i know every statistic about every serial killer since the infamous jack the ripper. WHY? why do i and much of america CARE? why the fascination and intrigue? i have been thinking about it lately. i think i have the case cracked.

i can UNDERSTAND why someone may commit murder during an armed robbery. i don't LIKE IT, and they should certainly get the death penalty, but i UNDERSTAND it. they have motive. FEAR. fear of being recognized and sent to prison or worse.

i can UNDERSTAND why someone murders a family member for insurance proceeds. GREED. plain and simple. it's HORRIBLE and they too should get the death penalty, but i can UNDERSTAND it.

i can UNDERSTAND why someone would murder their spouse in the heat of passion ( god KNOWS i've even thought about it myself). ANGER. they too have motive. they too should be punished. although i think the death penalty may be a little harsh here.

i can UNDERSTAND why someone would murder the lover of a cheating spouse. JEALOUSY. they have motive. their punishment should be based on circumstances, in my opinion. but i can see why they might have done it.

but WHAT motive could a person have to stalk and methodically murder strangers? i know, they had a domineering mother and an absentee father. well, i personally know 8-10 people off the top of my head who fit that description and THEY aren't serial killers ( at least i don't THINK they are)

so WHAT then. WHAT IS THEIR MOTIVE? that's where the intrigue comes in, at least for me. also, they always LOOK and SEEM so normal. ted bundy worked in a rape crisis center for god's sake. none of the interviews with them ever actually gets to the bottom of why they do this. WHY do they keep trophies. why didn't they take up collecting baseball cards instead of locks of victim's hair for instance.

i guess that's why it's fascinating. i don't want to MEET a serial killer, and certainly don't want to BE one, then WHY do i care at all? i guess that's a question to which there's no motive either. why am i thinking about this today? it makes me wonder if i KNOW one, but just don't know it and it's some sort of psychic connection. i hope i don't find out. now i'm getting REALLY suspicious.

well, another black hole in my mind explored