Serial Killers: The Mind of a Murderer

Empathy

The relationship between empathy and serial killers is complex and not as straightforward as often portrayed. Wendy Zukerman discusses studies that explore whether low empathy correlates with violent behavior, revealing no strong link between the two 1. Gwen Adshead notes that while some serial killers may have brain abnormalities affecting empathy and self-control, these factors alone don't explain their actions 1.

It shows that your genes are not a jail sentence.

--- Jim Fallon

This suggests that while biological factors may play a role, they are not definitive predictors of violent behavior 2.

   

Intelligence

The myth of the highly intelligent serial killer is largely debunked by research. Wendy Zukerman highlights that most serial killers have average intelligence, contrary to the Hollywood portrayal of them as evil geniuses 3. Gwen Adshead confirms that there is no evidence supporting the idea that serial killers possess superior intellect 3.

Most of the people who've been identified as serial killers have been of average intelligence.

--- Gwen Adshead

This challenges the notion that intelligence is a significant factor in their ability to evade capture 4.