A leading criminologist has shed light on the psychopathic mind of the crossbow killer, revealing that the same traits are found in CEOs and surgeons. Dr Adam Lynes, a homicide expert from Birmingham City University, explained that psychopaths often possess a lack of empathy, superficial charm, and a tendency for pathological lying.
Dr Lynes noted that while serial killers are psychopaths, most psychopaths are not serial killers. He highlighted that men are more likely to be serial killers than women, with sexual motivation frequently being the driving force. The UK definition of a serial killer is an individual who kills three or more victims over a period greater than 30 days.
According to Dr Lynes, one reason serial killers are difficult to catch is that their victims are often strangers, removing the usual link that helps police establish motive. He contrasted male and female serial killers, stating that males tend to target strangers, often women, for sexual reasons, while females target people they know, motivated by monetary gain and often using poison.
Dr Lynes, who co-wrote a book on British serial killers, emphasised that psychopaths can use their traits to excel in high-pressure professions. 'We may find psychopaths to be the head of a business, so a CEO. Or a surgeon who doesn't mind working under intense circumstances,' he said. He added that while it is difficult to establish the prevalence of psychopaths, serial killers are far rarer.
