Forensic Experts Discuss Serial Killer Psychology

Forensic criminologist Laura Brand has identified seven chilling stages that serial killers undergo, ranging from the initial 'fantasy' phase, where they develop violent obsessions, to the 'capture' phase during their crimes. This progression can span from a few hours to several years, with influences including childhood trauma and mental health issues. Brand's research highlights that many serial killers collect materials to fuel their fantasies and often withdraw socially. Notable cases, such as those of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, exemplify these stages. Additionally, true crime experts emphasize the unsettling nature of ordinary individuals harboring dark desires, as illustrated in various notorious cases recounted in literature. The impact of serial killers extends beyond their victims, instilling fear in communities and transforming social behaviors, as seen in the aftermath of the 1977 murders of Helen Scott and Christine Eadie in Edinburgh.