Criminology and Forensic Psychology/list of names

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Expert: - 1/6/2011


Question
Hello Mr. Zukowski.

I am just after reading in your answer to another enquirer, the list of "Fourteen Characteristics of a Serial Killer." I must say, that by the time I read through number eight I was on the verge of calling the police and having myself locked up for the public good; then I read 9–14 and relaxed, considerably! I'm guessing the list is arranged according to an increased perception of reliability in the indicator. It's an interesting list. Scary, but interesting.

My question, however, centers upon "trophies."

I was watching some run-of-the-mill detective drama recently. I hardly consider these any real reference to reality, but they do seem occasionally to touch upon it . On this occasion, something struck a chord with me, when a character mentioned something about how some serial killers delight in the more intangible type of trophy—i.e., not an earring or lock of hair or such like, but, say (and my own suggestion) an ordinary list of names.

I should point out, my interest is not in serial killers per se,  but whose actions I take to represent merely the foremost example of a wider phenomenon. I speak of those who and in their delight in perpetrating the more ordinary types of abuses upon others (acts which society may not yet even consider abusive) maintain lists of names because these constitute in their minds a form of "conquest." A schoolteacher, for instance, might keep a list of pupils detained after school or otherwise punished and over the years, if only to derive some perverse satisfaction from it.

Thus, in an attempt to establish debate on some form of elemental dynamic, I'm wondering, firstly, if you have any comment on whether or not the keeping of a list would be considered an actual "trophy" in the occasion of a serial killer. (I'm guessing, "Yes.") If so, and secondly, I'm wondering if you could point to any actual instances of this (or indeed to any type of serial criminal) who gets his kicks merely by keeping a list of his (or her) victims?

regards,
Dan

Answer
Most trophys are personal to the victim, bracelets, clothes, ID cards etc.
Some keep news clippings. Photographs even video tapes are kept.
Never heard one where it was just a list of names.
Many times they do not know victims name at the time of the crime.  

Criminology and Forensic Psychology

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Paul Edward Zukowski

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What`s in the minds of arsonists, rapists and murderers. I`m doing a research project related to sexual motivated serial criminals {aronist, rapist, & murders} I have reviewed the FBIs texts on the subject and am preparing a research purposal for them.

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I have an AS and a BA in Psychology. I also worked with at risk youth for 6.5 years
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A general biography my fit more here so I offer the following. (it appears on on all my profiles) After all who we are affects our opinions or even inadvertently effect of statements of fact. I hold a AS from Eastern Conn. State Univ. and a BA from Trinity College, Hartford Ct. Plus 11 other professional certifications. I have received 31 awards for various activities. My writings published in ?The Other Voice? and other publications. I have had my original music published, licensed and recorded by David Kaye. I have been a guest on CyberRadio & TV and many other talk radio programs. I welcome interviews and I am willing to act as a technical advisor to various media. I am single and have resided in Hartford, Ct. since 1976. I have no children. I am a political conservative with libertarian leanings. I am a registered Republican. I am a Roman Catholic. I have worked in the following areas, entertainment, real estate, mortgage banking, and human services. I have owned 2 businesses. Some of my interests include politics, law, history, and current events.Hobbies I partake in include music, target shooting and cars (my Camaro rumbles) If you wish to find out more about me, feel free to visit my web page PEZmans World
You can find me in many other areas of Allexperts.com
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 Careers: Music
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?The Other Voice? published articles.
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I have been a tech advisor to more than a dozen authors.



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AS from Eastern Conn. State Univ.
BA from Trinity College
11 other professional certifications


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I have received 31 awards and honors for various activities.

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