Wicked Deeds

Serial Killers

Why Serial Killers Become "Celebrity Monsters" in the Media

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on September 10, 2023

Why are so many people fascinated by serial killers?

Why are so many people fascinated by serial killers?

Empathy

Why the True Crime Audience Is Predominantly Female

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on June 5, 2023

Women’s fascination with true crime is driven by their empathetic nature.

Women’s fascination with true crime is driven by their empathetic nature.

Serial Killers

The Capture of Serial Killer Dennis Rader, BTK

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on February 1, 2023

Dennis Rader had wanted badly to be a police officer, and it exposed a weakness in him that was exploited by a savvy police lieutenant.

Dennis Rader had wanted badly to be a police officer, and it exposed a weakness in him that was exploited by a savvy police lieutenant.

Law and Crime

The Real Reason Mass Shootings Are on the Rise

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on June 20, 2022

Personal Perspective: Powerful, divisive, and negative social forces are at work today that fuel the increase in mass public shootings.

Personal Perspective: Powerful, divisive, and negative social forces are at work today that fuel the increase in mass public shootings.

Law and Crime

Serial Killer TV Shows Are Escapism for True Crime Fans

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on March 20, 2022

Experiencing horror in a safe and non-lethal environment can be very appealing, exciting, and serve the purpose of managing fear for many people.

Experiencing horror in a safe and non-lethal environment can be very appealing, exciting, and serve the purpose of managing fear for many people.

Fantasies

Evolution of a Serial Killer: Dennis Rader, BTK

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on February 7, 2022

By his own admission, Rader developed fantasies about domination, bondage and torture at a very early age—while still in grade school.

By his own admission, Rader developed fantasies about domination, bondage and torture at a very early age—while still in grade school.

Law and Crime

Comfort/Gain Serial Killers vs. Contract Killers

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on October 10, 2021

Unlike comfort/gain serial killers, professional hit men kill because it is their job to do so.

Unlike comfort/gain serial killers, professional hit men kill because it is their job to do so.

Law and Crime

What Are “Son of Sam” Laws?

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on May 19, 2021

The Son of Sam laws were passed following reports that David Berkowitz was offered money for the rights to his personal story.

The Son of Sam laws were passed following reports that David Berkowitz was offered money for the rights to his personal story.

Empathy

Why We Are Drawn to Monsters and Serial Killers

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on March 22, 2021

The curious appeal of monsters and serial killers in both fact and fiction can be explained by our own empathy.

The curious appeal of monsters and serial killers in both fact and fiction can be explained by our own empathy.

Law and Crime

The Unlikely Function of Serial Killers in Society

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on February 8, 2021

By accepting the framing of serial killers as evil, the public is given moral clarity. Such clarity can be both reassuring and comforting.

By accepting the framing of serial killers as evil, the public is given moral clarity. Such clarity can be both reassuring and comforting.

Media

Media Depictions of Serial Killers Blur Fact and Fiction

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on December 6, 2020

The problem with the social construction of serial killers as evil is that it obscures the distinction between reality and fiction in the minds of the public.

The problem with the social construction of serial killers as evil is that it obscures the distinction between reality and fiction in the minds of the public.

Fantasies

Not All Serial Killers Must Keep On Killing

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on November 1, 2020

There are serial killers who stop murdering altogether before ever being caught or killed.

There are serial killers who stop murdering altogether before ever being caught or killed.

Forensic Psychology

Skeptical of FBI Criminal Profiling’s Validity?

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on September 27, 2020

At least two alternatives to the FBI profiling method have gained acceptance among criminal justice practitioners over the past few decades.

At least two alternatives to the FBI profiling method have gained acceptance among criminal justice practitioners over the past few decades.

Psychopathy

The Dysfunctional Integration of Serial Killers in Society

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on August 24, 2020

Serial killers typically feel disconnected both emotionally and mentally to society.

Serial killers typically feel disconnected both emotionally and mentally to society.

Ethics and Morality

The Serial Killer as Evil Monster

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on July 20, 2020

The graphic serial killer image depicted in popular culture offers a pleasurable mix of excitement, shock, and horror to enthusiastic fans.

The graphic serial killer image depicted in popular culture offers a pleasurable mix of excitement, shock, and horror to enthusiastic fans.

Narcissism

Self-Promotion by Serial Killers Fuels Their Appeal

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on June 15, 2020

Some serial killers actively create their own diabolical public images.

Some serial killers actively create their own diabolical public images.

Forensic Psychology

Finding The First Mind Hunter

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on May 11, 2020

Criminal profiling has evolved as a mix of art and science.

Criminal profiling has evolved as a mix of art and science.

Suicide

Our Rising Suicide Rate Is Symptomatic of a Troubled Society

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on March 23, 2020

There are toxic social forces at work in the U.S. that can explain the sharply rising suicide rate.

There are toxic social forces at work in the U.S. that can explain the sharply rising suicide rate.

The social construction of the serial killer identity is symbolic and it helps to clarify the moral boundaries in society.

Fantasies

Understanding Hitmen Versus Serial Killers

Scott A. Bonn Ph.D. on January 27, 2020

Professional hitmen are employed to eliminate a troublesome or unwanted individual. Serial killers are something else.

Professional hitmen are employed to eliminate a troublesome or unwanted individual. Serial killers are something else.