About this episode
Dr. Drew Ross examines the psychology of serial killers and what drives certain individuals to commit repeated murders. His forensic psychology expertise provides insight into the developmental factors and psychological patterns that distinguish serial killers from other violent offenders. Ross discusses specific serial killer cases and the common characteristics found among those who kill repeatedly including childhood trauma, fantasies of control, and inability to empathize with victims. The conversation covers different serial killer types from organized predators who carefully plan attacks to disorganized killers whose crimes reflect chaotic mental states. He examines the role of fantasy in serial murder and how killers often rehearse crimes mentally before acting, with each murder representing an attempt to fulfill fantasies that can never be truly satisfied. Ross addresses whether serial killers can be identified before they kill and what early warning signs might enable intervention to prevent development of homicidal behavior patterns. His analysis reveals how serial killers often appear normal to those around them while harboring secret lives involving dark fantasies and preparation for murder. The discussion covers investigative techniques for identifying and capturing serial killers including profiling methods that narrow suspect pools based on crime scene evidence and behavioral patterns. Ross explores whether serial killers can be treated or whether they represent irredeemable individuals whose psychological structure makes them permanent threats requiring permanent incarceration or execution.