HONS 2000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: The God Complex, Thrill Killing, Dennis Rader
Document Summary
Power/control serial killers (class notes 8: motives. The power/control serial killer has two main motives that drive their murders. These motives do not center on sexual pleasure or thrills. The victim"s life is in the killer"s hand; the killer decides when the victim dies. Homicidal behavioral pattern similar to hedonistic thrill and lust killers but the motive is not for sexual pleasure or the thrill of the game . Do not necessarily lose interest in victims after death like thrill killers. May engage in necrophilia in order to perpetuate domination and control of the deceased, not merely for sexual gratification. Often collect souvenirs or trophies to relive the killing and may present souvenirs, particularly jewelry of victims, to loved ones to wear: gratification from power. The gratification comes from realizing the absolute control the serial murderer has over the complete life and death of the victim.
