SERIAL KILLINGS

A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the award of the degree
of

BALLB (Hons.)

By

ANNLIYA ELDHO
23FL10IAL00067

SCHOOL OF LAW
MANIPAL UNIVERSITY JAIPUR
JAIPUR – 303007
RAJASTHAN, INDIA

NOVEMBER 2023

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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project titled SERIAL KILLINGS is a record of the bonafide work
done by ANNLIYA ELDHO (23FL10IAL0067) submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the BALLB(Hons.) in the School Of Law of Manipal
University Jaipur, during the academic year 2023-24.

Dr. ASHIMA JAIN

Project Guide, (Dept of Law)
Manipal University Jaipur

Dr. SONY KULSHRESTHA

HOD, Dept of Law
Manipal University Jaipur

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the personages who helped
me to complete this project. Without their help and support, I would not have made headway
in the project.

I express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Ashima Jain under whose guidance, I was able to
carry out my research.

I am highly indebted to the faculty of law for their constant support.

I extend my gratitude to MANIPAL UNIVERSITY JAIPUR for giving me this

opportunity.

Finally, I pay my gratitude to my family and friends for their extended encouragement and
help throughout the project.

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SL.N CONTENTS PG NO.
O

1 ABSTRACT 5

2 INTRODUCTION 6

3 WHAT MAKES A SERIAL KILLER 7

4 FAMOUS SERIAL MURDERS 8

5 HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF 9

6 CONCLUSION 10

7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 ABSTRACT

A serial killer is used to define a criminal with a psychopathological profile who commits
crimes with a sure frequency. The series of two murders committed as separate events,
usually by one offender acting alone over a period ranging from hours to years, is termed
serial killing.

The project provides information on the topic using flowcharts and pointers. A brief study of
what serial killings are, along with certain cases, is given in the project.

The main motto of the project is to give an understanding of the above-mentioned subject by
explaining the factors and reasons why serial killings are happening, how the mind of a serial
killer works, and the importance of knowledge of such a topic it has in our current life.

The project takes you through different case laws to briefly sketch an overview.
Furthermore, the project helps you to take needed measures to protect yourself when such
situations arise.

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 INTRODUCTION

What is Serial killing?

The Federal Bureau of Research defines serial killings as "a sequence of two or greater
murders, dedicated as separate occasions usually, however no longer continually, through one
perpetrator acting by myself".
One of the rarest forms of homicide appears to be serial killing in which an individual has
killed more than two people within a specific period or what is informally termed as a “ cool
off” period between each murder.

Who is a Serial Killer?

The term “serial killer” first came into knowledge through the book ‘A Lonely Place’ written
by Dorothy B. Hughes in 1947, which had a huge impact in the late 70s.
Though the works of the author Dorothy were unpopular, the world later identified the works
of the FBI investigator, Robert Ressler through his criminology book, in which he briefly
mentioned serial murders and serial killers
In simple terms, one can define the term serial killer to be someone who does serial killings.
Research has proved that most serial killers have common emotional development issues and
above-average intelligence. Other factors include childhood traumas or traumas in any other
ways, chromosome abnormality, lust, missions, and to some, a fantasy.

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 WHAT MAKES A SERIAL KILLER?

One of the striking facts about a serial killer is the method of camouflage. Serial
killers seem to be normal individuals just like us blending in perfectly. They can
be aggressive and manipulative in different ways.
The major thought that runs through our mind is why an individual becomes a
serial killer. How does he transform into one? This can be understood from the
following pointers.
 The Birth
A proven factor by the doctors is that an unborn baby in the womb
can hear everything that happens around the mother. Any distress
the mother experiences can result in an abnormality in the baby or
affect their mental growth.

 Childhood traumas
This is one of the most common factors most serial killers have
experienced. Studies show that childhood traumas that include
sexual abuse, death of close ones, bullying, and poor and abusive
parenting played a crucial role in the creation of a serial killer.

