Serial killers are some of the most notorious and chilling criminals. They are defined as someone who has killed at least three people over a period of time, usually with a “cooling off” period between murders. Their compulsion to kill is driven by a variety of factors, including psychological issues, a desire for power and control, and sometimes sexual motivations. But one question that often comes up is – do serial killers feel remorse for their crimes?
The psychology of serial killers
To understand whether serial killers feel remorse, it is important to first look at their psychology. Many experts believe there are common psychological traits shared by serial killers:
- Lack of empathy – Serial killers often show a complete lack of empathy towards their victims. They are able to dissociate from their humanity and objectify their victims.
- Narcissism – Serial killers typically have an inflated sense of self-worth and feel superior to others. They believe they can decide who lives and dies.
- Compulsion – Serial killers are driven by an uncontrollable urge to kill. They describe feeling “compelled” to murder again and again.
- Sadism – Some serial killers derive pleasure from inflicting pain, torture, and control over their victims. They find the act of killing exhilarating.
- Psychopathy – Serial killers exhibit the classic traits of psychopathy including lack of remorse, impulsivity, and criminal versatility.
These psychological characteristics all interfere with a serial killer’s ability to feel normal human emotions like remorse and empathy. The cold, calculating nature that drives them to kill repeatedly also prevents them from regretting their crimes later on.
Do serial killers ever show remorse?
There are a few rare instances where serial killers have expressed remorse or guilt for their crimes. Some examples include:
- Ted Bundy – One of the most notorious serial killers in history, Ted Bundy confessed to over 30 murders of women and girls. Just before his execution in 1989, he expressed general remorse in an interview, saying “I’m sorry, I just wish I could give more than I have.” However, experts debate how sincere this remorse was.
- Dennis Rader – Known as the “BTK Killer”, Rader murdered 10 people in Kansas between 1974-1991. After his arrest in 2005, he said in a confession letter he felt “some remorse” for his crimes. He also tearfully apologized to family members of his victims at his sentencing hearing.
- Jeffrey Dahmer – Dahmer murdered and dismembered 17 young men and boys. In an interview after his 1992 arrest, he expressed regret and remorse for some aspects of his crimes, such as the pain he caused his victims’ families. However, he said he was unable to feel remorse when committing the murders in the moment.
In most cases, these displays of remorse have been questionable in their sincerity. Experts say serial killers like Bundy, Rader and Dahmer were more likely feeling sorrow for themselves and the consequences of being caught, rather than true empathy for their victims.
Why don’t serial killers feel remorse?
There are several theories as to why most serial killers lack remorse and the ability to empathize with their victims:
- Inherent personality traits – As mentioned earlier, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism all inhibit a serial killer’s capacity for remorse or empathy. These tend to be innate traits rather than learned behaviors.
- Thrill of the kill – For many serial killers, there is a build up of tension and excitement leading up to the murder. The act of killing releases that pent up energy. Remorse would interfere with the enjoyment and thrills they get from their crimes.
- Obsession or compulsion – Serial killers describe feeling driven or compelled to continue killing. Their obsession leaves no room for remorse or second guessing their actions.
- Dehumanization – Serial killers frequently objectify or de-humanize their victims as a way to justify their actions. Remorse becomes nearly impossible when the victim is seen as less than human.
- Hedonism – Some experts suggest serial killers are extremely hedonistic – pursuing their own pleasure and desires above all else. In this viewpoint, there is no room for remorse.
Overall, the psychology of a serial killer appears to be fundamentally lacking in the areas of the brain that generate empathy, compassion, guilt, and other human emotions. Their focus stays solely on their own motivations and compulsions to kill.
Case studies of serial killer remorse (or lack thereof)
Looking at specific examples can illustrate the psychology of serial killers further. Here are some case studies showing both the presence and absence of remorse:
Ted Bundy – The mask of remorse
As mentioned earlier, Ted Bundy gave an emotional interview just hours before his execution where he expressed regret and sorrow for his crimes that claimed over 30 lives. However, many experts see this as Bundy manipulating the public one final time.
In reality, Bundy never confessed to his full number of murders or provided details that would give victim’s families closure. He gave deliberate and controlled performances in court rather than ever truly opening up. Everything about Bundy’s personality suggests his display of remorse was just one more facade from a psychopathic, narcissistic killer seeking attention on his way out.
Jeffrey Dahmer – Remorse only for consequences
The “Milwaukee Cannibal” Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to 17 grisly murders of young men and boys. While he admitted to almost overwhelming urges driving him to kill, he was strangely unable to feel any remorse in the moment. He described his victims as mere objects and showed more concern for himself being caught than for their suffering.
In later interviews, Dahmer expressed regret and remorse – but mostly for the consequences of his actions. He focused on how much pain he caused his own family or how he negatively impacted society. Even his limited remorse shows it was conditional on how the murders affected himself, not true empathy for the victims and their suffering.
