Mass Murder Vs Serial Killers

Serial Killers Vs Mass Murders

In both mass murder along with serial murder cases, victims die as the offender momentarily gains control of his or her life by controlling others. Whereas serial murder involves the killing of several victims over a period of time, mass murder involves the killing of several victims at one time and in one place. Gaining the little bit of control a killer lost in younger years justifies any murders he or she commits. It may not show on the surface but the differences between these two types of offenders far outweigh the similarities. It is easy to see that mass murderers a long with serial killers have countless similarities but small differences in their lives makes a significant difference in their actions.

Society can comprehend many forms of homicide, such as killings provoked by jealousy or homicide committed out of greed, but killing for pleasure or revenge is incomprehensible for most people. Serial Killers usually murder not for terror or revenge, but instead for the thrill of taking lives. Approximately two- thirds of serial killers find motivation by the thrill of power or sexual sadism (Buss 106). Serial Killers enjoy the excitement, the sexual satisfaction, as well as the dominance and power that they achieve over the lives of their victims. On the other hand, the reason mass murders kill can range from revenge to hatred. The most publicized type of mass murder involves the indiscriminate shooting of strangers in a public place by a lone gunman. Many massacres are considered suicidal rampages because before the gunman takes their own life; the gunman intends to get even with everyone he or she holds responsible. Thus, showing even though mass murderers and serial killers have different reasons for the actions they take, the reasons are still beyond understanding for society.

Second, s

erial killers along with mass murderers are both guilty of taking the lives of several innocent victims but the assassins have multiple ways to do the deed. Serial killers murder three or more people in three or more separate events over a period of time for psychological gratification. Serial killers choose victims weaker than themselves and that often fit a certain stereotype which has a symbolic meaning to the killers. Serial killers never find their dream victim; therefore the hunt never ends until law enforcement finds the killer. As where, mass murder consists of the slaughter of four or more victims by one or a few assailants within a single event,