"Serial Killer" is something which we heard a lot in films, and series. But what are serial killers? A serial killer is an individual who murders in a row, with a typical gap between each killing. Sometimes following a pattern, sometimes for different tendencies. Though their motives are indefinite, they can be due to sexual pleasure or any personal grudge. Serial killers sometimes lack empathy and guilt and often develop egocentric personalities; these traits classify some serial killers as "psychopaths". Serial killers frequently put on a "mask of sanity" to hide their true intentions and behave normally.

Their state of mind and psychology can be driven by childhood traumas or a rough family history and upbringing. Their tendencies grow over time, and some early warning signs can be noticed.

Serial killers do not just appear out of nowhere. They often had a brutal past in their childhood and early adolescence. Though there is no exact thread of similarity, experts have noticed some things to look for.

Serial killers are more inclined to have antisocial behavior. Most kids are outgoing and make friends easily. However, some children tend to be loners and play just by themselves. Though this does not always mean that your child is going to be a serial killer. Some children may change from being extremely social to being antisocial; this could be an issue.

Jeffrey Dahmer, popularly known as “Milwaukee Cannibal” or the “Milwaukee Monster”, who was a lively child in his childhood, became antisocial after they moved to Ohio for his father’s job. He backslid after being sexually molested and went on dissecting roadkill rather than making friends.. Later on, he murdered seventeen males between 1978 and 1991.

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Witnessing violence, either as a victim or as an observer, can have harsh effects in the long term. Those who adopt such behavior can develop the perception that violence is a way to solve problems. Antisocial behavior in adolescence can be influenced by both biological and social factors related to childhood abuse.

This factor is most notable in the case of serial killer Richard Ramirez. Popularly known as "The Night Stalker", Richard Ramirez used to hear incidents about the Vietnam War from his brother Miguel Ramirez, who had then returned from the war. Miguel used to tell Richard about the torture and mutilation of Vietnamese women and even show him pictures of the victims. Thirteen-year-old Richard witnessed Miguel murdering his wife. Before Richard Ramirez was captured in 1985, he murdered at least 13 people and tortured and raped many more.

Arson, or Fire setting, is another behavioral trait that can lead to violent tendencies. A fire setting is a huge warning sign that it has the tendency to destroy anything one wants. Fire is a powerful element. Power and control are two things that draw a serial killer in. Especially for those who enjoy having their victims at their mercy.

Ottis Toole, who was a serial arsonist from a young age, committed six murders. Toole admitted that he was sexually aroused by the fire. He also claimed that the flames of the fire used to give him a sense of excitement; the bigger the flames, the bigger his excitement and thrill. Toole also had a troubled childhood. He had spoken about how he was sexually abused in his childhood. Also, his Satanist grandmother introduced him to many dark rituals and self-mutilation.

Serial killers often start young and test their intentions on small animals. Sometimes it can be a street animal or a neighbor’s pet. According to studies, about 70 percent of violent offenders have a record of animal abuse in their childhood. Moreover, repeated torture of animals without any remorse is linked to a troubled childhood. And eventually they turn into serious offenders ahead of their lives.

Edmund Kemper, at the age of 10, buried his cat alive. After that, he dug up the body and presented the head on a spike as a "trophy." Later in his life, he committed 10 murders, including those of his mother, her best friend, six female hitchhikers, and his paternal grandparents.

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Childhood voyeurism is a common trait in serial killers. Engaging in sexual activities at a young age, doing things that involve undressing in public, and also being a "peeping tom" is a sign of a notorious serial killer. Many experts have claimed that pornography has a huge impact on the mind of a killer who kills women and small children.

Ted Bunty confessed that he would look through the windows of the neighborhood just to get a glimpse of the neighborhood girl undressing. He later committed a huge number of murders of young girls whom he kidnapped, raped, and then killed. After lots of denial, he confessed to 30 murders between 1974 and 1978. His actual number of crimes is unknown.

Childhood abuse plays a serious role in the mindset of a serial killer. Sexual assault at a young age or alcoholic parents who torture their child leave a huge impact. Abundancy is also one of the reasons. A sense of distrust and grudge usually gathers in them and can lead to heinous crimes afterwards.

Aileen Wuornos, a rare female serial killer, was physically and sexually abused during her entire childhood. Which resulted in stuck-up rage and distrust, which led to seven murders and robberies of men.She was also abandoned by her parents and raised by her alcoholic grandparents.

Serial killer thoughts often grow within them since childhood through violent fantasies. Such fantasies help them get rid of their anxiety and fear about neglect and abuse. Although having a fantasy does not always mean that you are inclined to be a serial killer. But If your fantasies are quite violent and gruesome, this can be something to worry about.

Ed Kemper, also known as the "Coed killer", stated that "I knew long before I started killing that I was going to be killing; that it was going to end up like that. The fantasies were too strong. They were going on for too long and were too elaborate."

Another sign might be excessive aggression during the adolescent stage. A nature of controlling everything everywhere. And an instant rage if not able to do so is a serious warning sign of a serial killer.

Carroll Cole committed his first crime at a young age when he drowned a boy in a lake. Cole confessed it after many years during his time in prison, where he wrote it in his diary. He murdered at least fifteen women and a boy by strangulation between 1947 and 1980. Carroll later confessed to about 35 murders.

These are some of the notable patterns of serial killers that can be seen from a very young age. Most serial killers are very intelligent and have a high IQ. Though not everybody going through this stage will turn into a serial killer, It is always better to keep an eye on your surroundings and notice if any such things are happening.There are several patterns of murders.The FBI and police still find shocking and that make it way too difficult to solve such a crime.