The Ivy League Killer

Every killer presents a puzzle: Why did he do this? Thus, killers intrigue us. Each is unique, but some have a truly unusual mystique that commands our attention. The media offers simplistic motives for serial lust murder, citing factors such as a head injury or sexual abuse. But what about a gifted young man from a middle-class family who attended an Ivy League university and who was not injured or abused? While at school, he was socially active and became involved with several beautiful young women. He became engaged to one. However, as his relationships failed, along with his dream of the perfect life, he became addicted to violent sexual fantasies that inspired him to become a predator.

Dr. Ramsland, drawing on her extensive expertise in forensic psychology, provides deep insight into a seemingly promising man who hunted down, raped and murdered eight young women. The same character disorder that supported his sense of entitlement prompted him to insist upon his execution, despite the state’s determined efforts to avoid using the death penalty.