Serial killers have long been a source of fascination and horror for people around the world. These individuals commit some of the most heinous crimes imaginable, taking the lives of innocent people and leaving communities devastated in their wake. In this article, we will explore some of the worst serial killers of all time, from Harold Shipman to Pedro Rodrigues Filho…
Harold Shipman
Harold Shipman, a British doctor, is known for his prolific killing spree. Shipman used lethal injections to kill his patients, and it went undetected for many years. He was found guilty of 15 murders, but it’s believed that the actual number could be much higher. In 2004, Shipman was found dead in his cell, having taken his own life on the eve of his 58th birthday. The judge recommended that he never be released from prison.
Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy, known as the “Lady Killer,” was an American serial killer, rapist, and necrophiliac. He assaulted and murdered women back in the 1970s, confessing to 30 murders, but it’s believed that the actual number could be much higher. The crimes took place in nine states, including Washington, Utah, Florida, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, and California. Bundy was caught and sentenced to death by execution.
Gary Ridgway
Gary Ridgway, known as the Green River Killer, is an American serial killer who was initially convicted of 48 separate murders. However, he later confessed to nearly twice that number. Most of his victims were alleged to be prostitutes, and he murdered them during the 80s and 90s in Washington State and California. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Luis Garavito
Luis Garavito, also known as La Bestia (the Beast), is a Colombian rapist and child serial killer. In 1999, he admitted to the rape, torture, and murder of 147 young boys. Although investigators confirmed 138 of them, they believe he may have killed as many as 300. He was caught and sentenced to prison for 835 years, but the maximum punishment in Colombia for murder is 30 years, so that’s exactly what he received. Many people felt the sentence was not sufficient enough for the punishment that he committed, and some argued he deserved either life in prison or the death penalty.
Daniel Camargo
Daniel Camargo, also known as the Colombian Killer, is believed to have raped about 150 young girls in the 70s and 80s. He was caught and put in prison in Georgiana, which is known as a Colombian Alcatraz. His maximum sentence was only 16 years, but Camargo was able to escape in a boat in 1984. There were reports that he was eaten by a shark, but he made it to land and committed even more crimes. He was caught again and killed in prison in 1994 by Luis Narvaez, the cousin of one of his victims.
Pedro Rodrigues Filho
Pedro Rodrigues Filho, a Brazilian serial killer, is known as “Killer PD.” He started killing at a very young age, with his first attempted murder occurring when he was just 13 years old. He tried to kill his older cousin but failed. At the age of 14, he killed his first victim, the vice mayor of Alfenas, where he lived. He went on to kill at least 71 people, including his own father. He was sentenced to 126 years in prison, but due to Brazilian law, he will only serve a maximum of 30 years.
Javed Iqbal
This Pakistani serial killer confessed to killing and dismembering at least 100 young boys in Lahore in 1999. He sent a letter to the police describing the locations of the boys’ bodies, and later committed suicide in prison.
Andrei Chikatilo
Also Known as the “Rostov Ripper,” this Ukrainian serial killer and rapist was convicted of killing 52 people, mostly young women and children, between 1978 and 1990. He was executed in 1994.
John Wayne Gacy
Known as the “Killer Clown,” this American serial killer and rapist was convicted of killing 33 teenage boys and young men in Illinois between 1972 and 1978. He was executed in 1994.
Jeffrey Dahmer
This American serial killer and cannibal was convicted of killing 17 young men and boys between 1978 and 1991. He was killed in prison in 1994 by a fellow inmate.
There is no single answer to why serial killers commit their crimes, as the motivations and underlying psychological factors can vary greatly from case to case. However, some common reasons that have been identified by researchers and investigators include: Psychological disorders, Childhood trauma, Sexual gratification and Power and control. It’s important to note that these are just some of the potential motivations for serial killers, and there can be many individual factors that contribute to their behaviour. Additionally, not all individuals who suffer from mental illness or experience childhood trauma become violent offenders.