Characteristics Of Serial Killers

The most commonly known “early signs” of a child being prone to becoming a serial killer are three traits known as the “MacDonald Triad”, they are fire-starting, bedwetting, and cruelty to animals. Not all serial killers displayed these traits in childhood and not all children who do these things will become serial murderers, but it is fairly common. Some other common traits in serial killers are that most are white males, usually around the mid-twenties to thirties, most are divorced or have had unhappy relationships in the past. Most serial killers also experienced bullying, being social outcasts and loners. Many have also had former run-ins with the law such as being arrested for petty crimes like stealing, or vandalism. Each serial murderer, for the most part, falls into a category of killing motivation. Some serial killers kill for power, thrill, or lust, while other kill for other reasons such as hearing voices, wanting to “rid the world” of a certain class of people.