Serial killers, he says, are left hanging by their own crimes. The fantasy of making it even better pushes them on toward the next killing. The term serial killer is used often these days, but it is also misused. Offenders with multiple victims may be serial killers, but they can also be spree killers or mass murderers. The victims may all be women who share certain characteristics such as age or race.
Serial killers take a cooling-off period between their crimes.
It may only be days, but it could be months, or even years, before they kill again. Trophies, or mementos such as jewelry or other personal items taken from the victims, help the killers relive the crime and extend the fantasy until the next time. They leave at least three victims in their wake. John Wayne Gacy left 33, maybe more. In Ted Bundy's case, the number will never be known.