murder Cases...........................................................

VIII. Prosecution of Serial Murder Cases................................................................

IX. Media Issues in Serial Murder Investigations.................................................

X. Issues Regarding Talking Heads in the Media..................................................

Epilogue.......................................................................................................................

Appendix A: Symposium Agenda............................................................................

Appendix B: Serial Murder Symposium Working Group.....................................

Appendix C: Symposium Attendees.........................................................................

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iv 
v

Message from Director Mueller

Every day, law enforcement offi cers across America are called to respond to murders. 

Each homicide case is tragic, but there are few cases more heartrending and more diffi cult 

to understand than serial murder. 

For years, law enforcement investigators, academics, mental health experts, and the 

media have studied serial murder, from Jack the Ripper in the late 1800s to the sniper 

killings in 2002, and from the “Zodiac Killer” in California to the “BTK Killer” in Kansas. 

These diverse groups have long attempted to understand the complex issues related to 

serial murder investigations. Until the Serial Murder Symposium, however, there had been 

few attempts to reach a consensus on some of these issues. 

This monograph presents the fi ndings and collective wisdom of a multidisciplinary group of 

experts, who brought their individual experience and insights to the same table. Our hope 

is that it will give you new ideas and new resources as you continue your important work. 

The FBI is committed to contributing to the understanding of these horrifi c acts. The 

FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime stands ready to assist our state, 

local, and international partners. We believe the best way to combat any threat — be it 

terrorism, gang violence, or serial murder — is to combine our knowledge and resources 

with those of our partners, and to work as a team. I am grateful for the partnerships that 

helped spur this symposium, and for the partnerships that were formed as a result. 

I deeply appreciate the work that went into this publication. I would like to thank all those 

who participated for their willingness to share their dedication, time and expertise. I 

believe it will be invaluable to our collective ability to understand, respond to, and hopefully 

prevent, serial murder. 

Robert S. Mueller, III
Acknowledgments 

The NCAVC would like to gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following 

individuals, without whose efforts the Symposium and this monograph would not have 

been possible: 

• The members of the Serial Murder Symposium Working Group, for their assistance in 

planning the Symposium. The names of these individuals are listed in Appendix B. 

• The Symposium attendees, for their generous sharing of time and expertise in the area 

of serial murder. The names of these individuals are listed in Appendix C. 

• Pamela Hairfield and Wilma Wulchak, Management and Program Analysts, FBI, 

NCAVC, for their skill, dedication, and perseverance in successfully handling the 

countless administrative tasks associated with the Symposium. 

• Cristie Dobson, Management and Program Assistant, FBI, NCAVC, for her talent and 

time spent copyediting this document and for her work on the cover art. 

• Assistant Director Michael J. Wolf (retired) and Executive Assistant Director J. Stephen 

Tidwell for their support of this project and for their willingness to dedicate the 

resources necessary for its successful completion. 

vi 
Foreword 

The topic of serial murder occupies a unique niche within the criminal justice community. 

In addition to the significant investigative challenges they bring to law enforcement, 

serial murder cases attract an over-abundance of attention from the media, mental health 

experts, academia, and the general public. While there has been signifi cant, independent 

work conducted by a variety of experts to identify and analyze the many issues related to 

serial murder, there have been few efforts to reach a consensus between law enforcement 

and other experts, regarding these matters. 

In an effort to bridge the gap between the many views of issues related to serial murder, 

the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) hosted a multi-disciplinary Symposium in 

San Antonio, Texas, on August 29, 2005 through September 2, 2005. The goal of the 

Symposium was to bring together a group of respected experts on serial murder from a 

variety of fields and specialties, to identify the commonalities of knowledge regarding 

serial murder. 

A total of 135 subject matter experts attended the five-day event. These individuals 

included law enforcement officials who have successfully investigated and apprehended 

serial killers; mental health, academic, and other experts who have studied serial killers 

and shared their expertise through education and publication; officers of the court, who 

have judged, prosecuted, and defended serial killers; and members of the media, who 

inform and educate the public when serial killers strike. The attendees also reflected 

the international nature of the serial murder problem, as there were attendees from ten 

different countries on five continents. 

The agenda encompassed a variety of topics related to serial murder including common 

myths, definitions, typologies, pathology and causality, forensics, the role of the media, 

prosecution issues, investigative task force organization, and major case management 

issues. Each day included panel discussions, case presentations, and discussion groups 

addressing a range of topics related to serial murder. 

This monograph is a culmination of the input and discussion of the attendees on the 

major issues related to serial murder. The contents are based upon the notes taken 

during the presentations, panel discussions, and break-out group sessions. The goal in 

publishing this monograph is to outline the consensus views from a variety of disciplines 

on the causality, motivations, and characteristics of serial murderers, which will enable 

the criminal justice community to generate a more effective response in the identification, 

investigation, and adjudication of these cases. 

vii 
National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime 

The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) is a component of 

the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), located at the FBI Academy in 

Quantico, Virginia. The primary mission of the NCAVC is to provide behaviorally-based, 

operational support to federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies 

involved in the investigation of unusual or repetitive violent crimes, communicated 

threats, terrorism, and other matters of interest to law enforcement. 

The NCAVC is comprised of four units: Behavioral Analysis Unit-1 (Counterterrorism/ 

Threat Assessment), Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 (Crimes Against Adults), Behavioral 

Analysis Unit-3 (Crimes Against Children), and the Violent Criminal Apprehension 

Program (ViCAP). 

NCAVC staff members conduct detailed analyses of crimes from behavioral, forensic, 

and investigative perspectives. The goal of this analysis process is to provide law 

enforcement agencies with a better understanding of the motivations and behaviors 

of offenders. The analysis is a tool that provides investigators with descriptive 

and behavioral characteristics of the most probable offender and advice regarding 

investigative techniques to help identify the offender. 

The NCAVC also conducts research into violent crime from a law enforcement 

perspective. NCAVC research is designed to gain insight into criminal thought processes, 

motivations, and behaviors. Research findings are refined into innovative, investigative 

techniques that improve law enforcement’s effectiveness against violent criminals and are 

shared with law enforcement and other disciplines through publications, presentations, 

and training. 

The Serial Murder Symposium was conceived, planned, and coordinated by the staff of 

the Behavioral Analysis Unit-2 (BAU-2). The resources of BAU-2 are focused on serial, 

mass, and other murders; sexual assaults; kidnappings; and other criminal acts targeting 

adult victims. BAU-2 staff members have developed significant expertise on the subject 

of serial murder and regularly provide operational assistance, conduct research, and 

provide training on issues related to serial murder. 

viii 
1

I 

Introduction 
I. Introduction 

Serial murder is neither a new phenomenon, nor is it uniquely American. Dating back to 

ancient times, serial murderers have been chronicled around the world. In 19th century 

Europe, Dr. Richard von Krafft-Ebing conducted some of the first documented research 

on violent, sexual offenders and the crimes they committed. Best known for his 1886 

textbook Psychopathia Sexualis, Dr. Kraft-Ebing described numerous case studies of 

sexual homicide, serial murder, and other areas of sexual proclivity. 

Serial murder is a relatively rare event, estimated to comprise less than one percent of 

all murders committed in any given year. However, there is a macabre interest in the 

topic that far exceeds its scope and has generated countless articles, books, and movies. 

This broad-based public fascination began in the late 1880s, after a series of unsolved 

prostitute murders occurred in the Whitechapel area of London. These murders were 

committed by an unknown individual who named himself “Jack the Ripper” and sent 

letters to the police claiming to be the killer. 

Dear Boss 

I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they wont fix me just yet. I 

have laughed when they look so clever and talk about being on the right track. That joke 

about Leather Apron gave me real fits. I am down on whores and I shant quit ripping 

them till I do get buckled. Grand work the last job was. I gave the lady no time to 

squeal. How can they catch me now. I love my work and want to start again. You will 

soon hear of me with my funny little games. I saved some of the proper red stuff in a 

ginger beer bottle over the last job to write with but it went thick like glue and I cant use 

it. Red ink is fit enough I hope ha. ha. The next job I do I shall clip the ladys ears off and 

send to the police offi cers just for jolly wouldn’t you. Keep this letter back till I do a bit 

more work, then give it out straight. My knife’s so nice and sharp I want to get to work 

right away if I get a chance. Good luck. 

Yours truly 

Jack the Ripper 

These murders and the nom de guerre “Jack the Ripper” have become synonymous with 

serial murder. This case spawned many legends concerning serial murder and the killers 

who commit it. In the 1970s and 1980s serial murder cases such as the Green River 

Killer, Ted Bundy, and BTK sparked a renewed public interest in serial murder, which 

blossomed in the 1990s after the release of films such as Silence of the Lambs. 

Much of the general public’s knowledge concerning serial murder is a product of 

Hollywood productions. Story lines are created to heighten the interest of audiences, 

rather than to accurately portray serial murder. By focusing on the atrocities inflicted 

on victims by “deranged” offenders, the public is captivated by the criminals and their 

crimes. This only lends more confusion to the true dynamics of serial murder. 

2
Law enforcement professionals are subject to the same misinformation from a different 

source: the use of anecdotal information. Professionals involved in serial murder cases, 

such as investigators, prosecutors, and pathologists may have limited exposure to serial 

murder. Their experience may be based upon a single murder series, and the factors in 

that case are extrapolated to other serial murders. As a result, certain stereotypes and 

misconceptions take root regarding the nature of serial murder and the characteristics of 

serial killers. 

A growing trend that compounds the fallacies surrounding serial murder is the talking 

heads phenomenon. Given creditability by the media, these self-proclaimed authorities 

profess to have an expertise in serial murder. They appear frequently on television and 

in the print media and speculate on the motive for the murders and the characteristics of 

the possible offender, without being privy to the facts of the investigation. Unfortunately, 

inappropriate comments may perpetuate misperceptions concerning serial murder and 

impair law enforcement’s investigative efforts. It was decided by a majority of the 

attendees to issue a formal statement of position regarding the media’s use of these types 

of individuals. (The position statement is included in Section X of this monograph.) 

The relative rarity of serial murder combined with inaccurate, anecdotal information 

and fictional portrayals of serial killers has resulted in the following common myths and 

misconceptions regarding serial murder: 

Myth: Serial killers are all dysfunctional loners. 

The majority of serial killers are not reclusive, social misfits who live alone. They are not 

monsters and may not appear strange. Many serial killers hide in plain sight within their 

communities. Serial murderers often have families and homes, are gainfully employed, 

and appear to be normal members of the community. Because many serial murderers 

can blend in so effortlessly, they are oftentimes overlooked by law enforcement and the 

public. 

• Robert Yates killed seventeen prostitutes in the Spokane, Washington area, during the 

1990s. He was married with five children, lived in a middle class neighborhood, and 

was a decorated U.S. Army National Guard helicopter pilot. During the time period 

of the murders, Yates routinely patronized prostitutes, and several of his victims knew 

each other. Yates buried one of his victims in his yard, beneath his bedroom window. 

Yates was eventually arrested and pled guilty to thirteen of the murders. 

• The Green River Killer, Gary Ridgeway, confessed to killing 48 women over a 

twenty-year time period in the Seattle, Washington area. He had been married three 

times and was still married at the time of his arrest. He was employed as a truck 

painter for thirty-two years. He attended church regularly, read the Bible at home and 

at work, and talked about religion with co-workers. Ridgeway also frequently picked 

up prostitutes and had sex with them throughout the time period in which he was 

killing. 

