Lecture Notes: Serial Killers - Born or Made

Introduction

• Speaker: Hannah Bryant
• Topic: Analysis of whether serial killers are born or made.
• Objective: Encourage re-evaluation of preconceived notions on the subject.

Common Perceptions

• Popular narrative claims serial killers are born evil.
• Media influence through movies and shows (e.g., Ted Bundy tapes).
• Reality check: media may be biased.

Key Discussion Points

• Purpose: Not to excuse actions, but to understand motivations.
• Use of two case studies to explore the debate.

Case Study 1: Ted Bundy

• Background:
  • Born to a single mother but supported by family.
  • Displayed violent behavior from a young age.
  • Kill count: estimated up to 100, with 28 confirmed.
• Argument: Bundy represents a 'born' serial killer due to lack of traumatic childhood experiences.

Case Study 2: Richard Ramirez

• Background:
  • Suffered abuse from his father and a severe head injury.
  • Lived through extreme trauma from war stories told by his cousin.
  • Developed epilepsy and had visions he attributed to Satan.
  • Became the Night Stalker due to circumstance and trauma.
• Argument: Ramirez was 'made' into a killer through trauma and environmental factors.

Discussion

• Conclusion: Both 'born' and 'made' elements play a role in shaping a serial killer.
• Not mutually exclusive - both biological and social reasons can contribute to killer behaviors.
• Example: John Wayne Gacy, well-off background but also suffered abuse.

Key Takeaways

• Serial killers' motivations can't be explained by a single factor.
• Both nature and nurture contribute to their development.
• Recognize human cost behind the stories of these killers.

Final Thoughts

• Encouragement to think critically about the complexities behind criminal behavior.
• Importance of understanding the individual stories behind each case.