A serial killer is typically defined by several key characteristics:
- Multiple murders: They commit at least two or more murders, often with a cooling-off period between each crime.
- Pattern or motive: The killings usually follow a specific pattern or have a psychological motive, such as gaining power, control, or fulfilling fantasies.
- Lack of empathy: Serial killers often show a profound lack of empathy or remorse for their victims.
- Pre-meditation: Their crimes are usually planned rather than impulsive.
- Psychological traits: Many exhibit traits such as manipulation, superficial charm, and sometimes mental disorders or personality disorders, like psychopathy or sociopathy.
These factors combine to differentiate serial killers from other types of murderers, such as spree killers or single-incident offenders.