The Unraveling of an Expert on Serial Killers

Stéphane Bourgoin: is a French author of true crime who was born on March 14, 1953. He claimed to be an authority on serial killers for many years before admitting in 2020 that he had exaggerated many of his purported experiences.

The complex world of serial killers has always been a subject of intrigue, fear, and intense study. It dives deep into the realms of psychology, crime, and sometimes, grim fandom.

This article takes a closer look at the experts who study these enigmatic figures, the reasons behind the public’s fixation on them, and the intricacies of their dark psyche.

Serial killers have long been a subject of intrigue and speculation. From understanding their motivations to delving into their background and neurological makeup, the quest to uncover the mysteries behind these individuals remains relentless.

Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about serial killers.

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Stéphane Bourgoin Life

One of Jean Bourgoin’s four children, Stéphane Bourgoin was born in Paris on March 14, 1953. His father was a military engineer. He does not have a high school diploma and was expelled three times.

In 1976 in Los Angeles, a serial killer is said to have murdered, raped, and mutilated Bourgoin’s then-girlfriend. Bourgoin claimed to have immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s.

He claimed that the incident inspired him to try to comprehend the thoughts of serial killers. But in 2020, Bourgoin admitted that the tale was a fabrication based on the 1975 slaying of Susan Bickrest, 24, by serial killer Gerald Stano.

Stéphane Bourgoin Works

Thousands of copies of Bourgoin’s books have been sold in France, and he has also written 75 books and produced dozens of documentaries. He was regarded as France’s foremost authority on serial killers.

He occasionally gave police advice on the subject and criticised how serial killers are portrayed in the media. A group of some of Bourgoin’s thousands of Facebook fans formed to further investigate his claims, and they discovered that many of them appeared to have been made up or plagiarised.

They published their findings in 2019, and after French media reported on the matter, Bourgoin confessed. In 2021, he told a reporter for the Guardian that he had actually only met 30 serial killers as opposed to the 77 they claimed to have met. Bourgoin’s publishers and producers dropped him as a result of the scandal.

Stéphane Bourgoin References

1. Caroline Devos (20 May 2020). Stephane Bourgoin is referred to as “Stéphane Bourgoin, the man who spoke to serial killers.” New Republic of the West in the West (in French). On April 2, 2022, the original version was archived. Stéphane Bourgoin spent the past twenty years travelling throughout France and ecumenizing television networks to spread his theory on serial killers. But just recently, the expert admitted that he had made up some of his route.
2. Jack Guy, Benjamin Berteau, and Sophie Stuber (14 May 2020). “French expert on serial killers admits his career is based on lies.” CNN. On May 14, 2020, the original version was archived. recovered on May 14, 2020.
3. Scott Sayare (9 November 2021). What’s underneath: the top French expert on serial killers’ secrets. THE GARDNER taken from 9 November 2021.
4. Émilie Lanez (17 May 2020). “Serial liar Stéphane Bourgoin? In Match, he passes to the hairs “[Sébastien Bourgoin is a habitual liar? In Match, he admits. Match Paris (in French).
5. Caroline Collins (4 April 2022). “The Unravelling of a Serial Killer Expert” recovered on May 11, 2022.
6. The series “Stéphane Bourgoin, Confessions of a Mythomane” 13 May 2020, Le Parisien.
7. Alison Flood (13 May 2020). “French serial killer expert admits lying repeatedly, including killing fictitious wife.” THE GARDNER recovered on May 14, 2020.
8. Adria Adejobi (14 May 2020). French serial killer author admits lying about the death of his made-up wife and says he needs therapy. Metro. recovered on May 14, 2020.
9. Charles Bremner (13 May 2020). Stéphane Bourgoin, a serial killer expert, “made up his entire life story.” a Times. recovered on May 14, 2020.
10. Ester Degbe (16 August 2019). “Is the television show Mindhunter realistic? Stéphane Bourgoin, an expert, responds” How realistic is the Mindhunter series? Stéphane Bourgoin, an authority, responds. Huffington Post (in French). recovered on May 14, 2020.

Idolizing the Darkness: What is it Called?

Believe it or not, there’s a term for the phenomenon of idolizing or being attracted to serial killers – it’s called “Hybristophilia”. This refers to the attraction to people who have committed serious crimes.

Some individuals are drawn to the infamy and danger associated with notorious figures, a phenomenon that has been observed with many high-profile criminals throughout history.

Delving Deeper: The Study of Serial Killers

The formal study of serial killers falls under the broader category of criminology and forensic psychology. It is termed “criminal profiling” when experts try to predict and analyze the behavior patterns of criminals, especially serial killers.

This field combines the study of human behavior, crime scene patterns, and various other factors to understand and hopefully predict criminal actions.

