Serial killers have long fascinated the public, thanks in part to the sensationalism of true crime media, films, and TV shows. Unfortunately, much of what we think we know about serial killers is based on myths—not facts. These misconceptions can distort our understanding, misguide investigations, and even let killers slip through the cracks.
In this article, we’ll break down six of the most common serial killer myths and reveal the sobering truths behind them.
Myth: Serial Killers Are Almost Always Men
This may surprise many, but one in six serial killers is female, according to Penn State psychology professor Marissa Harrison. Female killers often go unnoticed because they tend to use subtle methods, such as poisoning, and target people they already know.
Shockingly, nearly 39% of female serial killers have worked in healthcare, allowing them to operate under the radar. Belle Gunness lured men to her farm before murdering them in early 20th-century Indiana. More recently, Aileen Wuornos killed seven men along Florida highways.
Women don’t kill less frequently—they just do it differently, and society often fails to notice.
Myth: Serial Killers Are Predominantly White
The stereotype of the white, male serial killer persists. Names like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and John Wayne Gacy dominate headlines and documentaries. But studies show this image is misleading.
From 2004 to 2014, up to 50% of male serial killers in the U.S. were African American. Furthermore, serial killers exist across all races and nationalities. Ángel Maturino Reséndiz, Richard Ramirez, and China’s Yang Xinhai are global examples that challenge this myth.
The takeaway? Race doesn’t determine one’s capacity for evil.
Myth: Profiling Accurately Catches Serial Killers
Shows like Criminal Minds glorify profiling as a near-magical tool. In reality, criminal profiling is far more limited. According to retired detective Peter Valentin, most profiles are so vague they offer little practical help. For example, describing a suspect as a “white male in his 30s” doesn’t narrow down much.
In fact, profiling can mislead investigations. Authorities initially dismissed Ted Kaczynski—the Unabomber—because he didn’t match their age profile. What eventually led to his arrest? His brother recognized his writing style and tipped off the FBI.
Hard evidence, not guesswork, is what solves crimes.
Myth: Serial Killers Always Follow Rituals or Escalate Over Time
Popular belief suggests serial killers leave distinct patterns or “signatures” and gradually escalate in brutality. However, real data paints a different picture.
A study by psychologist Louis Schlesinger revealed that 70% of serial sexual murderers change their methods between crimes. Many try different tactics and adjust based on experience or circumstance. Some even pause for years between killings or act in entirely disorganized ways.
This variability makes tracking them much harder and debunks the Hollywood idea of a killer with an unchanging calling card.
Myth: All Serial Killers Fit a Single Profile
There is no “typical” serial killer. While some are sexually motivated, others kill for vastly different reasons. Contract killers do it for profit, while healthcare workers might kill under the guise of care. Some seek power, others thrill, and a few act based on delusional beliefs.
Serial killers operate within their own unique motives and logic. Reducing them to one mold makes it easier for others to slip under the radar—and for society to ignore warning signs that don’t match the “classic” image.
Myth: Serial Killers Are Criminal Geniuses
Thanks to characters like Hannibal Lecter, we often picture serial killers as hyper-intelligent masterminds. In truth, most are far from brilliant. Gary Ridgway—the Green River Killer—had an IQ of just 81. While some like Ted Bundy held college degrees, they didn’t necessarily use superior intellect to commit their crimes.
Instead, they exploited weaknesses in the system: unconnected jurisdictions, overlooked victims, or flawed evidence handling. Often, luck—not intelligence—let them evade capture.
As serial murder researcher Enzo Yaksic puts it: “They’re not evil geniuses; they’re often just losers with a high body count.”
The Truth About Serial Killers
The real danger in these myths is that they shape how we look for, understand, and respond to serial killers. When we assume killers must be white men with a ritualistic pattern and a high IQ, we ignore evidence that doesn’t fit the narrative. That’s how killers stay hidden—and keep killing.
The truth is far more complex. Serial killers can be male or female, any race, and motivated by a wide range of factors. They don’t always leave patterns, they’re not always brilliant, and they rarely fit Hollywood’s portrayal.
Understanding reality is the first step toward smarter investigations—and potentially saving lives.
FAQs About Serial Killer Myths
Can women really be serial killers?
Yes, and they often go undetected because they use less violent methods like poisoning and kill within familiar settings.
Are most serial killers white?
No. While many high-profile cases involve white killers, people of all races have committed serial murders.
Does profiling help catch serial killers?
Not always. Profiling is imprecise and can sometimes mislead investigations, unlike physical evidence which provides clearer leads.
Do serial killers always escalate their crimes?
Not necessarily. Many change their methods or take long breaks, which makes their patterns harder to track.
Is there a common profile of a serial killer?
No. Motivations and methods vary widely, making it nearly impossible to define one universal profile.
Are serial killers usually geniuses?
Most are not. In fact, many have average or below-average intelligence and rely on circumstantial advantages, not brilliance.