3
• The BTK killer, Dennis Rader, killed ten victims in and around Wichita, Kansas. He 

sent sixteen written communications to the news media over a thirty-year period, 

taunting the police and the public. He was married with two children, was a Boy Scout 

leader, served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, was employed as a local government 

official, and was president of his church. 

Myth: Serial killers are all white males. 

Contrary to popular belief, serial killers span all racial groups. There are white, AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, and Asian serial killers. The racial diversification of serial killers 

generally mirrors that of the overall U.S. population. 

• Charles Ng, a native of Hong Kong, China, killed numerous victims in Northern 

California, in concert with Robert Lake. 

• Derrick Todd Lee, an African-American, killed at least six women in Baton Rouge, 

Louisiana. 

• Coral Eugene Watts, an African-American, killed five victims in Michigan, fl ed the 

state to avoid detection, and murdered another 12 victims in Texas, before being 

apprehended. 

• Rafael Resendez-Ramirez, a native of Mexico, murdered nine people in Kentucky, 

Texas, and Illinois, before turning himself in. 

• Rory Conde, a Colombian native, was responsible for six prostitute homicides in the 

Miami, Florida area. 

Myth: Serial killers are only motivated by sex. 

All serial murders are not sexually-based. There are many other motivations for serial 

murders including anger, thrill, financial gain, and attention seeking. 

• In the Washington, D.C. area serial sniper case, John Allen Muhammad, a former 

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, and Lee Boyd Malvo killed primarily for anger and thrill 

motivations. They were able to terrorize the greater Washington, D.C. metro area for 

three weeks, shooting 13 victims, killing 10 of them. They communicated with the 

police by leaving notes, and they attempted to extort money to stop the shootings. 

They are suspected in a number of other shootings in seven other states. 

• Dr. Michael Swango, a former U.S. Marine, ambulance worker, and physician, was a 

health care employee. He was convicted of only four murders in New York and Ohio, 

although he is suspected of having poisoned and killed 35 to 50 people throughout the 

United States and on the continent of Africa. Swango’s motivation for the killings was 

intrinsic and never fully identified. Interestingly, Swango kept a scrap book fi lled with 

newspaper and magazine clippings about natural disasters, in which many people were 

killed. 

4
• Paul Reid killed at least seven people during fast food restaurant robberies in 

Tennessee. After gaining control of the victims, he either stabbed or shot them. The 

motivation for the murders was primarily witness elimination. Reid’s purpose in 

committing the robberies was financial gain, and some of the ill-gotten gains were 

used to purchase a car. 

Myth: All serial murderers travel and operate interstate.

Most serial killers have very defined geographic areas of operation. They conduct their 

killings within comfort zones that are often defined by an anchor point (e.g. place of 

residence, employment, or residence of a relative). Serial murderers will, at times, spiral 

their activities outside of their comfort zone, when their confidence has grown through 

experience or to avoid detection. Very few serial murderers travel interstate to kill. 

The few serial killers who do travel interstate to kill fall into a few categories: 

• Itinerant individuals who move from place to place. 

• Homeless individuals who are transients. 

• Individuals whose employment lends itself to interstate or transnational travel, such as 

truck drivers or those in military service. 

The difference between these types of offenders and other serial murderers is the nature 

of their traveling lifestyle, which provides them with many zones of comfort in which to 

operate. 

Myth: Serial killers cannot stop killing. 

It has been widely believed that once serial killers start killing, they cannot stop. There 

are, however, some serial killers who stop murdering altogether before being caught. 

In these instances, there are events or circumstances in offenders’ lives that inhibit 

them from pursuing more victims. These can include increased participation in family 

activities, sexual substitution, and other diversions. 

• BTK killer, Dennis Rader, murdered ten victims from 1974 to 1991. He did not kill 

any other victims prior to being captured in 2005. During interviews conducted by 

law enforcement, Rader admitted to engaging in auto-erotic activities as a substitute 

for his killings.

• Jeffrey Gorton killed his first victim in 1986 and his next victim in 1991. He did not 

kill another victim and was captured in 2002. Gorton engaged in cross-dressing and 

masturbatory activities, as well as consensual sex with his wife in the interim. 

Myth: All Serial killers are insane or are evil geniuses. 

Another myth that exists is that serial killers have either a debilitating mental condition, 

or they are extremely clever and intelligent. 

5
As a group, serial killers suffer from a variety of personality disorders, including 

psychopathy, anti-social personality, and others. Most, however, are not adjudicated as 

insane under the law. 

The media has created a number of fictional serial killer “geniuses”, who outsmart law 

enforcement at every turn. Like other populations, however, serial killers range in 

intelligence from borderline to above average levels. 

Myth: Serial killers want to get caught. 

Offenders committing a crime for the first time are inexperienced. They gain experience 

and confidence with each new offense, eventually succeeding with few mistakes or 

problems. 

While most serial killers plan their offenses more thoroughly than other criminals, the 

learning curve is still very steep. They must select, target, approach, control, and dispose 

of their victims. The logistics involved in committing a murder and disposing of the 

body can become very complex, especially when there are multiple sites involved. 

As serial killers continue to offend without being captured, they can become empowered, 

feeling they will never be identified. As the series continues, the killers may begin to 

take shortcuts when committing their crimes. This often causes the killers to take more 

chances, leading to identification by law enforcement. It is not that serial killers want to 

get caught; they feel that they can’t get caught. 

6
7

II 

Definition of Serial Murder
II. Definition of Serial Murder 

In the past thirty years, multiple definitions of serial murder have been used by law 

enforcement, clinicians, academia, and researchers. While these definitions do share 

several common themes, they differ on specific requirements, such as the number of 

murders involved, the types of motivation, and the temporal aspects of the murders. To 

address these discrepancies, attendees at the Serial Murder Symposium examined the 

variations in order to develop a single definition for serial murder. 

Previous definitions of serial murder specified a certain number of murders, varying from 

two to ten victims. This quantitative requirement distinguished a serial murder from 

other categories of murder (i.e. single, double, or triple murder). 

Most of the definitions also required a period of time between the murders. This breakin-time was necessary to distinguish between a mass murder and a serial murder. Serial 

murder required a temporal separation between the different murders, which was 

described as: separate occasions, cooling-off period, and emotional cooling-off period. 

Generally, mass murder was described as a number of murders (four or more) occurring 

during the same incident, with no distinctive time period between the murders. These 

events typically involved a single location, where the killer murdered a number of victims 

in an ongoing incident (e.g. the 1984 San Ysidro McDonalds incident in San Diego, 

California; the 1991 Luby’s Restaurant massacre in Killeen, Texas; and the 2007 Virginia 

Tech murders in Blacksburg, Virginia). 

There has been at least one attempt to formalize a definition of serial murder through 

legislation. In 1998, a federal law was passed by the United States Congress, titled: 

Protection of Children from Sexual Predator Act of 1998 (Title 18, United States Code, 

Chapter 51, and Section 1111). This law includes a definition of serial killings: 

The term ‘serial killings’ means a series of three or more killings, not less than one of 

which was committed within the United States, having common characteristics such as to 

suggest the reasonable possibility that the crimes were committed by the same actor or 

actors. 

Although the federal law provides a definition of serial murder, it is limited in its 

application. The purpose of this definition was to set forth criteria establishing when the 

FBI could assist local law enforcement agencies with their investigation of serial murder 

cases. It was not intended to be a generic definition for serial murder. 

The Symposium attendees reviewed the previous definitions and extensively discussed 

the pros and cons of the numerous variations. The consensus of the Symposium 

attendees was to create a simple but broad definition, designed for use primarily by law 

enforcement. 

One discussion topic focused on the determination of the number of murders that 

constituted a serial murder. Academicians and researchers were interested in establishing 

a specific number of murders, to allow clear inclusion criteria for their research on serial 

8
killers. However, since the definition was to be utilized by law enforcement, a lower 

number of victims would allow law enforcement more flexibility in committing resources 

to a potential serial murder investigation. 

Motivation was another central element discussed in various definitions; however, attendees 

felt motivation did not belong in a general definition, as it would make the defi nition overly 

complex. 

The validity of spree murder as a separate category was discussed at great length. The 

general definition of spree murder is two or more murders committed by an offender 

or offenders, without a cooling-off period. According to the definition, the lack of a 

cooling-off period marks the difference between a spree murder and a serial murder. 

Central to the discussion was the definitional problems relating to the concept of a 

cooling-off period. Because it creates arbitrary guidelines, the confusion surrounding this 

concept led the majority of attendees to advocate disregarding the use of spree murder 

as a separate category. The designation does not provide any real benefit for use by law 

enforcement. 

The different discussion groups at the Symposium agreed on a number of similar factors to 

be included in a definition. These included: 

• one or more offenders 

• two or more murdered victims 

• incidents should be occurring in separate events, at different times 

• the time period between murders separates serial murder from mass murder 

In combining the various ideas put forth at the Symposium, the following defi nition was 

crafted: 

Serial Murder: The unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s), 

in separate events. 

9
10

III 

Causality and the 

Serial Murderer
III. Causality and the Serial Murderer 

Following the arrest of a serial killer, the question is always asked: How did this person 

become a serial murderer? The answer lies in the development of the individual from 

birth to adulthood. Specifically, the behavior a person displays is influenced by life 

experiences, as well as certain biological factors. Serial murderers, like all human 

beings, are the product of their heredity, their upbringing, and the choices they make 

throughout development. Causality, as it relates to the development of serial murderers, 

was discussed at length by the Symposium attendees. 

Causality can be defined as a complex process based on biological, social, and 

environmental factors. In addition to these factors, individuals have the ability to choose 

to engage in certain behaviors. The collective outcome of all of these infl uences separates 

individual behavior from generic human behavior. Since it is not possible to identify all 

of the factors that influence normal human behavior, it similarly is not possible to identify 

all of the factors that influence an individual to become a serial murderer. 

Human beings are in a constant state of development from the moment of conception 

until death. Behavior is affected by stimulation received and processed by the central 

nervous system. Neurobiologists believe that our nervous systems are environmentally 

sensitive, thereby allowing individual nervous systems to be shaped throughout a 

lifetime. 

The development of social coping mechanisms begins early in life and continues to 

progress as children learn to interact, negotiate, and compromise with their peers. In 

some individuals the failure to develop adequate coping mechanisms results in violent 

behavior. 

Neglect and abuse in childhood have been shown to contribute to an increased risk of 

future violence. Substance abuse can and does lead to increased aggression and violence. 

There are documented cases of people who suffered severe head injuries and ultimately 

become violent, even when there was no prior history of violence. 

Symposium attendees agreed that there is no single identifiable cause or factor that 

leads to the development of a serial killer. Rather, there are a multitude of factors that 

contribute to their development. The most signifi cant factor is the serial killer’s personal 

decision in choosing to pursue their crimes. 

There were several additional observations made by the attendees regarding causality: 

• Predisposition to serial killing, much like other violent offenses, is biological, social, 

and psychological in nature, and it is not limited to any specific characteristic or trait. 

• The development of a serial killer involves a combination of these factors, which 

exist together in a rare confluence in certain individuals. They have the appropriate 

biological predisposition, molded by their psychological makeup, which is present at a 

critical time in their social development. 

