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Source: 20/20
20/20 returns with an in-depth and thought-provoking special about three serial killers, and the psychological impulses behind the crimes.
Edmund Kemper, Gerard Schaefer and Roderick Ferrell are three of the most fearsome serial killers America has ever known.
Each one of them is representative of a specific type of present-day serial killer: Ed Kemper, for his astuteness and ability for self-analysis; Gerard Schaefer, for his egocentricity and surrealistic quality - the typical psychological profile of most serial killers; and Rod Ferrell, for his exceptional character; this young killer's macabre career was cut short early, soon after entering the realm of true horror.
When interviewed in their prison environments, all three agreed to talk about their criminal backgrounds. Their stories are valuable criminological records. They also lead to a greater understanding of this social phenomenon - a growing malady throughout the world.
What exactly is a serial killer? Is there a typical profile? Do killers really have an abnormally high IQ, as is commonly believed? Are they afflicted with a mental illness as such? What triggers their actions? Why do serial killers sometimes kill several years apart? Why do they feel invincible when committing their crimes? Why do these criminals always end up giving themselves away, sooner or later? How can they be stopped from harming again?
Be watching 20/20 at 9.30pm Thursday on TV2.
