Serial killers are some of the most cunning and dangerous people we have in society. Not only do they have a skill set that helps them be manipulative, but they feel no remorse for their actions. These are the kind of people scientists and the media want to find out about. A killer's mind is the most complex thing of all; this takes them away from everyday society, but also attracts the curious and the courageous. Classifying a serial murderer is something law enforcement has been trying to figure out for years. The inevitable question is: Is a mass murderer considered a serial killer? Technically no. “A serial killer is someone who, through premeditation, kills three or more victims over a period of time” (“Serial Murder” 2). These people are most likely normal everyday people who have an urge to kill. Besides the number and number of victims found, there are many other possibilities for classifying a serial murderer. Although most work alone, killers are known to work in teams, whether male or female, and may kill for a reason or for no reason. One thing all serial killers have in common is some sort of psychological deficiency which is the main reason scientists believe they are responsible for their actions. These psychological deficiencies that accompany most killers include characteristics such as superficial charm, unreliability, lying, lack of remorse, and inability to follow a life plan. Although there is no exact answer to why these criminals continue to kill, scientists believe they have a theory. These scientists claim that by tracing the traumatic events of a killer's childhood as well as their crimes, they can explain why they kill (Life's Little Mysteries, 1). Although... middle of paper ...... also children who bear characteristics of psychopaths. “Approximately 40% of all reported murderers were neglected as children and exhibited psychopathic characteristics” (“Serial Killers” 2). There is no complete answer to why serial murderers kill, but there are reasons that contribute to it. As the epidemic of serial killings begins to rise, scientists struggle to give the world an answer. Serial murderers are the terror of common society. They are the shadows in the hall and the bump in the night, but these killers have so much more to offer. They are cunning, manipulative, they can be charming and extremely intelligent. These are all factors that lead scientists and the media to want to know more about serial murderers. A killer's mind is the most complex thing of all; this takes them away from everyday society, but also attracts the curious and the courageous..