Predator on the loose : an evaluation of the female serial killer with a case study on Aileen Wuornos : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

A new predator is on the loose. Today, female serial killers exist in growing numbers and their influence is strongly felt within this country. The following is a comprehensive study ofthis new breed ofkiller that has emerged. I will present a brief history of the genre before moving on to discuss demographic data and behavioral characteristics. 1 will then evaluate psychological factors and probable motives before discussing the actual perpetrations of the crimes. 1 drew information from the literature in order to develop a typology for female serial killers and provided examples ofeach. Next, media portrayal ofthe female multicide will bring to a close the first portion ofthe examination. Finally, 1 will conclude with a special case study on one of the most famous female serial killers in history thus far, Aileen Wuomos. I will discuss how she fits into the typologies 1 proposed in this Honors Thesis.