The focus of discussion tends to rest on the mindset and motivation of the killer, and the victims are rarely given much significance. They can remain one dimensional figures, frequently little more than statistics, often only referred to as victim number three or by their age and sex. On an emotional level many commentators find this distasteful. On a practical level, the victims can also represent an under-analysed piece of the puzzle for those researching and seeking to understand the phenomenon of the serial killer.
This short article examines the characteristics that, statistically, make an individual more likely to become a victim of a serial killer. Please note that while the serial killer is definitely a global phenomenon, these statistics only relate to the Western world as wider figures are much harder to obtain.
White
Serial killers tend to prey on their own race. Because the majority of serial killers are Caucasian (estimates begin at 82%) the majority of victims are also Caucasian.
Women
The majority of serial killer victims are women and predominantly in the age bracket 18-50. It has been theorised that women are easier to overpower than men and are therefore more likely to be taken, but it appears much more likely that, as many serial killings include a sexual element and most serial killers are heterosexual men (estimated over 80%), that this is the reason for their being targeted. Sexual predators Jerry Brudos, Christopher Wilder and Ted Bundy captured and murdered four, eight and an astonishing minimum of thirty women respectively for their own gratification.
Strangers
Most victims are not known to the serial killer at the time that they are taken, and even in cases where serial killers have murdered those who they do have some connection with, a high percentage have still killed strangers as well. This is one of the marked differences between this type of crime and the crime of homicide, where in most cases the offender has some sort of relationship with the victim. It is also an element that makes it particularly terrifying. Many of the victims of the infamous Hillside Stranglers were young women kidnapped from the streets before being tortured and murdered. Though some were prostitutes, others were ordinary ‘nice’ young girls, often students, who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Chaotic Lifestyles
Victims are most often readily accessible to their killers. The taking and killing of the individual is often quite opportunistic, so those who are out on the streets or open roads in more isolated areas, particularly under cover of night, are most at risk. A high concentration of runaways, illegal immigrants, homeless, fugitives and prostitutes are thought to be contributory factors to Southern California’s disproportionately high numbers of serial killers. These are individuals who are exposed at the right time in the right situations to capture, and often wish to remain unnoticed, so their disappearance can be equally unnoticed for months, even years.
The Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway currently holds the dubious honour of being America’s most prolific serial killer. He targeted prostitutes and explained the reasons for this to authorities after his capture;
“I picked prostitutes as my victims because I hate most prostitutes and I did not want to pay them for sex. I also picked prostitutes as victims because they were easy to pick up without being noticed. I knew they would not be reported right away and might never be reported missing. I picked prostitutes because I thought I could kill as many of them as I wanted without getting caught.”
Gary Ridgway was chillingly accurate in this calculated assessment of his prey. In 2003 he pleaded guilty to the murders of 48 women, most of which had links to prostitution. He has confessed to as many as 71 victims. More recently Canadian pig farmer Robert Pickton was convicted of the murder of six prostitutes, although he is suspected of killing as many as 49. In the UK Steve Wright killed five Ipswich prostitutes in a short space of time towards the end of 2006.
In many ways prostitutes represent the ideal victim for a serial killer. They are often out on the streets at night and can be collected without any alarm- it is quite normal for these women to get into cars with strange men. They lead a disorganised life with additional complications such as drug addiction, and can move from city to city with little warning. Frequently having troubled personal relationships, even being disowned by their family members, no one may care enough to enquire further into a missing prostitute’s whereabouts. Often their disappearance is explained away by their ‘moving on’.
In concluding this article, it is important to note that, as with any data relating to Serial Killers, there are often high profile exceptions to these general rules. One of the most famous and macabre serial killers, Jeffrey Dahmer, was a homosexual man who killed male victims, mostly African-American despite he himself being Caucasian.
You can read more about Serial Killers and their victims in my new book 'The Life Cycle of the Serial Killer' now available through Smashwords.
Sources
- Serial Killers by Dr Kelley Kline accessed June 11th 2011
- The Need to Kill by Dr Steven A. Egger Chapter 3 The Victims accessed June 8th 2011
- US serial killer statistics accessed June 8th 2011
- Serial Killing; a forgotten phenomenon accessed June 6th 2011
- Serial Killer case information including Gary Ridgway quote from True TV accessed May 19th 2011
Paula Sainthouse - Paula Sainthouse holds qualifications in psychology, public relations, horse management & animal behaviour.
