In this intense and intellectually gripping episode of The Neil Haley Show, Neil sits down with emerging author Grace Jenkins to explore the psychology behind serial killers—and how that knowledge shapes compelling crime fiction.With a background in psychology and a passion for true crime, Grace dives deep into:
- What defines a serial killer
- The psychological disorders behind violent behavior
- Patterns, motives, and warning signs
- How real-world psychology influences her writing
This isn’t surface-level crime talk… this is under-the-hood human behavior.👤 About the Guest – Grace JenkinsGrace Jenkins is an upcoming author specializing in murder mystery and psychologically driven storytelling.
- Background in psychology
- Deep interest in true crime and behavioral analysis
- Focused on creating realistic, motive-driven characters
- Active on social platforms as Grace Jenkins Author
🧠 What Is a Serial Killer?Grace lays out a clear definition:
- A serial killer commits multiple murders (typically 3 or more)
- Killings occur over separate periods of time
- Often involves a pattern or consistent method
👉 Key distinction:
- Serial killer → spaced-out murders with patterns
- Spree killer → multiple killings in a short time frame
“A serial killer will have one victim… then another weeks or months later.” 🔍 Patterns & Behavior of Serial KillersOne of the most important insights:Serial killers are rarely random.Common Traits:
- Repeated method of killing
- Similar victim profiles
- Ritualistic behaviors
- Internal psychological drivers
The Big Driver:👉 Self-gratificationMany are “chasing a high,” similar to addiction. ⚠️ The Psychology Behind ItGrace highlights one of the most common links:🧩 Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
- Lack of empathy
- No real sense of guilt
- Callousness and emotional detachment
- Focus on consequences (getting caught), not morality
“They don’t feel empathy the way others do.” ⚠️ Important note:
- Not everyone with ASPD becomes a killer
- But many serial killers show traits of it
🔥 Why They Keep KillingHere’s where it gets real…Serial killing often becomes:
- Addictive
- Compulsive
- Escalating
Just like drugs:
- First act creates a “high”
- They chase that feeling again
- It becomes harder to stop
“It’s very much like addiction… they keep chasing that high.” 🧠 Disturbing RationalizationsSome killers justify their actions through:
- Belief they’re controlled by external forces
- Claims of being “agents of evil”
- Twisted moral frameworks
👉 Reality check:
It’s not logic—it’s justification for behavior.🚨 Early Warning SignsGrace outlines key behavioral red flags—especially in childhood:The “Macdonald Triad” Indicators:
- Cruelty to animals
- Fire-setting
- Persistent bedwetting
These don’t guarantee future violence…
But they are serious warning signs. 🧬 Notable Serial Killers DiscussedGrace references several well-known figures studied in psychology and true crime:
- John Wayne Gacy
- Jeffrey Dahmer
- Dean Corll
- The “Chessboard Killer”
- The “Vampire of Düsseldorf”
She also distinguishes:❗ Charles Manson
- Not technically a serial killer
- A cult leader who orchestrated murders through others
💼 What About Hitmen & Organized Crime?Interesting debate here:
- Hitmen can qualify due to repeated killing + lack of empathy
- Mafia leaders? More complex—often driven by power or money, not psychological compulsion
👉 Key difference:
- Serial killers → internal gratification
- Organized crime → external motives (money, control)
✍️ How This Shapes Her WritingThis is where it all comes together.Grace uses...
