Serial Killer Psychology
Serial killers account for less than one percent of all the murders in the United States, yet they cause chaos, fear, and even fascination to both researchers and the public. People often wonder why they do what they do, and what caused or influenced their misdeeds. Steven A. Egger Ph.D. says serial killers are seen as distraught compared to others; this is greatly contributed to their mental psychology and their desire to inflict physical harm to other human beings. We find ourselves trying to piece together serial killers like Albert Fish, BTK, and Ricardo Muñoz Ramirez whose childhoods and present mentality help us better understand their traits, and why it is nearly impossible to “cure” them. Clifton Bryant says in his novel Encyclopedia
…show more content…
It may keep them away from their innocent children and themselves but is it doing any good? Since their rage is so incredibly deep rooted to their childhood, it is nearly impossible to rehabilitate serial killers. forensic psychologist Dr Keith Ashcroft says, "Such psychopaths are extremely good at manipulating prison staff, as well as mental health professionals, and over time they can eventually be perceived as being 'cured' and ready for reintroduction into society.” Another opinion which can be taken into consideration is the victim's family themselves. Dr. Ashcroft also says, “The relatives and survivors of such horrendous crimes rightly demand retribution for their loss and suffering, which serves both a therapeutic as well as a judicial function,”. Recidivism is popular among serial killers. An example of this is John Rodney McRae, who, at sixteen sliced open the throat and genitals of a little boy, only eight in 1950. He later was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. William Milliken, governor of Michigan, commuted his sentence in 1972 and he was paroled. He got married and had a child, everything seemed normal and civil, he even became a prison guard in the Florida State Prison. But, over the next few years he mutilated and tortured four boys before being convicted to the full extent and he later died in
It may keep them away from their innocent children and themselves but is it doing any good? Since their rage is so incredibly deep rooted to their childhood, it is nearly impossible to rehabilitate serial killers. forensic psychologist Dr Keith Ashcroft says, "Such psychopaths are extremely good at manipulating prison staff, as well as mental health professionals, and over time they can eventually be perceived as being 'cured' and ready for reintroduction into society.” Another opinion which can be taken into consideration is the victim's family themselves. Dr. Ashcroft also says, “The relatives and survivors of such horrendous crimes rightly demand retribution for their loss and suffering, which serves both a therapeutic as well as a judicial function,”. Recidivism is popular among serial killers. An example of this is John Rodney McRae, who, at sixteen sliced open the throat and genitals of a little boy, only eight in 1950. He later was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. William Milliken, governor of Michigan, commuted his sentence in 1972 and he was paroled. He got married and had a child, everything seemed normal and civil, he even became a prison guard in the Florida State Prison. But, over the next few years he mutilated and tortured four boys before being convicted to the full extent and he later died in