11
• There are no specific combinations of traits or characteristics shown to differentiate serial

 killers from other violent offenders. 

• There is no generic template for a serial killer. 

• Serial killers are driven by their own unique motives or reasons. 

• Serial killers are not limited to any specific demographic group, such as their sex, 

age, race, or religion. 

• The majority of serial killers who are sexually motivated erotized violence during 

development. For them, violence and sexual gratification are inexplicably intertwined

 in their psyche. 

• More research is needed to identify specific pathways of development that produce 

serial killers. 

12
13

IV

Psychopathy and 

Serial Murder
IV. Psychopathy and Serial Murder

Attendees at the Serial Murder Symposium agreed that there is no generic profile of a 

serial murderer. Serial killers differ in many ways, including their motivations for killing 

and their behavior at the crime scene. However, attendees did identify certain traits 

common to some serial murderers, including sensation seeking, a lack of remorse or guilt, 

impulsivity, the need for control, and predatory behavior. These traits and behaviors 

are consistent with the psychopathic personality disorder. Attendees felt it was very 

important for law enforcement and other professionals in the criminal justice system to 

understand psychopathy and its relationship to serial murder. 

Psychopathy is a personality disorder manifested in people who use a mixture of 

charm, manipulation, intimidation, and occasionally violence to control others, in 

order to satisfy their own selfish needs. Although the concept of psychopathy has been 

known for centuries, Dr. Robert Hare led the modern research effort to develop a series 

of assessment tools, to evaluate the personality traits and behaviors attributable to 

psychopaths. 

Dr. Hare and his associates developed the Psychopathy Check List Revised (PCL-R) 

and its derivatives, which provide a clinical assessment of the degree of psychopathy an 

individual possesses. These instruments measure the distinct cluster of personality traits 

and socially-deviant behaviors of an individual, which fall into four factors: interpersonal, 

affective, lifestyle, and anti-social. 

The interpersonal traits include glibness, superficial charm, a grandiose sense of selfworth, pathological lying, and the manipulation of others. The affective traits include 

a lack of remorse and/or guilt, shallow affect, a lack of empathy, and failure to accept 

responsibility. The lifestyle behaviors include stimulation-seeking behavior, impulsivity, 

irresponsibility, parasitic orientation, and a lack of realistic life goals. The anti-social 

behaviors include poor behavioral controls, early childhood behavior problems, juvenile 

delinquency, revocation of conditional release, and criminal versatility. The combination 

of these individual personality traits, interpersonal styles, and socially deviant lifestyles 

are the framework of psychopathy and can manifest themselves differently in individual 

psychopaths. 

Research has demonstrated that in those offenders who are psychopathic, scores vary, 

ranging from a high degree of psychopathy to some measure of psychopathy. However, 

not all violent offenders are psychopaths and not all psychopaths are violent offenders. 

If violent offenders are psychopathic, they are able to assault, rape, and murder without 

concern for legal, moral, or social consequences. This allows them to do what they want, 

whenever they want. 

The relationship between psychopathy and serial killers is particularly interesting. All 

psychopaths do not become serial murderers. Rather, serial murderers may possess some 

or many of the traits consistent with psychopathy. Psychopaths who commit serial murder 

do not value human life and are extremely callous in their interactions with their victims. 

This is particularly evident in sexually motivated serial killers who repeatedly target, stalk, 

assault, and kill without a sense of remorse. However, psychopathy alone does not explain 

the motivations of a serial killer. 

14
Understanding psychopathy becomes particularly critical to law enforcement during a 

serial murder investigation and upon the arrest of a psychopathic serial killer. The crime 

scene behavior of psychopaths is likely to be distinct from other offenders. This distinct 

behavior can assist law enforcement in linking serial cases. 

Psychopaths are not sensitive to altruistic interview themes, such as sympathy for their 

victims or remorse/guilt over their crimes. They do possess certain personality traits that 

can be exploited, particularly their inherent narcissism, selfishness, and vanity. Specific 

themes in past successful interviews of psychopathic serial killers focused on praising 

their intelligence, cleverness, and skill in evading capture. 

Attendees recognized that more research is needed concerning the links between serial 

murder and psychopathy, in order to understand the frequency and degree of psychopathy 

among serial murderers. This may assist law enforcement in understanding and 

identifying serial murderers. 

15
16

V 

Motivations and Types of 

Serial Murder: 

The Symposium Model
V. Motivations and Types of Serial Murder: The Symposium Model 

Over the past twenty years, law enforcement and experts from a number of varying 

disciplines have attempted to identify specific motivations for serial murderers and to 

apply those motivations to different typologies developed for classifying serial murderers. 

These range from simple, definitive models to complex, multiple-category typologies 

that are laden with inclusion requirements. Most typologies are too cumbersome to be 

utilized by law enforcement during an active serial murder investigation, and they may 

not be helpful in identifying an offender. 

The attendees at the Symposium discussed the issues surrounding motivation and the 

use of typologies to categorize varying types of serial murder. Identifying motivations 

in the investigation of a crime is a standard procedure for law enforcement. Typically, 

motivation provides police with the means to narrow the potential suspect pool. 

The same logical steps are taken when investigating homicide cases. As most homicides 

are committed by someone known to the victim, police focus on the relationships closest 

to the victim. This is a successful strategy for most murder investigations. The majority 

of serial murderers, however, are not acquainted with or involved in a consensual 

relationship with their victims. 

For the most part, serial murder involves strangers with no visible relationship between 

the offender and the victim. This distinguishes a serial murder investigation as a more 

nebulous undertaking than that of other crimes. Since the investigations generally lack an 

obvious connection between the offender and the victim, investigators instead attempt to 

discern the motivations behind the murders, as a way to narrow their investigative focus. 

Serial murder crime scenes can have bizarre features that may cloud the identifi cation of 

a motive. The behavior of a serial murderer at crime scenes may evolve throughout the 

series of crimes and manifest different interactions between an offender and a victim. It 

is also extremely difficult to identify a single motivation when there is more than one 

offender involved in the series. 

The attendees at the Symposium made the following observations: 

• Motive generally may be difficult to determine in a serial murder investigation. 

• 

• 

throughout the murder series. 

• The classification of motivations should be limited to observable behavior at the crime 

scene. 

• Even if a motive can be identifi

• Utilizing investigative resources to discern the motive instead of identifying the 

A serial murderer may have multiple motives for committing his crimes. 

A serial murderer’s motives may evolve both within a single murder as well 

ed, it may not be helpful in identifying a serial murderer. 

offender may derail the investigation. 

17 
• Investigators should not necessarily equate a serial murderer’s motivation with the 

level of injury. 

• Regardless of the motive, serial murderers commit their crimes because they want to. 

The exception to this would be those few killers suffering from a severe mental illness. 

To assist law enforcement in narrowing the pool of suspects, attendees at the Symposium 

suggested that broad, non-inclusive categories of motivations be utilized as guidelines for 

investigation. The following categories listed below represent general categories and are 

not intended to be a complete measure of serial offenders or their motivation: 

• Anger is a motivation in which an offender displays rage or hostility towards a certain 

subgroup of the population or with society as a whole. 

• Criminal Enterprise is a motivation in which the offender benefits in status or 

monetary compensation by committing murder that is drug, gang, or organized crime 

related. 

• Financial gain is a motivation in which the offender benefits monetarily from killing. 

Examples of these types of crimes are “black widow” killings, robbery homicides, or 

multiple killings involving insurance or welfare fraud. 

• Ideology is a motivation to commit murders in order to further the goals and ideas 

of a specific individual or group. Examples of these include terrorist groups or an 

individual(s) who attacks a specific racial, gender, or ethnic group. 

• Power/thrill is a motivation in which the offender feels empowered and/or excited 

when he kills his victims.

• Psychosis is a situation in which the offender is suffering from a severe mental 

illness and is killing because of that illness. This may include auditory and/or visual 

hallucinations and paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre delusions. 

• Sexually-based is a motivation driven by the sexual needs/desires of the offender. 

There may or may not be overt sexual contact reflected in the crime scene. 

An offender selects a victim, regardless of the category, based upon availability, 

vulnerability, and desirability. Availability is explained as the lifestyle of the victim 

or circumstances in which the victim is involved, that allow the offender access to the 

victim. Vulnerability is defined as the degree to which the victim is susceptible to attack 

by the offender. Desirability is described as the appeal of the victim to the offender. 

Desirability involves numerous factors based upon the motivation of the offender and 

may include factors dealing with the race, gender, ethnic background, age of the victim, 

or other specific preferences the offender determines. 

18
VI 

Investigative Issues and 

Best Practices
VI. Investigative Issues and Best Practices

Attendees at the Symposium identified successful investigative practices for solving 

serial murder cases. These factors were central to the discussions: 

• Identification of a Serial Murder Series 

• Leadership 

• Task Force Organization 

• Resource Augmentation 

• Communication 

• Data Management 

• Analytical Tools 

• Medical Examiners/Coroners 

• Administrative Issues 

• Training 

• Offi cer Assistance Programs 

Identification 

Symposium participants listed the initial identification of a homicide series as the primary 

investigative challenge. Historically, the first indication that a serial murderer was at 

work was when two or more cases were linked by forensic or behavioral evidence. 

Identifying a homicide series is easier in rapidly-developing, high profile cases involving 

low risk victims. These cases are reported to law enforcement upon discovery of the 

crimes and draw immediate media attention. 

In contrast, identifying a series involving high risk victims in multiple jurisdictions is 

much more difficult. This is primarily due to the high risk lifestyle and transitory nature 

of the victims. Additionally, the lack of communication between law enforcement 

agencies and differing records management systems impede the linkage of cases to a 

common offender. 

Attendees stressed the importance of law enforcement networking with other 

investigative agencies and cited the National Law Enforcement Teletype System 

(NLETS) messages, ViCAP Alerts, and the Law Enforcement Online (LEO) website as 

alternative mechanisms for sharing information to help determine other linked cases. The 

use of the FBI’s NCAVC, both the Behavioral Analysis Units and the Violent Criminal 

Apprehension Program, in linking potential cases was also encouraged. 

Leadership 

High profile investigations present a multitude of leadership challenges for law 

enforcement, from investigators to police executives. Law enforcement personnel 

may face external pressures from political entities, victims’ families, and the media. 

Collectively, strong management throughout the chain of command must continually 

reinforce the supreme goal of the investigation: To arrest and prosecute the offender. 

20
Attendees at the Symposium agreed that in successful serial murder investigations, the 

roles of both investigators and supervisors were clearly delineated. The investigative 

function is the primary mission, and all other activities are in support of that mission. 

In serial murder cases, the actual investigation should be directed by competent, homicide 

investigators, who have the experience to direct and focus the investigative process. Law 

enforcement administrators should not run the investigation but rather ensure that the 

investigators have the resources to do their job. Supervisors should also act as buffers 

between investigators and the other levels of command. 

There are several other strategies law enforcement executives may consider while 

preparing for these intense investigations: 

• Completing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between different law 

enforcement agencies, in order to obtain mutual support agreements and commitment 

of manpower, resources, and overtime.

• Identifying all resources that may be needed during the investigation and maintaining 

detailed lists of available resources.

• Establishing good working relationships with other departments prior to the crisis, 

through networking, scheduled meetings, and joint training.

• Providing training opportunities in the latest techniques and methods of homicide 

investigation. 

