Serial killer
A term describing multiple murders committed over time, primarily used in criminology and true crime rather than as a distinct legal classification in U.S. federal law.
Definition
A serial killer is a person who commits multiple murders over an extended period, typically with cooling-off periods between killings. While extensively used in criminology, forensic psychology, and true crime media, the term does not constitute a separate legal classification in U.S. federal criminal law. Federal statutes prosecute serial killers under standard murder provisions rather than creating a distinct offense category for serial killing.
The term appears in federal law primarily in sentencing contexts. Title 18 of the United States Code addresses various murder-related offenses, but serial killing itself is not defined as a standalone crime. The phrase appears in specific provisions such as those addressing enhanced penalties for defendants with prior convictions who commit additional murders.
In true crime and criminological contexts, serial killers are generally understood to have committed three or more murders in separate incidents with temporal separation between events. This definition emphasizes the pattern of repeated killings rather than a single incident involving multiple victims. The cooling-off periods between murders distinguish serial killers from mass murderers, who kill multiple victims in a single event, and spree killers, who commit murders in multiple locations without significant time between incidents.
Federal prosecution of serial killers typically occurs when murders cross state lines, involve federal property, or fall under specific federal jurisdictions. In such cases, prosecutors apply general murder statutes found in Title 18 rather than invoking a separate serial killing statute. The federal system addresses the severity of multiple murders through sentencing enhancements and considerations rather than through a distinct criminal classification.
Related entries
Related articles
truecrimecaitlyn
UK-based creator covering true crime stories for a young audience. The page shares educational, respectful case storytelling and commentary on contemporary true-crime trends.
AllegedlyReportedly
A true crime blogger and content creator covering crime-related cases and updates. The profile bio also mentions horror, reality-tea, cult talk, and scam talk.
Kara Robinson Chamberlain
Kara Robinson Chamberlain speaks about crime and personal safety from the perspective of a survivor. Her content is meant to inform viewers and help them avoid becoming victims.
Yevs
This TikTok account pairs food and snack content with true crime stories. It covers gruesome deaths, mysteries, and serial killer cases.
Truecrimertime
This TikTok account posts daily true crime videos. It covers multiple killers, including infamous serial killers and morbid true crime topics.
When Killers Get Caught
This TikTok account is a true-crime account run by podcaster Brittany Ransom. It posts short case summaries and clips tied to the podcast When Killers Get Caught.
Spookysleuth
This account posts gruesome true crime stories, including a case about cannibalism. It is described as a sleuthing-style crime account with horror-leaning true crime storytelling.
Crime With Kourt
Crime With Kourt is a TikTok account that covers true crime cases, including unsolved cases and unexplained deaths. The account presents cases in an analytical style and includes links to victim organizations.
PATCHES
This account shares videos about mysterious cases and related conspiracy theories. It also promotes the true crime podcast Case Craze.
Crime Viral
Shocking true crime and serial killer news.
The Lineup
Explores true crime across centuries plus horror and unsolved cases.
Alt om Shawn Grate-sagen: dokumentarer, bøger og podcasts
Shawn Grate begik en serie af mord i Ashland, Ohio, hvor han gemte ofres lig i forladte boliger. I 2016 blev han arresteret, efter en kvinde undslap og kontaktede politiet. Han blev i 2017 idømt dødsstraf. Her er det samlede overblik over alle dokumentarer, serier, podcasts og bøger om sagen.