Female serial killers represent a unique and often overlooked subset of serial killers, making up only about 16.7% of the total. These killers often defy the traditional image of a serial killer, with many being unassuming figures such as nurses or mothers. Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse in England, was charged with murdering seven infants and attempting to murder six others. Her methods included injecting the infants with air or insulin, overfeeding them, and physically abusing them with medical tools. Letby was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment, shedding light on the unexpected nature of female serial killers.
Research on female serial killers reveals that they often work in caregiving roles, such as health-related positions, and target victims who are vulnerable and less likely to fight back, such as children or the elderly. Female serial killers are traditionally difficult to detect, as their motives for killing are often financial or power gain, and they exhibit a high rate of mental illness. Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in their bath in 2001, exemplifies the impact of postpartum issues and mental illness on female serial killers. Despite the rarity of cases like Yates’, it is crucial for society to pay attention to mental health issues and observe red flags in those who may be at risk.
One common motive among female serial killers is financial or power gain, with a notable increase in revenge-motivated murders in recent years. Aileen Wuornos, known as the “Damsel of Death,” targeted men in Florida while working as a sex worker in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Wuornos claimed her killings were in self-defense against clients who had raped or attempted to rape her, showcasing the complex dynamics of female serial killers. Another serial killer, Kristen Gilbert, used poisoning as her method of choice, inducing cardiac arrest in patients by injecting lethal doses of epinephrine into their IV bags.
Female serial killers remain a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon, with challenges in apprehending them due to their varied methods and motives. While female serial killers may have personal relationships with their victims, such as children, patients, acquaintances, or romantic partners, male serial killers are more likely to target strangers exclusively. The different signatures and behaviors of male and female serial killers impact how they are perceived and apprehended by law enforcement. Understanding the nuances and patterns of female serial killers can contribute to more effective prevention and detection strategies in the future.