Additional observations regarding leadership in task force operations include: 

• Communication on administrative issues should be restricted to management personnel 

of the various agencies, so as not to distract investigators. 

• The intense pressure in high profile investigations may at times decrease logical 

decision making. Tunnel vision and impulsivity should be avoided. 

• Law enforcement administration in each of the participating law enforcement agencies 

should present a unified front by agreeing to a written investigative strategy that 

outlines the investigative goals, the roles of the agencies, and establishes a clear and 

concise chain of command. 

• Command staff should focus on providing and managing the resources investigators 

need to solve the case, rather than directing the investigation. A major problem 

identified by attendees at the Symposium was the issue of micro-management. When 

a supervisor attempts to personally direct every action in an investigation, rather than 

allowing investigators to perform their jobs independently, they exacerbate problems in 

these high profile investigations. 

• While law enforcement attracts positive individuals with strong personalities, 

management should encourage all involved personnel to leave their “egos” at the 

door. This ensures that personality differences among investigators do not become a 

distraction to the investigation. Investigators who lack the ability to collaborate with 

21
colleagues can hinder the investigation and should not be assigned to investigative 

teams. 

Task Force Organization 

Once a serial murder series has been identified, it is important for the involved law 

enforcement agencies to work together. There are a number of operational and 

investigative issues critical to the successful establishment of an investigative task force. 

Initially, a lead agency for the task force should be designated and will assume the 

primary investigative role. The choice of a lead agency is based upon a number of factors 

including the number and viability of the cases, available resources, and investigative 

experience. Once established, all law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation 

should have representation in the task force. Any outlying agencies should also be 

included, even if they do not have an identified case in the investigation. 

An effective and reliable investigative model identifies a lead investigator and coinvestigator, who, regardless of rank, are given complete control of the investigation. 

These investigators review all incoming information, collate the information, and assign 

leads. If the flow of incoming information becomes unmanageable due to an excessive 

influx of investigative tips, the lead investigators can delegate this responsibility to 

an experienced investigator, who will act as a lead control offi cer. Administrators 

must look beyond the traditional method of assigning the next available investigators 

regardless of skill or assigning investigators who have no desire to be involved in a major 

case. Consequently, law enforcement administrators must assign the most qualified 

investigator(s) to lead the current case. 

The lead investigator(s) must have the experience, dedication, and tenacity to direct all 

aspects of the investigation. They should also, with management’s support, have the 

ability to select a cadre of investigators and support personnel and assign such personnel 

as the investigation dictates. In serial murder investigations, the lead investigators must 

handle all crime scene activities and related leads, as each incident may be interwoven. 

It is the responsibility of the lead investigators or the lead control investigator to ensure 

relevant information is distributed to the entire task force. 

At the onset of the task force, the lead investigators should immediately implement 

a preplanned task force model. Common to most models is the need to establish an 

information management system to track tips and leads in the case. This computer 

system should account for the idiosyncrasies of the investigation while being flexible 

enough to handle any contingency. All personnel should be familiar with its operation, 

and it should be pre-tested to insure viability in investigative conditions. 

Primary to the investigation is sufficient manpower to successfully investigate 

and prosecute the case. The overwhelming consensus from the attendees is that 

the assignment of excessive numbers of personnel to the investigation may be 

counterproductive. A small group of experienced homicide investigators, under the 

direction of the lead investigator(s), is far more effective than a large number of less 

experienced investigators or investigators who are experienced in different areas of 

criminal activity. Additional personnel may be brought in for specific tasks as necessary. 

22
There should be a bifurcation of responsibility between the administration of the case and 

the investigation of the case. The task of running the investigation is the responsibility 

of the lead investigator. The administration provides all of the necessary support, 

including procurement of equipment, funding, and manpower. As an example, task force 

administrators must obtain authority for priority requests for services, from the forensic 

laboratory and other service providers. The lead investigator(s) and the administrators 

of the task force must have a close, cooperative working relationship, while maintaining 

their own areas of responsibility. 

Assignment of liaison personnel in serial homicide cases is highly recommended. The 

highest priority is the families of the victims, who will be supportive of the investigative 

efforts, when they believe the investigators are competent and all available resources 

are being used to identify and arrest the offender. An investigator with exceptional 

interpersonal and communication skills should be assigned to maintain constant contact 

with the families, keeping them apprised of the progress of the investigation and any 

pending press releases. 

Liaison must also be maintained with the numerous support entities both inside and 

outside the task force including the prosecutor’s office, the forensic laboratory, the 

medical examiner’s office, and surrounding law enforcement agencies. Additionally, a 

list of available experts in specific forensic and related fields should be compiled and 

liaison established for use in the investigation. As long as the flow of information is 

manageable, one individual can be assigned to multiple liaison duties. 

Resource Augmentation 

As the investigation continues, the manpower requirements of the task force will increase 

for various reasons, including increasing the number of investigators and support staff. 

Restraint must be practiced by task force administrators to avoid the use of excess 

personnel. As previously discussed, the use of fewer personnel may be more effective. 

The lead investigator is in the best position to recognize when additional personnel are 

needed. The administrator’s responsibility is to provide the authority for the permanent 

or temporary reassignment of the requested number of personnel to the task force. 

If additional personnel are needed to expand the task force, the reassignment should 

be for the duration of the task force, to insure continuity of investigative information. 

However, for short term needs such as a specific neighborhood canvass or road block 

canvass, personnel can be reassigned temporarily to complete the specific task and then 

be returned to their normal duties. 

In either event, the arrival of new personnel should be preplanned and a detailed 

case briefing provided. This briefing should include an explanation of their specific 

assignment, their work hours, details of the investigation as it applies to their assignment, 

expected standards for report completion, and a complete list of contact numbers. 

Additionally, personnel should be cautioned about discussing case sensitive information 

with anyone outside of authorized law enforcement personnel. 

23
Arbitrary rotation of personnel should be avoided, as it negatively affects the continuity 

of the investigation. Rotation of personnel should only occur if requested by the 

investigator, or there are officer assistance issues. If the task force is disbanded and later 

reinstated, the original investigators should be utilized. 

Communications 

Attendees stressed the importance of disseminating information to the investigators 

engaged in a serial murder investigation through the following: 

• Daily briefings are essential for investigators, especially when there are different 

work shifts. Periodic summary briefings are also necessary for managers and 

patrol officers. These can be accomplished via e-mails or at roll call and should be 

conducted by investigative personnel. 

• Communication on the operational level is paramount, especially in task force 

investigations and when serial murder cases involve multiple states. As all 

information must be shared seamlessly, teleconferences may not sufficiently allow for 

the flow of information. Face-to-face case briefings are suggested. 

• Submitting ViCAP reports on solved and unsolved murders, attempted murders, and 

sexual assaults for inclusion in the ViCAP database is strongly recommended and may 

facilitate the linkage of unknown related cases for law enforcement agencies. 

Data Management 

A common problem in serial investigations occurs when data is not entered into the 

electronic database in a timely manner. Useful leads are lost when investigators are 

overloaded with information. The following suggestions were provided regarding data 

management issues: 

• In order to avoid time lags, reports should be written as soon as the investigative lead 

is completed. If reports are not finished before the end of the investigator’s shift, the 

lead investigator(s) may not have time to review those reports. This will lead to a 

back-log of reports, containing pertinent and timely investigative information. 

• Sufficient time should be allocated during work shifts to complete reports. 

• Information should be obtained, documented, and distributed in a standardized 

manner, to maintain consistency among different agencies. Ideally, reports should be 

computer generated to ease the communication issues. 

• Systems similar to the FBI’s Rapid Start computerized case management 

system should be utilized, to effectively organize and collate lead information. 

Computerized systems promote the analysis of a tremendous amount of data. There 

should be sufficient personnel committed to ensure that data is recorded into the 

system, in a timely manner. 

24
• A murder book or series of murder books should be created and maintained. Murder 

books contain all of the pertinent investigative information and are traditionally in 

paper format but can also be developed electronically. 

• All rough notes should be maintained and entered into evidence. 

• Reports should be distributed to all participating law enforcement agencies and the 

prosecutor’s office. 

Analytical Tools 

The wide range of analytical resources available to law enforcement agencies is typically 

under-utilized at the onset of a serial murder investigation. Due to the voluminous 

amount of information characteristic of high profile investigations, critical lead 

information may be lost. The implementation of a tested and reliable case management 

system, as previously discussed, coupled with competent analytical staff, is imperative in 

serial murder investigations. 

Crime analysts offer critical support to the investigation by developing timelines 

on victims and suspects, compiling matrices to highlight similar case elements, 

and providing general analytical support. Analysts should be assigned to the initial 

investigation group, so information can be sorted, compared, and charted to provide 

timely lead information. 

It is recommended that a review team of experienced investigators be formed to assist the 

lead investigator(s) in filtering through the information gathered by analysts. The team 

should consist of two to four investigators from within the involved agencies, as well as 

the crime analysts. The team must remain intact throughout the investigation, to maintain 

the case integrity. 

Many agencies are not supported by an actual crime analysis unit or do not employ 

experienced analysts. In such cases, the agency should contact their neighboring 

jurisdictions or the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime for 

assistance. 

Symposium attendees also discussed the importance of the behavioral aspects of the 

investigation and recommended the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit be utilized for the 

multitude of services it provides to include crime scene analysis, offender profi les, case 

linkage analysis, interview strategies, and prosecution strategy. The case consultations 

can be conducted at the BAU office in Quantico, Virginia, or a team of BAU staff 

members can respond to the respective agency, to personally view the crime scenes and 

discuss the behavioral issues with the pertinent task force members. 

Medical Examiners/Coroners 

A thorough autopsy and the subsequent collection of evidence are critical in serial murder 

investigations. Medical examiners and coroners operate according to their different state 

mandates and vary as to the thoroughness of their investigations. Consistent procedures 

25
to collect, record, and retrieve case information are important in linking cases in other 

jurisdictions. 

The following recommendations were made concerning medical examiners in serial 

murder investigations: 

• Medical examiners should share information on autopsies in potentially related cases. 

Joint meetings with investigators can provide additional background information on 

these cases. 

• A single medical examiner should be utilized in serial cases occurring within the same 

jurisdiction. 

• Once a series has been identified that involves several jurisdictions, the various 

medical examiner offices may consider performing joint autopsy procedures to ensure 

continuity in evidence collection. 

• Investigators should also ensure submissions of all unidentified victims to the FBI 

Laboratory’s National Missing Persons DNA database.

• Investigators should also ensure the entry of unidentified remains recovered into the 

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and ViCAP. 

Administrative Issues 

Law enforcement agencies should review their current administrative policies relating 

to maintenance and storage of unsolved homicide case materials. Top priority should be 

given to these cases by extending the storage time limit and may include the following: 

• Mirror the FBI’s NCAVC 50-year minimum mandate to keep copies of all unsolved 

cases. 

• Retain records of unsolved homicide cases and the accompanying evidence until the 

case is closed. 

• Records should be electronically converted. 

• Evidence storage should be available for long term storage of forensic evidence in 

murder cases.

• Submit cases to the FBI’s ViCAP database, which maintains case information 

indefi nitely.

Resources and Finances 

It is essential that an investigative agency have the resources available in order to 

establish the initial setup for a task force, both from financial and logistic perspectives. 

26
There should be a contingency plan in place to handle the resource issues in a major 

investigation. Buildings, office space, computers, phones, vehicles, food, and other 

necessities should be considered in the plan. 

