Netflix’s new documentary, 'My father, the BTK killer', explores Dennis Rader's murders, which has raised questions about serial killers and the motivations behind their crimes.
On The Anton Savage Show, clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Patrick Randall dissected into the minds of serial killers and why such crimes seem less frequent today.
Dr.Randall explained that while the pathology behind serial killing still exists, modern technology has made it harder for offenders.
“Detection has improved in the form of both forensic evidence and electronic evidence such as mobile phones, CCTV cameras, doorbell ring cameras,” he said.
“So you might still want to do it, but you are unable to actually deliver the way you want.”
He suggested that some people may now channel these impulses online, engaging in digital spaces instead of committing physical crimes.
“A lot of people are living their lives online, through social media, which opens a doorway for them to explore their particular proclivities without actually doing anything to anyone,” Randall explained.
Image: Anne Elizabeth Mitchell / Alamy Stock PhotoWhy do they do it?
When asked about the characteristics of serial killers, Randall touched on the nature of their actions.
“They probably aren’t committing the crime out of passion, they’re most likely committing the crime in a very calculated way, choosing their victims, stalking their victims, gathering information to avoid detection.”
Randall also addressed the misconception that serial killers are mentally ill in the traditional sense.
“It’s closer to the mentally well, but evil spectrum, a lot of them are functioning quite highly.
They might be well-educated and yet there’s this inappropriate deviance that’s hidden from society.”
The psychologist highlighted potential dangers of the internet in reinforcing harmful behavior.
“They can find communities online and be socially reinforced for that behavior.
As they were in the past the serial killer was lauded by the media and other people then look at that and they attach to that.”
He referenced the BTK case as an example where media attention ultimately contributed to the criminal’s capture.
Dr. Randall concluded that understanding these behaviors requires looking at the function behind them.
“Serial killers are rare, but the pathology still exists,” he said.
“We need to understand it, not just sensationalize it.”
Written by Annemarie Roberts
