CRIMINAL PROFILING AND ITS EVIDENTIARY VALUE IN THE PROSECUTION OF SERIAL KILLERS

AUTHOR – SALONI SINGH, LLM STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY NOIDA

BEST CITATION – SALONI SINGH,CRIMINAL PROFILING AND ITS EVIDENTIARY VALUE IN THE PROSECUTION OF SERIAL KILLERS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (8) OF 2026, PG. 408-416, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Introduction

Serial homicide represents one of the most complex and disturbing forms of violent crime within the criminal justice system. Unlike ordinary murders that may arise from sudden anger, personal rivalry, or emotional provocation, serial killings involve multiple murders committed over a prolonged period with a recurring behavioural or psychological pattern connecting each offence. The offender usually experiences a “cooling-off period” between killings, during which they temporarily return to normal life before repeating the act. This repetitive nature of serial homicide reflects deep-rooted psychological compulsions and distinguishes serial killers from other categories of violent offenders.