Utilizing non-law enforcement agencies, such as the fire department for use of their hightech equipment, may also be included in the plan. It was recommended that agencies 

develop emergency response plans and establish MOU’s at the local, state, and national 

level. 

Training 

Training continues to be an issue for all law enforcement departments. Complex 

homicide investigations, especially those involving serial murder cases, depend upon the 

experience and abilities of investigators to effectively conduct the investigation. With the 

retirement of many experienced homicide investigators, newer investigators need training 

and exposure to a wide range of investigative techniques. Attendees also suggested 

the utilization of standardized training for homicide investigators, crime analysts, and 

medical examiners. 

Offi cer Assistance Programs 

The brutality of the crime scenes; the senseless, repetitive acts inflicted on the victims; 

and a sense of helplessness in failing to catch the offender are all factors that may impact 

the emotional well-being of investigators involved in a serial murder case. Burnout, 

stress, and hopelessness are just some of the feelings that may affect members of the 

investigative team. 

To combat these issues, attendees suggested the following: 

• Regular debriefings. 

• Access to critical incident counselors. 

• Mental health evaluations upon request. 

• Adequate time off for investigators. 

NOTE: The majority of attendees agreed there should be a published, general guide 

to serial murder investigations, building upon the Multi-Agency Investigative Team 

Manual (MAIT) and addressing specific issues such as cooperative investigative 

models; investigative methods; case linkage; crime scene techniques; MOUs; 

training for police, medical examiners, and crime analysts; the role of regional 

intelligence centers; the integration of BAU and ViCAP; and the role of federal law 

enforcement. 

27
28

VII 

Forensic Issues in 

Serial Murder Cases
VII. Forensic Issues in Serial Murder Cases 

The forensic sciences have played a key role in criminal investigations for many years. 

Recently, there has been increased attention on the forensic sciences by law enforcement, 

prosecutors, and the general public. Particularly in high profile cases, intense media 

coverage concerning evidence issues and the work of crime laboratories has served to 

heighten this interest. 

In the past two decades, there have been tremendous technological advances in the 

laboratory testing of forensic samples. There have also been a number of improvements 

in the identification and collection of evidence at the crime scene, through innovative 

processing and evidence collection methods. Together, these advances allow for a greater 

probability of successful recovery and analysis of evidence than was previously possible. 

There is also growing recognition by criminal justice professionals of the wider scope of 

forensic techniques and available tests. 

The field of forensic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis and the legislation that allows 

DNA testing on a broader number of offenders has made some of the more remarkable 

advances. DNA testing now allows much smaller samples of biological material to be 

analyzed and the results to be more discriminating. DNA testing of forensic crime scene 

samples can now be compared against a database of known offenders and other unsolved 

crimes. 

Forensic laboratories have developed advanced analytical techniques through the use 

of computer technology. Systems such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), 

various Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), and the National Integrated 

Ballistics Identification Network (NIBIN), were identified by the symposium as beneficial 

to serial murder investigations, by providing links between previously unrelated cases. 

CODIS is a national automated DNA information processing and telecommunications 

system that was developed to link biological evidence (DNA) in criminal cases, between 

various jurisdictions around the United States. Samples in CODIS include DNA profiles 

obtained from persons convicted of designated crimes, DNA profiles obtained from 

crime scenes, DNA profiles from unidentified human remains, and DNA from voluntary 

samples taken from families of missing persons. 

29
30

The CODIS data bank of these samples is comprised of three different indices or levels: 

the National DNA Index System (NDIS), the State DNA Index System (SDIS), and the 

Local DNA Index System (LDIS). 

What is important for law enforcement to understand is that the information contained 

at the LDIS and SDIS levels may not automatically be sent to, or searched against, the 

NDIS level. There are different legislation requirements for inclusion into NDIS, than to 

LDIS or SDIS, and not all LDIS and SDIS profi les are sent to NDIS. Even when NDIS is 

queried, individual SDIS data banks may not be queried. Therefore, when dealing with a 

serial murder case, investigators need to contact their LDIS or SDIS level representatives 

to ensure that in addition to the NDIS databank, samples are compared in the individual 

SDIS data banks of each state that is of investigative interest. In cases where there is 

only a partial DNA profi le, a national “keyboard” search can be requested through the 

NDIS custodian, CODIS Unit, FBI Laboratory. 

AFIS is an electronic databank that compares unidentifi ed latent and patent fi ngerprints to 

the known fi ngerprint fi le. There have been a variety of local AFIS systems in use since 

the 1980s. In 1999, the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identifi cation System, 

or IAFIS, became operational. IAFIS is designated as the national repository of criminal 

histories, fi ngerprints, and photographs of criminal subjects in the United States. It also 

contains fi ngerprints and information on military and civilian federal employees. IAFIS 
provides positive identification through comparisons of individuals based on the submission of fingerprint data, through both ten-print fingerprint cards and latent fingerprints. 

Some of the earlier AFIS systems were not compatible with the IAFIS system, and as a 

result, those earlier latent fingerprints may not be included in IAFIS. This becomes an 

issue in serial murder cases, when the offender committed offenses prior to the inception 

of IAFIS, as latent fingerprints from those earlier crimes will not be searchable. If there 

is a possibility the offender committed early crimes, the early AFIS systems need to be 

queried independently. Consultation with laboratory fingerprint experts may be necessary 

in order to establish what AFIS systems exist, which are interoperable, and the protocols 

required to query each system. 

NIBIN is a national databank of both projectile and cartridge information. NIBIN is 

the integration of two previous systems: the FBI’s Drugfire cartridge case imaging 

system and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Integrated 

Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). NIBIN is an imaging system that allows both 

bullets and cartridges recovered from a crime scene to be compared electronically against 

other bullets and cartridges recovered from previous crime scenes, in an effort to link 

previously unrelated cases. The system can search by geographic area or nationwide, 

depending upon the course of the investigation. ATF is maintaining the new system in 

over 75 locations, across the United States. 

When conducting serial murder investigations, it is important for investigators to 

promptly seek guidance from appropriate forensic database experts. Such experts can 

provide information regarding what limitations exist and what additional queries can be 

made of the systems, to obtain additional investigative information. 

Another area in which forensic science can play an important role is in the recovery and 

examination of trace evidence. Trace evidence is described as small, often microscopic 

material. It commonly includes hair and fiber evidence but may encompass almost any 

substance or material. Trace evidence may provide important lead information pertaining 

to offender characteristics, vehicle and tire descriptors, and environmental clues that 

relate to killing scenes and modes of transportation used to move bodies. 

A skilled trace evidence examiner can compare the trace evidence from all of the victims 

in a serial murder case, in an effort to identify evidence common to all of the victims. 

This trace evidence will reflect a “common environment” with which all of the victims 

were in contact. This common environment will repeat in objects in the serial offender’s 

world, such as his vehicles and/or residence. This can demonstrate that all of the victims 

had contact with the offender at the same location(s). 

Attendees at the Serial Murder Symposium universally acknowledged that serial 

murder cases present unique circumstances and concerns, particularly when multiple 

investigative jurisdictions are involved. In serial murder cases, crime scenes may occur 

in different law enforcement jurisdictions, each of whom may possess varying resources 

and abilities to process crime scenes. In some cases, agencies submit evidence to 

different laboratories, even though those agencies are located adjacent to one another. 

These issues degrade the ability of law enforcement to consistently collect evidence 

31
from a murder series. This may prevent identifying a serial killer or forensically linking 

previously unrelated cases to a common offender. 

Attendees identified a number of forensic issues facing the law enforcement community 

in serial murder investigations and made the following suggestions: 

• Once a series is identified, the same crime scene personnel should be utilized at 

related scenes to promote consistency in evidence identification and collection. 

Search personnel should follow established sterilization procedures to ensure there is 

no cross-contamination between the various crime scenes. 

• 

process crime scenes than those used to collect known sample evidence from potential 

suspects. 

• Documentation among the law enforcement agencies should be standardized to ensure 

continuity between separate cases. 

• Aerial photographs of every murder crime scene, as well as the accompanying 

ancillary scenes, should be taken. Aerial photographs clearly depict the geography 

of the area and demonstrate the physical relationships and the distances between the 

crime scenes. They also identify potential routes of ingress and egress to the area. 

• The number of laboratories and experts involved in serial murder investigations 

should be limited to properly certified facilities and personnel. 

expert per discipline. If this is not possible, establish lines of communication between 

laboratories to ensure the sharing of pertinent information related to the investigation. 

• Priority status for laboratory examinations should be obtained to ensure a quick turn 

around on test results. 

• When consulting with forensic scientists, investigators should prioritize forensic 

examinations based upon their potential investigative value. In addition, forensic 

scientists should be consulted frequently to identify alternative sampling and/or 

testing that may lead to successful case resolution. 

• Forensic testimony should be limited to what is needed for successful prosecution. 

Utilization of charts, graphs, or other appropriate audiovisual aides showing forensic 

linkages will clearly and succinctly convey the facts of the cases. 

• 

laboratory results. This may be somewhat problematic, since there are crime 

laboratories that will not duplicate forensic examinations. 

sometimes made to this policy on a case-by-case basis. 

Cross-contamination should be proactively prevented by using different personnel to 

Ideally, all evidence 

should be examined by a single crime laboratory, and that lab should utilize only one 

When necessary, investigators should seek independent, secondary reviews of 

However, exceptions are 

32
The unique combination of different hair and fiber evidence yielded the “common 

environment” to which all of the victims and the offender were exposed.

Latent fi ngerprints belonging to Kristin Lisk were located on the inside of the trunk lid of 

Evonitz’s car, fi ve years after the fact.

Forensic evidence case vignette: 

The case of serial child murderer Richard Mark Evonitz highlights the variety of forensic 

testing that may be utilized to solve difficult cases. In 1996 and 1997, in Spotsylvania 

County, Virginia, three young girls were abducted from their residences, sexually 

assaulted, and killed. The fi rst case occurred on September 9, 1996, when Sophia Silva 

disappeared from the front porch of her house. She was found in October of 1996, in a 

swamp, 16 miles from her residence. A suspect was arrested and charged for her murder, 

based on a faulty trace evidence examination conducted by a state laboratory. 

On May 1, 1997, two sisters, Kristin and Kati Lisk, disappeared from their residence 

after returning home from school. Their bodies were discovered fi ve days later in a river, 

40 miles from their residence. After an examination by an FBI Laboratory Examiner 

yielded trace evidence that positively linked the Silva and Lisk homicides to a common 

environment, the suspect arrested in the Silva case was subsequently released. 

The investigation continued for an additional five years, until a girl was abducted in 

South Carolina. The victim was able to escape, and she identifi ed Richard Mark Evonitz 

as her attacker. Evonitz fl ed South Carolina and was sighted in Florida. After a highspeed chase with police, Evonitz committed suicide. The investigation revealed that 

Evonitz had lived in Spotsylvania, in 1996 and 1997. 

Forensic searches were conducted on Evonitz’s residence in South Carolina, his former 

residence in Spotsylvania, Virginia, and his car. A detailed trace examination of the 

evidence from these searches and the evidence obtained from the three victims revealed a 

number of hair and fi ber matches, providing suffi cient evidence to tie Evonitz to the three 

murders. 

The following trace examinations linked Evonitz to all three homicide victims: 

• Fibers from a bath mat. 

