A review of research on serial murder revealed that the 10 definitions frequently cited failed to adequately represent the totality of serial murder. This article reviews the evolution of these definitions in the professional literature. A more complete definition is proposed that encompasses all types of serial murder, not only those committed by roaming males who act out of lust. By being more inclusive, this definition is broad enough to include acts of multiple destructiveness committed by men and women for both instrumental and expressive purposes.
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