From Profiling to Artificial Intelligence: Identifying Serial Killers

The fascination with the criminal mind has persisted throughout history, from ancient tales of violence to modern-day crimes. Society has long sought to understand the motivations behind murder, moving over time from simplistic explanations like insanity to more nuanced approaches influenced by psychology and behavioral science. This evolution began in the mid-20th century when the FBI integrated behavioral profiling into investigations, enabling a deeper understanding of criminal behavior, though this method focused primarily on external actions rather than internal thought processes.

Recognizing the need to delve into the cognitive precursors of crime, researchers in the latter half of the 20th century turned to the writings and communications of killers. Some killers, like the Mad Bomber and David Meirhofer, used communication as part of their crimes, while others like Edmund Kemper monitored media coverage to assess police progress without exposing themselves.

In the current era, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for analyzing criminal behavior. Machine learning enables detailed comparisons of the cognitive patterns and actions of serial killers, such as Ted Kaczinsky and Elliot Rodger. This technological approach holds promise for uncovering deeper psychological and behavioral insights, enhancing both   investigation and identification efforts.