Serial Killers Have Rapidly Declined Since The 1980s

It’s those lazy millennials. They just don’t have the patience or dedication.

Lead poisoning is still the prevalent theory, I think. It fucks up brain development in ways that make kids tend to sociopathic personalities.

Mass terror attacks way the fuck up though

No... Actually they switched to killing homeless and drug addicts and the police don't actually investigate them.

lot of comments in here talking about how they're just doing their kills some other way: cops, mass shootings, not getting caught (this one is the most braindead). But everyone is ignoring how we've largely eliminated regular lead exposure that used to be the norm. that shit makes you go fucking insane.

In the book Freakonomics they made the argument that the sudden decline in crime in the late 90's appeared to be tied to Roe v. Wade. I wonder if this is similar.

Western society was unclear of whether or not making them executives was a good idea to begin with.

Most crime has declined dramatically since the 90s. And yet right wing media is scaring the shit out of people, saying there are murderers, rapists, and terrorists behind every bush.

The world is actually becoming more empathetic and safer, but some people want us to be scared because fear keeps them in power. Don’t believe them.

Now they just do mass shootings.

Interestingly the start of the decline is 1988 which also happens to be the year the seminal Stewart Raffill film Mac and Me was released. Coincidence? I wonder.

I think the lead poisoning theory is a bit overblown, personally. There’s something to it, but “all the serial killers were just brain damaged” is I think trying to put a very neat little bow around a complex package.

I think a lot of it is simply that it’s harder to get away with murder now. I mean not to make it sound too easy but in 1982 there were a lot of ways to kill someone that basically could not be tracked back to you as long as you weren’t literally seen doing it. People aren’t stupid, they know this, and they change their patterns around it.

Additionally, I’m sure that (potentially as a result of this) we have more spree/mass killings now, and a decent deal of spree killings have a component of sexual frustration to them as many serial killers had.

Reduction in lead exposure plays a huge part.

I wonder how many of them just got badges.

Lots of great possibilities listed in article.

I was shocked that 60% of murders are solved. It was not that long ago that the solving rate was near 20%.

They're just cops now.

Could it be that not as many potential serial killers are being born? I believe there is a link between criminality and childhood abuse. Less unwanted kids are being born. Less abuse. Less criminals of all kinds, including serial killers.

They have joined the military or private military companies since. they can kill as much as they like with complete impunity, in many wars like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Palestine and Gaza, plus it's brown people they are killing so they feel triple the reword, society is fine with that as long as it who they view as the enemy who's the subject of their carnal instincts.

You can't convince me that the image of the horrors committed by the IDF in Gaza and the US military aren't of psychopaths having a blast paid for by their own societies.

Sounds to me like there's a serial serial killer killer on the loose!!

War on drugs shifted police focus from real crimes, to you guessed it, drugs. I bet some serial killers go under the radar due to shitty police work.

"Nah those murders aren't related, let's go do a no knock raid on shitty evidence. Maybe plant some drugs? That always cheers ya up Captain!" - Cops, probably

But podcasts about them have rapidly increased

Besides what they listed in the article, I would add lead exposure.

It's a short read, pretty good.

Not me! Back in the 1980s I had killed 0 people. Now in 2024, I've killed pretty much the same number. No decline at all!

Oh great, the millennials are killing the killing industry as well...

Replaced by mass shootings?

Murder "clearance" rates in the US have been declining for decades, meaning police are solving fewer and fewer murders. Unsolved killings were at record highs in 2023.

Seems to me that there are probably just less serial killers being suspected, investigated, and caught, as police continue to do less and less, rather than there being less serial killers. The United States is now basically the least effective country at solving murders in the industrialized world.

It's absurd trying to spin police incompetence as a positive thing. Roughly 27% of murders in Oakland, CA are solved for instance. Who knows if there is a serial killer at work with that kind of solve rate?

They get their media attention for mass shootings now.

Same with small shops. Big businesses are out competing them and taking over.

There is no culture left anymore, it's disgraceful.

No need to anymore! Now you can just buy an AR at the corner store and get all your killing done at the same time! No need to waste all that time choosing targets, and then stalking them, learning their habits. In today's fast paced society, no one has time for that!

Maybe there is a Dexter on the loose...

Combination of factors back then: highways were new, brain damaged from leaded gasoline, shit comms between agencies, shit tech for tracking people. No wonder it’s down.

Are serial killers a 1st world country thing? In my country a third world one only have 1 recorded serial killer and that was in the early 1800s and he was a priest.

Maybe they just got better?

This alarming decrease in the population of notorious serial killers poses an immediate threat to our society, as it could lead to a shortage of chilling true-crime documentaries and thrilling podcast series. To address this pressing issue, we must work together towards increasing the number of active serial killers. Here are a few possible ways to do so:

Serial Killer Incubation Programs: To ensure we never run out of potential murderers, we could create incubation programs specifically geared toward nurturing future serial killer talents. By identifying young individuals with a predisposition towards violence and sociopathic tendencies, these programs would provide them with the necessary training to hone their craft. Just as Olympians train for years before they reach the pinnacle of their sport, we can develop a similar system for aspiring serial killers.

Free Education: We could offer free education to troubled youths who show a promising aptitude for serial killing. Providing them with the best resources will enable these young minds to explore advanced methods for committing multiple homicides. Subjects such as forensics, human psychology, and law enforcement tactics could be included in their curriculum. This knowledge would empower them to avoid detection while enhancing their body count.

Tax Incentives: One way to encourage individuals to take up serial killing as a profession is by offering tax incentives to those actively engaged in the practice. This would make it financially beneficial for people to become serial killers. The more victims they claim, the larger their deductions would be on their annual taxes. They'll be able to enjoy substantial financial benefits while spreading fear across communities.

Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs would allow experienced serial killers to guide newcomers through the murky waters of their chosen career path. Veteran murderers like Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gacy could impart their wisdom and expertise to eager apprentices, ensuring that their deadly legacies live on.

Creative Advertising Campaigns: To increase awareness about the exciting opportunities offered by serial killing, governments could initiate targeted advertising campaigns aimed at disenfranchised and socially isolated individuals. By highlighting the freedom and adrenaline rush associated with this occupation, we could inspire a new generation of predators.

In conclusion, by implementing these measures, we can revitalize the dwindling population of serial killers and ensure our true-crime enthusiasts never run out of captivating stories to consume. Additionally, the increased supply of serial killers will provide police departments with ample opportunities to showcase their skills, further cementing our commitment to public safety.

Fads always make a return eventually... 😌

They're endangered, let's set up a go fund me.