• Fibers from an afghan. 

• Fibers from two separate carpets in Evonitz’s former home in Virginia. 

• Carpet fi bers from the trunk of Evonitz’s car. 

• Head hair consistent with Evonitz. 

A trace examination also linked fi bers from a pair of fur-lined handcuffs to the three 

homicide victims and the surviving victim. 

33
Latent fi ngerprints belonging to Kristin Lisk were located on the inside of the trunk lid of 

Evonitz’s car, fi ve years after the fact.

The unique combination of different hair and fiber evidence yielded the “common 

environment” to which all of the victims and the offender were exposed. 

Latent fi ngerprints belonging to Kristin Lisk were located on the inside of the trunk lid of 

Evonitz’s car, five years after the fact. 

34
35

VIII 

Prosecution of 

Serial Murder Cases
VIII. Prosecution of Serial Murder Cases 

The recognition and investigation of a serial murder series is often perceived as a separate 

and distinct process from the other primary goal in these complex cases: the prosecution 

and conviction of the offender(s) responsible for the homicides. It was a consensus of 

Symposium attendees that law enforcement and prosecutors should work cooperatively as 

the investigative and prosecution processes are inextricably linked. When police suspect 

that one or more homicides may be the result of a serial killer, involving the prosecutor 

early on in the investigation may alleviate significant problems during trial. 

The experience of the Symposium attendees was that in successful prosecutions of 

serial murder cases, the prosecutor’s office was involved and remained accessible to law 

enforcement throughout the entire investigation and subsequent arrest. The partnership 

continued during the trial and resulted in the successful prosecution of the serial 

murderer. 

The prosecutor can assist with critical decisions early in the investigation that could 

potentially impact on court admissibility. Maintaining the integrity of the legal process 

is a paramount consideration when dealing with court orders, search warrants, Grand 

Jury testimony, subpoenas, evidence custody matters, capital murder issues, and concerns 

related to the possible offender’s competency and the voluntariness of confessions. 

Prosecutors are also in the best position to evaluate the different murder cases 

within the serial investigation for presentation in court. They can provide important 

recommendations regarding the future use of evidence, forensic laboratory work, witness 

reports, and suspect interviews during trial. 

Case management and investigative decision making are still controlled and managed 

by the law enforcement agencies. The prosecutor acts in an advisory capacity. 

The responsibilities and duties of the prosecutor should be clarified initially in the 

investigation to avoid potential confusion while the investigation progresses. 

In multi-jurisdictional cases, variations in evidentiary standards, search warrant 

requirements, interview protocols, the quality of the evidence, and the ability to prosecute 

for capital murder may dictate the appropriate venue for prosecution. This consideration 

may take on greater significance when the crimes occur in different states. 

Expert witnesses often play a significant role in high profile serial murder investigations, 

dealing with forensic and competency issues. In many investigations and prosecutions, 

the task of linking the defendant to the victim and the homicide scene(s) has been 

simplified because of physical, trace, and/or DNA evidence located at the scene. Expert 

forensic witnesses are utilized to explain the analysis and value of such evidence. 

Identifying and securing the services of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists will be 

important when addressing issues of competency, diminished capacity, and the insanity 

defense. Consideration should also be given for other collateral expert witnesses, who 

may be utilized to address issues outside of the customary topics, such as blood spatter. 

36
Prosecution case vignette: 

The Washington, D.C. Beltway sniper attacks serve as an excellent example of multijurisdictional prosecutorial considerations. The Beltway serial sniper attacks took place 

during three weeks of October 2002, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitian area. Ten 

people were killed and three others critically injured, in various locations throughout the 

metropolitan area. The killings actually began the month prior to the D.C. rampage, with 

these offenders committing a number of murders and robberies in several other states. 

The D.C. area shootings began on October 2nd, with a series of five, fatal shootings 

over a fi fteen-hour period in Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburban county north of 

Washington, D.C. The investigation was initially spearheaded from Montgomery County, 

and as the number of shootings mutiplied, the task force involved numerous local, state, 

and federal law enforcement agencies from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of 

Columbia. The two men responsible for the homicides, John Allen Muhammad and Lee 

Boyd Malvo, were eventually captured at an interstate rest area in Western Maryland. 

It was ultimately decided that Fairfax County, Virginia, would have the first opportunity 

to try one of the murders, despite the fact that Maryland had more cases. It was felt that 

the case in Fairfax was the strongest case. The Fairfax County homicide was the ninth 

in the Washington, D.C. area series and the third homicide in Virginia. A conviction for 

murder was secured in this case against Malvo, resulting in a life sentence. 

Muhammad was tried next for Capital Murder in a case that occurred in Prince 

William County, Virginia, which resulted in a death sentence. Malvo, pursuant to a 

plea agreement, then plead guilty to one count of murder and one attempted murder in 

Spotsylvania County, Virginia, and was sentenced to life without parole. 

Prosecutors in Montgomery County, Maryland, subsequently tried and convicted 

Muhammad on six counts of murder, and he was sentenced to six consecutive life 

sentences, without the possibility of parole. Malvo plead guilty and testified against 

Muhammad. During these trials, Malvo confessed to four other shootings in 

California, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. It is unknown whether these or several 

other jurisdictions, including Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, and Washington State plan to 

prosecute Muhammad and Malvo. 

37
38

IX 

Media Issues in 

Serial Murder Investigations
IX. Media Issues in Serial Murder Investigations 

Serial murder cases are inherently newsworthy. Some investigations last for years. 

Many attract attention because of the type of victims involved, and in others the serial 

killers themselves are media-attractive. Media attention is exacerbated by the insatiable 

demands of the twenty-four-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week news reporting industry. 

The constant news attention on the investigation inevitably results in conflicts with law 

enforcement. 

Often the relationship between law enforcement and the media is not a close one. In 

some law enforcement agencies, there is a long history of distrust and resentment 

underpinning this relationship. From the law enforcement perspective, the media 

publishes unauthorized information from investigations, hypothesizes on investigative 

progress, and uses talking heads to critique the investigative efforts. From the media’s 

standpoint, law enforcement withholds too much information and does not communicate 

adequately with the media. It is counterproductive for law enforcement to sustain 

contentious relationships with the media, while attempting to develop an overall strategy 

for a successful serial murder investigation. The only party who benefits from this 

negative relationship is the serial murderer, who may continue to avoid detection. A 

respectful, cooperative relationship between law enforcement and the media will serve the 

missions of both. 

It becomes essential for law enforcement personnel involved in a serial murder 

investigation to design and implement an effective media plan. The plan should provide 

timely information on a regular basis, without compromising the investigative endeavors. 

It is essential for media releases to be closely coordinated with investigative strategies. 

This helps determine the best times to both educate and solicit information from the 

public concerning certain aspects of the investigation. Once a media plan is established, 

law enforcement can be more proactive than reactive in its media strategy. 

Symposium attendees provided a number of suggestions regarding media issues: 

• Identify one spokesperson as the Public Information Officer (PIO), to speak on behalf 

of the investigation. This person would, in conjunction with other members of the 

investigative effort, prepare releases, make statements, and update the media on behalf 

of all involved jurisdictions, including forensic laboratories and medical examiners’ 

offices. To eliminate confusion and controversy, MOUs should include an agreement 

regarding the designation of a single PIO in multi-jurisdictional, serial murder 

investigations. 

• The role of the PIO is extremely demanding and time consuming, and they should not 

be assigned any additional investigative responsibilities. In addition, the PIO should 

have limited access to sensitive case facts. This will help minimize the possibility of 

critical information being inadvertently released to the media. 

• The PIO must be aware that any verbal comments they make to augment information 

in the written press release can negate the strategy of the written press release. 

Any verbal comments made in conjunction with written press releases should be 

coordinated and rehearsed with the lead investigator(s), prior to the release. 

39
• Press releases can be designed around several purposes: to announce a development 

in the case; to provide public safety information; to educate the public; to solicit 

information from the community; to provide behavioral information about the 

offender; to correct misinformation about the case; or to encourage someone who may 

know the offender to come forward. 

• Press releases should always have very specific objectives. New releases should be 

reviewed by lead investigators and management, prior to dissemination. Investigators 

should consult with proven behavioral experts experienced in serial murder cases, 

before releasing any behavioral-based offender information. 

• Press releases regarding the investigative effort should always have a positive tone. 

The PIO should continually remind the community that every available resource is 

being utilized in the investigation. A release can also include statements that discuss 

the impact of the case on the community, including the nature and scope of the threat 

to potential victims and the steps being taken by law enforcement to educate the 

community. 

• Inaccurate information distributed by the media regarding a serial murder 

investigation should be identified and addressed by law enforcement as soon as 

possible. Such information may include statements made by talking heads solicited by 

the media. This may require daily monitoring of news broadcasts and print media by 

investigators, to identify the incorrect statements or misinformation. 

• Contact should be made as soon as possible with media outlets to have erroneous 

information corrected or retracted. If the media outlet will not address the issue, 

corrective press releases should be quickly disseminated, either verbally or in written 

form. Regular meetings with owners and managers of media outlets during the course 

of a serial murder investigation may help alleviate these issues. 

• In high profile serial murder cases, the media may attempt to interact with members 

of the victims’ families. Victims’ families suffer emotionally from their loss and may 

interact with the media in ways that could negatively impact the case. A victim’s 

family’s goals and objectives may not correspond with those of law enforcement. This 

can be exacerbated when the investigation continues for a long period of time without 

conclusion. Establishing liaison with each of the victims’ families is the simplest way 

to counteract this. As was discussed previously in the investigative section, a single 

law enforcement officer should act as a liaison for each of the victims’ families. Aside 

from the traditional liaison role, the officer also educates the family as to the tenacious 

demands for information by the media and the potential negative consequences that 

unauthorized releases of information bring to the investigation. 

• Law enforcement should be creative in considering non-traditional methods of 

disseminating information to the public. This is particularly important if the media is 

editing information disseminated by law enforcement. One suggestion is to create an 

investigation web page that is updated regularly and provides the public with unedited 

versions of press releases, regular updates on the status of the investigation, and other 

information designed to appropriately inform the public. 

40
• Law enforcement should anticipate the inevitable public reaction resulting from 

an announcement that the investigation involves a serial killer. Either the media 

will link the cases and proclaim a serial murderer is operating, or investigators will 

proactively release the information. The investigative team should be prepared 

for either situation. If the media makes the announcement, it is important for law 

enforcement to respond quickly, so they do not appear unprepared or defensive. If law 

enforcement plans on making the announcement, the release should be timed to gain 

an investigative advantage. 

• There have been several serial killers who actively communicated with the police 

or the media. In these cases, investigators should consult with behavioral experts to 

assist with a proactive media strategy. 

Media Strategy Case vignette: 

The BTK case is an example of how a proactive media strategy contributed to the capture 

of a serial murderer. The BTK killer fi rst emerged in 1974 and, over time, killed a total 

of ten victims. From 1974 until 1988, BTK sent a series of five communications to the 

media, citizens, and the police in which he not only named himself BTK (Bind them, 

Torture them, and Kill them) but also claimed credit for killing a number of the victims. 

