Catch Me If You Can: Patterns and Motives in Serial Killers’ Communications with the Media and Police

• In Event: Media and Public Perception of Serial Killers and Criminal Investigative Profiling

Abstract

A number of serial killers had communicated with the media and police before they were caught. They initiated communications to claim credit for the kill, provide information about the crime, or taunt police investigators. Using open-source data, this study will explore patterns in serial killers’ written and oral communications to the media and police. Qualitative examination will then be conducted to uncover possible motives for the communications and to determine whether the communications contributed to the identification and apprehension of serial killers.

Author

• Melissa D. Fennessy, Sonoma State University