I’m a forensic criminologist… these are the seven horrifying stages of becoming a serial killer

A forensic criminologist has revealed the seven chilling stages serial killers go through in horrifying detail.

Laura Brand, who has interviewed more than 50 serial killers, told DailyMail.com she identified these phases while conducting a personality study on many of these murderers over the course of 10 years.

The seven stages range from before they kill a person to during and then after – including the so-called ‘fantasy,’ ‘hunting’ and ‘capture’ phases. 

Brand explained that the length of time a serial killer takes to complete a cycle of the various stages can vary widely from a few hours to years. 

PHASE 1: FANTASY 

Brand explained that the first twisted stage of a serial killer is ‘fantasy’. 

This is when the person drifts from reality and becomes obsessed with thoughts involving control, dominance and violence.

‘Other common themes are aggression, sexual gratification, power and manipulation, revenge and retribution,’ Brand explained. 

To fuel their fantasies, many collect materials such as pornography, violent online content and true crime reports or create artwork, write stories and poems. 

During this time, they often become increasingly isolated and withdraw from social interactions. They may also feel rejected. 

Brand said the factors that influence fantasy development include childhood trauma or abuse, and mental health issues such as psychopathy and/or narcissism.

She claimed this stage can last between five and 30 years and is typically the longest of the seven cycles.  

Notorious serial killers Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer all reported having fantasies involving control and domination, she added.

PHASE 2: PLANNING  

The second stage is the preparatory stage, when serial killers begin planning their crimes, Brand told DailyMail.com

They typically research potential victims and identify vulnerable individuals or groups. This might involve online research, and they may build relationships with potential victims or study their routines, Brand explained.

Serial killers also typically scout locations and identify places where they will stage their attacks. They may also devise a contingency plan for unexpected events and decide on what weapons they will use.

‘They experience increased excitement and anticipation and a growing sense of control and empowerment,’ Brand said. This stage often lasts from one to five years, she added.

PHASE 3: HUNTING 

The third stage a serial killer goes through is known as the stalking or hunting stage.

This is when they are actively searching and tracking potential victims, Brand said.

They may follow or watch victims at different locations including transportation hubs and parks. They are usually looking for ways to create opportunities to seize their victim such as by offering rides or assistance.

In this phase, they may utilize technology, such as spyware or GPS tracking, she explained. 

They will also typically gather personal information such as addresses and monitor potential victims’ online activity. 

They may even contact victims by phone, email or a fake online profile on social media. 

‘They are testing a victims’ boundaries,’ Brand explained. 

Typically, the hunting phase can go on for one to two years, and is a ‘favorite’ among depraved killers, she added.

PHASE 4: CAPTURE

Brand described the fourth phase as the ‘abduction’ stage.

This is the horrifying moment a serial killer begins to carry out their plan to abduct or gain control over their victim by way of manipulation, coercion, deception, force, violence, surprise or ambush,’ she explained

If a victim is intoxicated or alone, this can create a perfect storm for a killer. 

In this stage, the serial killer may utilize restraints such as handcuffs or rope. 

Chemical controls may also be used including sedatives and narcotics.

During the abduction, psychological manipulation may also be used, including threats, intimidation and emotional control such as fear and guilt.

This stage, Brand explained, can last for days or weeks and is when the killer experiences ‘intense excitement’.

PHASE 5: MURDER 

When the serial killers executes their plan it is known as the ‘killing’ phase and can last for a few minutes or days, Brand said. 

Serial killers in history have used all manner of horrific murder methods including blunt force trauma, strangulation, shooting, stabbing, poisoning, drowning and suffocation.

‘The motivation can be sexual gratification, control and dominance, financial gain, revenge, retribution or just thrill-seeking,’ Brand explained.

At this time serial killers experience an ‘intense emotional release and a sense of power and accomplishment that they are fulfilling fantasy-driven desires’ she said. 

PHASE 6: DISPOSAL  

The ‘post-murder’ stage is when the killer ‘disposes of evidence, bodies and other incriminating materials. 

They clean or sanitize the crime scene, create alibis or false trails and monitor the progress of any police investigation progress.

During this time, they often experience emotional regression or withdrawal, Brand said.

‘They are covering their tracks, and destroying evidence while working to maintain secrecy,’ she explained. ‘This phase can last hours to days.’ 

She added that serial killers will often take some type of memento or trophy from the victim to remember the crime.

 PHASE 7: REBIRTH

The final horrifying phase is the ‘post-offense’ stage. 

This is when the killer experiences an ’emotional crash’ and typically suffers ‘potential depression,’ Brand explained. 

In a twisted turn of events, the killer is in ‘need for reassurance and validation,’ she said. ‘They are also planning their next fantasy or crime to recapture the thrill.’

The ‘rebirth’ phase varies and can last for years. 

Brand said that each serial killer’s timeline varies. 

‘Social environment and interpersonal relationships they were having at the time, played a significant factor on how quickly they return back into the cycle,’ she said. 

A staggering 96 percent of the serial killers she surveyed used ‘true detective’ magazines during the ‘fantasy phase,’ she continued.

Most serial killers she surveyed told her they favor the ‘planning’ and the ‘hunting’ phase, she said. 

They told her it was ‘addictive’ and gave them a sense of ‘euphoria’ or a ‘high’.

She added that serial killers told her they got the same sensation when they are not caught, and wanted to ‘up the thrill for the next time’.