He abruptly stopped communicating in 1988. He re-emerged in 2004 by sending a new 

communication to the media. The Wichita Police Department formed a task force with 

the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and other agencies. The FBI’s BAU-2 

was contacted and provided a proactive media strategy that was utilized throughout 

the case. This strategy involved using the lieutenant in charge of the investigation to 

provide written press releases at critical times, which resulted in 15 press releases during 

the course of the investigation. BTK provided eleven communications to police and the 

media during the eleven-month investigation. The last communication BTK sent included 

a computer disk, containing information that eventually identified Dennis Rader as BTK. 

During Rader’s interrogation, he commented positively on the press releases and his 

perceived relationship with the investigative lieutenant who issued the press statements. 

41
42

X 

Issues Regarding

Talking Heads 

in the Media
X. Issues Regarding Talking Heads in the Media 

The public’s interest in serial murder cases makes serial murder an attractive storyline for 

the media. To further the public’s interest in these cases, the media uses people who are 

willing to speak as experts on the topic of serial murder and more specifi cally, individuals 

willing to comment on the current, featured case. These commentators are commonly 

referred to as talking heads, and it appears that there is no shortage of people willing to 

do this. 

Individuals utilized by the media to comment on serial murder cases include both experts 

and pseudoexperts. Experts are identified as academicians, researchers, retired law 

enforcement officials, mental health professionals, and retired law enforcement profilers 

who have developed specific knowledge and experience in serial murder investigations. 

Pseudoexperts are self-proclaimed profilers and others who profess to have an expertise 

in serial murder, when, in fact, their experience is limited or non-existent. The media will 

recruit talking heads, whether true experts or pseudoexperts, to offer their opinions on 

current cases, when they have no official role in the investigation and no access to any of 

the intimate facts of the case. 

When individuals appear in the media and discuss ongoing cases, they have an enormous 

potential to negatively influence investigations and may even cause irreversible damage. 

They often speculate on the motive for the murders and the possible characteristics of 

the offender. Such statements can misinform the public and may heighten fears in a 

community. They may contribute to mistrust and a lack of confidence in law enforcement 

and, more importantly, may taint potential jury pools. These statements may also impact 

the behavior of the serial murderer, because it is unlikely that an offender discriminates 

between a talking head and a law enforcement official actively involved in the case. 

When offenders are challenged by statements or derogatory comments made in the 

media, they may destroy evidence, or more tragically, react violently. 

Attendees of the Symposium were asked to discuss this issue and offer written comments. 

The following observations were made: 

• Law enforcement is strongly encouraged to continue its release of information to the 

public during an investigation, in order to alert the community to a public safety issue 

or to solicit assistance in the identifi

• 

information about an ongoing case and talking heads who comment on a case in which 

they have no investigative information. 

• Members of the media are encouraged to closely examine the credentials of any 

experts whom they are considering utilizing, to ascertain if the qualifi

experience level they claim is accurate. 

• fications listed on 

cation and/or capture of an offender. 

There is a difference between law enforcement agencies proactively releasing 

 cations and 

When an expert is retained by the media, having the expert’s quali

a public website would offer the community the opportunity to assess the expert’s 

authenticity and credibility. 

43
• Responsible, retired law enforcement officers, clinicians, academicians, and 

researchers who are asked to provide statements concerning ongoing cases should 

refrain from doing so, unless requested by, or with the permission of, the agency who 

has jurisdictional responsibility over the case. 

• Individuals who have developed an expertise in a given field recognize that before 

an opinion can be rendered, complete and accurate information must be obtained 

and analyzed. Therefore, it is inappropriate, even for acknowledged experts in serial 

murder, to offer opinions regarding a specific case based solely upon incomplete and 

potentially inaccurate information available through the media. 

If responsible professionals are requested to provide statements about ongoing cases, the 

following guidelines are suggested: 

• 

• Do not comment on the particulars of the current case. 

• 

• 

• 

Speak in general terms only. 

Do not criticize the investigative efforts. 

Do not misrepresent one’s credentials or experience. 

Provide information to educate the public on the issues involved in serial murder. 

It was the opinion of the experts at the Symposium that it is not possible to regulate or 

officially censor comments made by talking heads during serial murder investigations. 

However, a policy statement issued by law enforcement to the media would be 

appropriate, and below is an example of such a statement: 

The media’s role in reporting the facts of a case is a major public service. However, 

providing a forum for speculative commentary can be counter-productive and 

potentially dangerous. Public comments on an active investigation with incomplete 

or incorrect information are merely speculation and can seriously jeopardize an 

ongoing case and place citizens at great risk. Accordingly, we respectfully request 

that restraint be exercised and comments withheld until after an arrest has been 

made. 

44
45
Epilogue

We would once again like to recognize the individuals who attended and participated in 

the Serial Murder Symposium and thank them for their contributions. These individuals 

are among the world’s most knowledgeable experts on serial murder. Many have been 

involved for years in the study of serial murder, and they have collectively published 

dozens of books and articles on a number of diverse topics related to serial murder. Their 

publications are recommended for anyone involved in investigating, prosecuting, or 

studying serial murder. 

Due in a large part to the efforts of the professionals who attended the Symposium, 

there has been significant progress over the past few years in understanding serial killers 

and the crimes they commit. However, there is still much work to be done. Continued 

research in the topic areas addressed in this monograph is vital to advancing the 

knowledge on this important subject. 

The men and women of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit 2 look forward to continued 

partnerships in the collaborative efforts to better understand, and subsequently generate a 

more effective investigative response, to the serial killers that prey upon our citizens. 

46
Appendix A

Symposium Agenda

47
Agenda

Monday, August 29, 2005

Page 2

Serial Murder Symposium 

U.S. Department of Justice

 Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Monday, August 29, 2005 

San Antonio, Texas August 29 - September 2, 2005 

Sponsored by the FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, 

Behavioral Analysis Unit – 2, Crimes Against Adults 

AGENDA 

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Welcome and Introductions 

SSA Mark A. Hilts, Unit Chief, NCAVC, BAU-2 

SSA Stephen E. Etter, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge 

NCAVC 

SA Robert J. Morton, NCAVC, BAU-2 

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Panel: Serial Murder Myths, Scope, Definitions, and Typologies 

Speakers: SSA Robert J. Morton – Myths and urban legends 

Dr. Eric Hickey – Terms, definitions, typologies 

Dr. Tom Petee – Previous studies 

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Panel: Pathology/Causality 

Moderator: Dr. Gregory Saathoff 

Speakers: Dr. Debra Niehoff – Biological/Neurological perspective 

Dr. Robert Hare – Psychopathy 

Dr. Jay Corzine – Criminological perspective 

Dr. Wade Myers – Developmental perspective 

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break 

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Panel: Evaluation of Known Offenders 

Moderator: SSA James J. McNamara 

Speakers: Judge Ann Keary 

Dr. Park Dietz 

Dr. Fred Berlin 

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on your own 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Case Presentation: Green River Killings 

Moderator: SSA Mary Ellen O’Toole 

Det. Jon Mattsen 

Det. Tom Jensen 

Mr. Brian McDonald, Esq. 

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Break 

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Breakout Session #1 

5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Breakout Team Leader Meeting 

48
Tuesday, August 30, 2005 

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Panel: Media’s Influence in Serial Murder Investigation 

Moderator: SSA Mary Ellen O’Toole 

Speakers: Dr. Stephen Gorelick 

Ms. Mary Walsh 

Chief Pat Englade (retired) 

Dr. Eric Hickey 

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break 

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Panel: Forensics in Serial Murder Cases 

Moderator: SSA Armin A. Showalter 

Speakers: Dr. Tracey Corey 

Dr. John “Jack” Kenney 

Dr. Lee Goff 

Dr. William Rodriguez 

Dr. William Haglund 

SSA Douglas Deedrick (retired) 

UC Thomas F. Callaghan 

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on your own 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Case Presentation: Health Care Serial Murder 

Moderator: MCS Timothy G. Keel 

Speakers: Dr. Brian Donnelly 

SAC Bruce Sackman VA OIG (retired) 

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Afternoon Break 

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Breakout Session #2 

5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Breakout Team Leader Meeting 

Wednesday, 08/31/2005 

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker – J. Stephen Tidwell 

Special Agent in Charge, Critical Incident Response Group 

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Panel: Prosecution of Serial Murder Cases 

Moderator: SSA Mark Safarik 

Ms. Barbara Corey 

Mr. Anthony Savage, Esq. 

Mr. Stephen Kay, Esq. 

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break 

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Case Presentation: Ghana Serial Murder Case 

Moderator: SSA Gerard F. Downes 

Speakers: Deputy Commissioner David Assante-Apeatu 

SSA Charles K. Dorsey 

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on your own 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Breakout Session #3 

3:00 p.m. Early Dismissal (Breakout team leaders briefly meet) 

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Research Poster Session with Refreshments & Snacks 

49
Thursday, 09/01/2005 

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Panel: Task Force and Major Case Management Issues 

Moderator: MCS Kirk R. Mellecker 

Speakers: Chief Cal Walker – Long term investigations 

Major Gary Terry – Problem recognition 

Mr. Lloyd Sigler – Major case management 

Mr. Ken Farnsworth - Multi-jurisdictional issues 

Mr. Jim Bell – Lead control issues 

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break 

10:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Case Presentation: Resendez Serial Murder 

Moderator: SSA David T. Resch 

Speakers: SSA Alan Brantley (retired) 

Mr. Charles Rosenthal, Esq. 

SA Mark Young (retired) 

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch on your own 

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Case Presentation: Lewis Lent Serial Murder 

Moderator: SSA Robert J. Morton 

Speakers: SSA Gerard F. Downes 

Captain Frank Pace 

Sr. Investigator John Shultis 

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Breakout Session #4 

5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Breakout Team Leader Meeting 

Friday, 09/02/2005 

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Summary of Findings/Closing Remarks 

9:00 a.m. Checkout and Travel Home 

50
Appendix B 

Serial Murder Symposium 

Working Group 

51
 Serial Murder Symposium 

Working Group

Dr. Kristen R. Beyer 

Research Coordinator, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Alice E. Casey 

Crime Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Maureen Christian 

Professor of Psychology 

Marymount University 

Dr. Dewey Cornell 

Professor 

University of Virginia 

Dr. Jay Corzine 

Professor and Chair of

 Sociology and Anthropology 

University of Central Florida 

Dr. Douglas Deedrick 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

Forensic Science Division 

Metropolitan Police Dept. 

Washington, DC 

Gerard F. Downes 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Pamela J. Hairfield 

Management & Program 

Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Robert Hare 

Professor of Psychology 

Darkstone Research Group 

University of British Columbia, 

Canada 

Dr. Eric Hickey 

Professor, Dept. of Criminology 

California State University, Fresno 

Mark A. Hilts 

Unit Chief of BAU-2, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Earl James 

Captain (Retired) 

Michigan State Police 

International Forensic 

Services, Inc. 

