Lending factors
Although some common characteristics and motives can be connected to serial killers, experts agree that there is no generic template for them.
The South Louisiana serial murders, however, fit a description in the FBI report used to clear the misconception that serial killers often travel and operate interstate.
Serial killers, according to the report, have very defined geographic areas of operation.
They kill within their comfort zones, such as places of residence, employment or residences of a relative.
The report also addresses another widely held view that serial killers often want to be caught.
Criminology professor at at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Steven Egger, who wrote the first dissertation on serial murders in the world, said it is not rare to find several serial killers in places where bodies can be hidden easily.
Serial killers in Louisiana, he said, have access to bodies of water, where victims can be hidden and DNA evidence is often lost.
"Look where the bodies are found," he said. "People are usually not going to find bodies in swamps and bayous. In many cases, serial killers are forensically aware."
He said the Pacific Northwest, where there are several isolated locations, also lends itself as an easy place for serial killers to hide bodies.
Egger said urban areas, which have more concentrated populations, also offer serial killers more victims to choose from.
The only commonality he said he has seen among victims is their vulnerability.
"A serial killer is usually going to pick an easy target, and it's usually not some big man or body builder," he said.
http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20081116/NEWS01/811160334/-1/NEWSFRONT2