Often, the serial killer is married, has children, and is employed. Surprisingly, the serial killer is often the last person his neighbors would suspect. Another critical consideration in serial killer profiling is victimology which consists of a behavioral composite of the victim. Victimology aids investigators in finding a common denominator among the victims. Once the victimology profile is complete, investigators can recognize specific types of persons who may be at risk.
Most serial killers tend to prey on women and children of their own race.
The perpetrator and victim usually do not know one another and most often have not had any previous contact. Clearly, profiling serial killers' behavioral characteristics aids investigators by providing critical information that is essential to narrowing the offender types.