 Chromosome abnormality
Studies have confirmed the role of chromosome abnormality in the
development of a serial killer. The presence of extra X or Y
chromosomes can cause this abnormality which triggers their serial
killer trait.

 Sadists/Sociopaths
Very often serial killers can be found to fall in the category of
sadists and sociopaths. They get ultimate pleasure in seeing people
get hurt or hearing their cries. The fun or happiness they get from
the victim’s sadness makes them hurt the victim more.

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 FAMOUS SERIAL MURDERS

1. TED BUNDY CASE

Ted Bundy was an American serial killer. He murdered many young

women during the 1970s. The charm and intelligence he gave out made the
victims gain trust in him. His crimes spanned several states, and he
managed to escape custody twice before his final arrest. He was convicted
of multiple murders and was eventually executed in 1989. His case is still
remembered for its shocking nature and remains to be a disturbing story
among the people.

2. MILWAUKEE MONSTER

Jeffery Dahmer, also known as the “Milwaukee monster”, was an

American serial killer and sex offender. He murdered men and boys in the
late 90s. His crimes included acts of necrophilia, cannibalism, and
preserving body parts as souvenirs. Dahmer was eventually arrested in
1991 after a victim managed to escape and alert the police. He was killed
by a fellow inmate in 1994 after being sentenced to 15 consecutive life
terms.

3. JACK THE RIPPER

The person behind the most infamous murder sprees remains a mystery.
He was known as “Jack the Ripper”. He murdered prostitutes and
mutilated their corpses. The police suspected the murderer to be a surgeon
or a butcher since the mutilation was done skillfully. Though many
suspects have been named over the years, the killer has never been
identified.

4. DR. DEATH

Harold Shipman, also known as “Dr. Death”, is a mass murderer who

killed nearly 250 patients during his course. Only when a red flag against
him had been raised by a few people, had he been caught. He was
convicted in 2000 and committed suicide while in prison in 2004.

5. THE MONSTER OF ANDES

Pedro Lopez, also known as “the monster of Andes” is said to have

committed more than 300 murders in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Most
of his victims were tribal women.
He was arrested in 1980, after which the police found out the graves of 50
of his pre-teen victims. He was released in 1998 for good behavior. Ever
since then, his whereabouts have been unknown.

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 HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. AVOID AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ATTACK

 One should always be aware of their surroundings. In case you feel threatened,
search for the nearest exists or the nearest populated environment. Search for
the nearest police or fire stations.
 While traveling alone at night, it is advised to take a family or friend along
with you for your safety. If you must go alone, make your family or friends
aware of your current location and time.
 Wherever and whenever you walk alone, try to be confident and walk with
surety. Instead of asking a random person on the street for directions, try to
ask a staff of a shop for the same.

2. AVOID PEOPLE WHO APPEAR TO BE DANGEROUS

 When a stranger approaches you for any help, do take up the courage
to say know if their actions seem dangerous.
 Avoid getting into the vehicle of a stranger
 Letting a stranger or an unknown person into your home is more
dangerous. If you are unsure about an unknown visitor, take protective
measures to keep yourself safe.
 Never share personal information with a stranger.

3. ALWAYS DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST AN ATTACK

 If you feel threatened or uneasy around a stranger who shows signs of

attacking you, try to run away or hide.
 Always carry pepper spray as personal defence.
 Learn self-defence techniques.

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 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this project takes us into the chilling realm of serial killers, focusing on their
complex nature and the various factors that contribute to their development. We have learned
that a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental elements can steer
someone toward becoming a serial killer.
The project has provided insights into protecting oneself from any common noticeable threat
of serial killings.
Ultimately, by understanding the traits, origins, and patterns of serial killers, society can work
towards early identification, prevention, and safety measures to reduce the impact of these
tragic and horrific crimes.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. “The Stranger Beside Me” by Ann Rule (about Ted Bundy)

2. “Serial Killers: An Encyclopaedia of the Disturbed” by Dr. Christopher

Berry-Dee.

3. www.britannica.com

4. www.crimeandjustice.org.uk

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