Dennis Rader – Superficially sorrowful
Known as the “BTK Killer”, Dennis Rader terrorized Kansas with a string of 10 brutal murders from 1974 to 1991. After his arrest in 2005, Rader participated in several interviews with police and psychiatrists. He spoke at length about his techniques, motivations, and took pride in outwitting authorities for so long.
When speaking with victim’s families at his court hearing, Rader broke down crying and asked for forgiveness. However, experts chalked this up to crocodile tears from a psychopath. Rader spent far more time focused on himself than showing genuine empathy. His self-serving displays of remorse provide little comfort to the families that suffered so much.
Gary Ridgway – “I killed so many women…”
Serial killer Gary Ridgway, the infamous “Green River Killer”, confessed to more murder cases than any serial killer in U.S. history. He admitted to strangling over 70 women in the Seattle area throughout the 1980s and 90s.
In interviews, Ridgway spoke openly about his crimes and described his remains disposal methods in gruesome detail. However, when pressed about whether he felt remorse for the victims and families, Ridgway replied chillingly: “I killed so many women I have a hard time keeping them straight.” His complete inability to even recognize his victims as individuals, let alone feel remorse, is a disturbing example of serial killer psychology.
| Serial Killer | Displayed Remorse? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ted Bundy | Yes | Remorse was likely insincere and manipulative |
| Jeffrey Dahmer | Limited | Only remorseful for consequences, not victims |
| Dennis Rader | Superficially | Crocodile tears for show, not empathy |
| Gary Ridgway | No | Complete inability to recognize victims as humans |
The complexities of remorse and redemption
The examples above paint a fairly bleak picture of serial killers’ capability for remorse. However, some argue even psychopathic killers may find redemption through remorse and sincerely taking responsibility.
For instance, David Berkowitz, also known as the “Son of Sam” killer that terrorized New York City, has expressed credible remorse for his crimes since finding religion in prison. He repeatedly apologizes and recognizes the pain his murders caused victim’s families.
Some experts say Berkowitz is an example of the fluid nature of psychopathy – and that even violent offenders can change over time. However, most mental health professionals caution there is scant evidence that serial killers like Bundy, Dahmer, Rader and others were ever truly rehabilitated through remorse.
Can remorse be faked?
An important question is whether displays of remorse from serial killers may be calculated and faked, rather than genuine. Many experts believe psychopaths in particular are adept at using superficial charm and mimicking emotions like remorse and empathy when doing so serves their interests.
For criminal defendants, appearing remorseful may elicit sympathy from a judge or jury. Serial killers like Ted Bundy and Dennis Rader were known to turn on the superficial charm in court. Once sentenced to death, suddenly claiming remorse may be a ploy to avoid execution or improve conditions on death row. Even well-meaning therapeutic programs may be manipulated by psychopaths feigning progress.
Unfortunately, mental health experts acknowledge there are no foolproof methods for assessing true remorse versus manipulation in serial killers. Much comes down to experience and intuition in judging these behaviours. Actions do speak louder than words – heartfelt remorse should inspire concrete actions to take responsibility, not just vague apologies. But even well-trained psychologists can be deceived by the masks of psychopathic killers.
The rarity of remorse
While examples exist of serial killers exhibiting some degree of remorse or guilt, the consensus among experts is that sincere, meaningful remorse is extremely rare. A number of factors get in the way:
- Inherent personality traits like narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism
- The obsessive, compulsive nature that drives serial killers
- Dehumanization and objectification of victims
- Focus on the thrills, pleasures and dominance of the murders
- Inability to empathize or see victims as anything more than objects
With their distorted psychology and perspective, serial killers are able to commit horrendous crimes again and again without feeling guilt in the moment. They may regret getting caught but rarely empathize with the suffering they caused. Any displays of remorse tend to be self-focused rather than out of genuine concern for their victims.
In summary, experts agree authentic remorse from a serial killer is exceptionally uncommon. The cold, calculating, and psychopathic personality required to take human life repeatedly and systematically is inherently contrary to the empathy, guilt, and human connection involved in true remorse.
Final thoughts
The question of whether serial killers feel remorse for their crimes provides a window into the dark, twisted psychology that drives them. Their apparent lack of empathy, obsession with control, and ability to dehumanize victims combines in a perfect storm to inhibit feelings of remorse. While momentary displays of guilt do occur in rare cases, most experts see them as manipulative and lacking in sincerity rather than representing true rehabilitation. The compulsive desire to kill repeatedly may virtually require an abnormal deficiency in the ability to feel remorse. In the end, understanding the apparent absence of this core human emotion may be key to unraveling the deeper motivations and disturbances within the minds of serial killers.