Lansing, MI 

Dr. John Jarvis 

Criminologist, FBI 

Training & Development Division 

Tom Jensen 

Detective 

King County Sheriff’s Office 

Kent, WA 

Chris Johnson 

Detective 

Baton Rouge Police Department 

Timothy G. Keel 

Major Case Specialist, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

52
Ken Landwehr 

Lieutenant 

Wichita Police Department 

Dr. Wayne D. Lord 

Unit Chief of BAU-3, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Steven F. Malkiewicz 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

James J. McNamara 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Kirk R. Mellecker 

Major Case Specialist, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Robert J. Morton 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Wade Myers 

Chief of Division & 

Adolescent Psychiatry 

University of South Florida 

Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

David T. Resch 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Gregory B. Saathoff 

Associate Professor of Research 

University of Virginia 

School of Medicine 

Mark Safarik 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Louis Schlesinger 

Professor of Forensic Psychology 

John Jay College of 

Criminal Justice 

Armin A. Showalter 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Melissa Smrz 

Section Chief, FBI 

Laboratory Division 

Vito Spano 

Chief Investigator 

New York State Attorney

 General’s Office 

Rhonda L. Trahern 

Supervisory Special Agent, ATF 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Calvin Walker 

Chief 

Spokane Valley Police Department 

Spokane Valley, WA 

Dr. Michael Welner 

Chairman 

The Forensic Panel 

New York, NY 

Wilma B. Wulchak 

Management & Program 

Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

53
Appendix C

Symposium Attendees

54
 Symposium Attendees

Ewa-Marie Aghede 

Detective Inspector 

National Criminal Intelligence 

Service 

Stockholm, Sweden 

Larry G. Ankrom 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

David Asante-Apeatu 

Deputy Commissioner 

Ghana Police Service 

Accra, Ghana 

James O. Beasley, II 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Jim Bell 

Former Detective 

Salt Lake City Police Department 

Salt Lake City, Utah 

Dr. Fred S. Berlin 

Associate Professor 

Department of Psychiatry &

 Behavioral Sciences 

Johns Hopkins University 

Daniel G. Bermingham 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Camille D. Bibles 

Assistant United States Attorney 

District of Arizona 

Steven A. Bongardt 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Alan C. Brantley 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

John A. Brunell 

Special Agent, FBI 

Little Rock Field Office 

Lesley A. Buckles 

Crime Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Alexander Bukhanovskiy 

Professor 

Roston State Medical University 

Roston-on-Don, Russia 

Dr. Ann Burgess 

Professor 

Boston College of Nursing 

Alice E. Casey 

Crime Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Maureen Christian 

Professor of Psychology 

Marymount University 

Dr. Peter I. Collins 

Forensic Psychiatrist 

Ontario Provincial Police 

Orillia, Ontario, 

Canada 

Mary B. Collins-Morton 

Special Agent, FBI 

Washington Field Office 

Barbara Corey 

Attorney at Law 

Tacoma, WA 

55
Dr. Tracey Corey 

Chief Medical Examiner 

Office of Chief Medical Examiner 

Louisville, KY 

Dr. Jay Corzine 

Professor & Chair of Sociology 

 & Anthropology 

University of Central Florida 

Mike Crooke 

Chief 

Cumberland Police Department 

Cumberland, IN 

Leslie D’Ambrosia 

Special Agent 

Florida Department of 

Law Enforcement 

Keith Davidson 

Inspector 

Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

Surrey, British Columbia, 

Canada 

Dr. Harold Deadman 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

Dr. Douglas Deedrick 

Supervisory Special Agent 

(Retired), FBI 

Forensic Science Division 

Metropolitan Police Department 

Washington, DC 

Dr. Park Dietz

Park Dietz & Associates, Inc.

Newport Beach, CA

William H. Donaldson

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI

CIRG, NCAVC

Dr. Brian Donnelly

Special Agent, FBI

New Haven Field Office

Charles K. Dorsey 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Gerard F. Downes 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Steven A. Egger 

Professor 

University of Houston 

at Clearlake 

Pat Englade

Chief of Police (Retired)

Baton Rouge Police Department

Stephen E. Etter

Unit Chief of BAU-1, FBI

CIRG, NCAVC

Kenneth Farnsworth

Chief Investigator

Utah Attorney General’s Office

Dr. Adelle E. Forth

Professor of Psychology

Carleton University

Ottawa, Ontario,

Canada

Dr. James Alan Fox

Professor

Northeastern University

Laurie R. Gibbs

Special Agent, FBI

Dallas Field Office

Dr. M. Lee Goff

Professor of Criminal Justice

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Paul Goodman

Investigator

Colorado Attorney General Office

56
Dr. Stephen Gorelick 

Vice President for 

 Institutional Advancement 

The CUNY Graduate Center 

Adam Gregory 

Behavioral Investigative Advisor 

National Crime & 

Operations Facility 

Bramshill Hook, Hampshire, 

United Kingdom 

Dr. William Haglund 

Director 

International Forensic Program 

Shoreline, WA 

Pamela J. Hairfield 

Management & Program 

Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Robert Hare 

Professor of Psychology 

University of British Columbia 

Darkstone Research Group 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 

Robert R. (Roy) Hazelwood 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

John J. Hess 

Assistant Special Agent in 

 Charge, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Eric Hickey 

Professor 

Department of Criminology 

California State University, Fresno 

Mark A. Hilts 

Unit Chief of BAU-2, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Tia A. Hoffer 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Alexander Horn 

Kriminalhauptkommissar 

OFA Bayern 

Munich City Police Department 

Munich, Germany 

Dr. Lin Huff-Corzine 

Professor 

University of Central Florida 

Kris Illingsworth 

Detective Sergeant 

New Wales Police Headquarters 

Parramatta, New South Wales, 

Australia 

Rick Jackson 

Detective 

Los Angeles Police Department 

Dr. Earl James 

Captain (Retired), Michigan 

State Police 

International Forensic 

Services, Inc. 

Lansing, MI 

Dr. John P. Jarvis 

Criminologist, FBI 

Training Division 

Rick Jenkins 

Captain, Division Commander 

Virginia State Police 

Culpeper, VA 

Tom Jensen 

Detective 

King County Sheriff’s Office 

Kent, WA 

Leonard G. Johns 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Chris Johnson 

Detective 

Baton Rouge Police Department 

57
Stephen Kay 

Deputy District Attorney 

Los Angeles County District 

Attorney’s Office 

The Honorable Ann Keary

Judge

Washington, DC Superior Court

Timothy G. Keel

Major Case Specialist, FBI

CIRG, NCAVC

Dr. John Kenney 

Forensic Odontologist

DuPage County Coroner’s Office

Park Ridge, IL

Robert H. Kosky, Jr.

Unit Chief of BAU-3, FBI

CIRG, NCAVC

Dr. Gretchen Witte Kraemer

Assistant Attorney General

State of Iowa

Dr. Gerard Labuschagne

Commander

South Africa Police Service

Pretoria, South Africa

Ken Landwehr

Lieutenant

Wichita Police Department

Jennifer A. Leonard

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI

FBIHQ, Washington, DC

Marianna Leshinskie

Interpreter, FBI

New York Field Office

Dr. Jack Levin

Professor of Criminal Justice

Northeastern University

Robert G. Lowery, Jr.

Commander

Greater St. Louis Major 

Case Squad 

Dr. Carl Malmquist

Professor

University of Minnesota

Colonel Rick Malone, M.D.

Chief of Forensic Psychiatry 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center

R. Stephen Mardigian

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

John Martin 

Sergeant 

Texas Rangers 

San Antonio, Texas 

Jon Mattsen 

Detective 

King County Sheriff’s Office 

Kent, WA 

Brian M. McDonald 

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 

King County 

Seattle, WA 

James J. McNamara 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Michael Medaris 

Senior Policy Advisor 

U.S. Department of Justice

Kirk R. Mellecker 

Major Case Specialist, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

58
Dr. J. Reid Meloy

Associate Professor

Department of Psychiatry

University of California, 

San Diego

Frank Merriman

Lieutenant (Retired)

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department,

Homicide Bureau

Thomas Monahan

Lieutenant

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police 

Department 

Paul Morrison 

District Attorney 

District Attorney’s Office 

Olathe, KS 

Robert J. Morton 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Wade Myers 

Chief of Division of Child and 

Adolescent Psychiatry 

University of South Florida 

Mike Napier 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

Thomas M. Neer 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Debra Niehoff 

Neurobiologist 

Biotext 

Newtown, PA 

Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Frank Pace 

Captain 

New York State Police 

Loudonville, NY 

John Perry 

Special Agent 

Virginia State Police 

Roanoke, VA 

Dr. Tom Petee 

Professor 

Auburn University 

Pat Postiglione 

Sergeant 

Nashville Metropolitan Police 

Department 

Patricia Prezioso 

Assistant Attorney General 

Division of Criminal Justice 

Trenton, NJ 

Mark W. Prothero 

Attorney at Law 

Hanis Greaney Law, PLLC 

Kent, WA 

Dr. John T. Rago 

Professor of Law 

Duquesne University 

Lee Rainbow 

Senior Behavioural 

 Investigative Advisor 

National Crime & 

Operations Faculty 

Bramshill Hook, Hampshire, 

United Kingdom 

David T. Resch 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

59
Dr. D. Kim Rossmo 

Department of Criminal Justice 

Texas State University 

Dr. Gregory B. Saathoff 

Associate Professor of Research 

University of Virginia, 

School of Medicine 

Bruce Sachman 

Special Agent in Charge (Retired), OIG 

Veteran’s Administration 

New York, NY 

Mark Safarik 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Gabreille Salfati 

Professor 

John Jay College of 

Criminal Justice 

Christina Schaub 

Crime Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Carlo Schippers 

Captain 

Dutch National Police Agency 

The Netherlands 

Dr. Louis Schlesinger 

Professor of Forensic Psychology 

John Jay College of 

Criminal Justice 

Armin A. Showalter 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

John H. Shultis 

Senior Investigator 

New York State Police Latham, NY 

Lloyd Sigler 

Supervisory Special Agent

 (Retired), FBI 

Howard Smith 

Sheriff 

Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s

 Office 

Spotsylvania, VA 

Melissa Smrz 

Section Chief, FBI 

Laboratory Division 

Vito Spano 

Chief Investigator 

New York State Attorney 

 General’s Office 

Faye Springer 

Senior Criminalist 

Sacramento County Forensic 

Services Laboratory 

Jayne M. Stairs 

Crime Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Suzanne D. Stiltner 

Crime Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Dr. Michael Stone 

Professor of Clinical Psychiatry 

Columbia University 

Dirk Tarpley 

Special Agent, FBI 

Kansas City Field Office 

Ron Thill 

Investigator 

San Diego County District 

Attorney’s Office 

Melissa L. Thomas 

Supervisory Special Agent, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Roger Thomson 

Sergeant 

Montgomery County Police

 Department 

Rockville, MD 

60
Rhonda L. Trahern Wilma B. Wulchak 

Supervisory Special Agent, ATF Management and Program 

CIRG, NCAVC Analyst, FBI 

CIRG, NCAVC 

Ronald Tunkel 

Supervisory Special Agent, ATF Mark Young 

CIRG, NCAVC Special Agent (Retired), FBI 

James Van Allen 

Detective Sergeant 

Ontario Provincial Police 

Orillia, Ontario 

Eva von Vogelsang 

Detective Inspector 

National Criminal Intelligence

 Department 

Stockholm, Sweden 

Calvin Walker 

Chief 

Spokane Valley Police Department 

Spokane Valley, WA 

Mary E. Walsh 

Producer 

CBS News 

Washington, DC 

Dr. Michael Welner 

Chairman 

The Forensic Panel 

New York, NY 

Arthur E. Westveer, Jr. 

Assistant Professor 

Virginia Commonwealth University 

Jeannine Willie 

Assistant Manager 

California Department of Justice 

Missing Persons DNA Program 

Sacramento, CA 

Glenn Woods 

Superintendent 

Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

Ottawa, Ontario Canada 

61