SERIAL KILLER RESEARCH PROJECT
100 Point Summative Assessment
For this project, you are going to delve into the world of a specific serial killer.
Serial killers tend to be white, heterosexual males in their twenties and thirties
who are sexually dysfunctional and have low self-esteem. Their methodical
rampages are almost always sexual in nature. Their killings are usually part of an
elaborate fantasy that builds to a climax at the moment of their murderous
outburst. Serial killers generally murder strangers with cooling off periods between
each crime. Many enjoy cannibalism, necrophilia and keep trophy-like body parts as
mementos of their work. Serial killers are sadistic in nature. Some return to crime
scenes or gravesites of their victims to fantasize about their deeds. Many like to
insert themselves in the investigation of their crimes and some enjoy taunting
authorities with letters or carefully placed pieces of evidence.
Serial killers tend to prey on women and children of their same race.
Prostitutes, drifters and hitchhikers are their victims of choice. Some homosexual
killers enjoy hunting young boys and gay men. Female serial killers tend to be
"black widows" who kill a succession of husbands, lovers, or other family members.
They can also be nurses or other medical professionals who become self-appointed
"angels of death" murdering babies, elderly, or the desperately ill in a misguided
effort to relieve their suffering. Most serial killers grew up in violent households. As
youngsters they enjoyed torturing animals, setting fires and were chronic bed-
wetters. As adults, many serial killers have some type of brain damage and are
addicted to alcohol and/or drugs.
Project Overview
You will research the historical attributes of a specific serial killer, create a
PowerPoint presentation, and then present your report to the class.
Working individually, pick one of the following serial killers and create a
Powerpoint document complete with appropriate (non-graphic) images. Do not
place too many words on the PowerPoint; it is there for the audience NOT for the
presenter. You may use note cards during your presentation.
