Investigating Murderers Along a Victim Continuum: An Analysis of Single and Multiple Killers

Abstract

Traditional criminological classifications of murderers into discrete types—such as single- event killers and serial killers—may obscure a deeper understanding of homicidal behavior. This study investigates whether murderers exist along a behavioral continuum rather than in separate categories. Using a simulated dataset modeled after U.S. homicide statistics and known serial killer data, we examined the distribution of victim counts among 100,000 hypothetical offenders. Our analysis applied a power-law model to assess the frequency decay as victim counts increased. Results reveal a steep decline in offender frequency with higher victim counts, suggesting that multiple homicides are an extension of general homicidal behavior rather than a distinct phenomenon. These findings challenge rigid forensic typologies and imply the need for more nuanced approaches in criminal profiling and violence prevention.