The Psychologists Behind the Profiles

Forensic psychologists and criminologists are the experts who delve deep into the minds of serial killers. Their goal is not just to understand the why and how behind each crime but also to aid law enforcement in capturing these elusive figures.

By analyzing patterns, behaviors, and even the smallest of clues left behind, they aim to construct a psychological blueprint of the criminal.

History’s Most Notorious: The Biggest Serial Killer

Determining the “biggest” serial killer in history can be a matter of contention, as it depends on the criteria used (e.g., number of victims, level of brutality, etc.).

Names like Harold Shipman, a British doctor who is believed to have killed over 200 patients, and Gheorghe Dinca, a Romanian serial killer, often come up in such discussions. However, it’s essential to approach such rankings with caution, as they can inadvertently glorify the gruesome nature of their crimes.

Engaging with Darkness: The Interlocutors

Professionals who directly interact with and interview serial killers have a unique and undoubtedly challenging role.

They are often referred to as criminal profilers, but they can also be journalists, detectives, or researchers. Their primary goal is to extract information, understand motivations, and sometimes, assist in ongoing investigations.

Why the Fascination? The Allure of the Macabre

Apart from Hybristophilia, the general public’s attraction to killers and true crime stories can be termed “morbid curiosity.” This can be rooted in various reasons: a need to understand extreme human behaviors, a desire for thrilling stories, or a way to confront and process societal fears.

Has There Ever Been a Female Serial Killer?

Yes, there have been female serial killers, although they are less common than their male counterparts.

Some of the most notorious female serial killers include Aileen Wuornos, who killed seven men in Florida; Mary Ann Cotton, an Englishwoman suspected of killing up to 21 people, mostly by poisoning; and Dorothea Puente, who murdered her elderly boarders in California for their social security checks.

Female serial killers often employ different methods and motivations compared to males, sometimes opting for poison, and their crimes can be driven by financial gain or personal vendettas.

Are Serial Killers’ Brains Studied?

Absolutely. Neuroscientists and psychologists are keen to understand the neurological underpinnings of serial killers. Studies have revealed anomalies in the brain structures of some serial killers, particularly in areas linked to aggression and impulse control.

Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, for example, has been associated with impulsivity and reduced moral reasoning. It’s worth noting, however, that not every serial killer will show these anomalies, and not everyone with such anomalies will become a serial killer.

Which Country Has the Most Serial Killers?

The United States has historically had a higher number of known serial killers than any other country. Factors such as media coverage, law enforcement practices, and research interest may contribute to the high documentation.

However, serial killers exist globally, and different countries might have varying definitions or methods of tracking and reporting.

How Many Kills Makes a Serial Killer?

Typically, a serial killer is defined as someone who has killed three or more people, with a “cooling-off” period between each murder. This differentiates serial killers from spree killers or mass murderers, who might kill multiple victims in a single event or over a shorter duration without the characteristic “cooling-off” period.

Who is the Father of Crime Psychology?

Often regarded as the “father of criminal profiling,” Dr. John E. Douglas is a former special agent with the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. He pioneered the study of crime scene profiling for the bureau and has consulted on numerous high-profile cases.

Douglas, along with colleague Robert Ressler, conducted extensive interviews with incarcerated serial killers to understand their motivations and behaviors.

What are the 4 Types of Serial Killers?

Serial killers are commonly classified into four main types:

1. Visionary Serial Killers: Driven by voices or visions, they often suffer from psychotic breaks.
2. Mission-oriented Serial Killers: Believe they’re on a mission to rid the world of certain types of people, often driven by biases.
3. Hedonistic Serial Killers: Kill for the thrill of it, seeking pleasure or excitement from their crimes.
4. Power/Control Serial Killers: Motivated by a desire for power and dominance over their victims.

Who is the World’s First Serial Killer?

While serial killing is not a modern phenomenon, identifying the “first” is challenging due to historical record limitations.

However, one of the earliest documented cases is that of Liu Pengli of China, from the Han Dynasty, who is considered one of the earliest known serial killers, terrorizing his domain by killing for pleasure in the 2nd century BC.

Who is the Handsome Serial Killer?

Ted Bundy is often referred to as the “handsome serial killer.” With his charismatic personality and good looks, he was able to lure and deceive many of his victims. Bundy confessed to 30 homicides, but the actual number is believed to be higher.

His charm and manipulative nature have made him one of the most infamous serial killers in American history.

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Conclusion

Serial killers, with their enigmatic and often chilling personas, will likely continue to be subjects of intrigue for many. While it’s essential to understand the psychology and factors behind their actions, it’s equally crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity, ensuring that the victims and their families are always respected and remembered.