Throughout criminal history, there have been cases in which new murderers have mimicked the methods, rituals, or identities of earlier infamous killers. These individuals, known as copycat killers, are often inspired by past crimes, media portrayals, or even fictional depictions in films and television.
While their motivations may vary, copycat killers tend to share a common psychological trait: a deep identification with violence and a fascination with notoriety. They don't just kill—they imitate, replicate, and sometimes idolize those who killed before them.
What Is a Copycat Killer?
A copycat killer is someone who commits murder based on the methods or persona of a previous killer. This may include:
Choosing similar types of victims
Repeating crime scene details
Mimicking the style or signature of the original killer
Leaving messages or clues referencing the prior case
Quoting movies, books, or news stories
Unlike original serial killers who are often driven by internal psychological compulsions, copycat killers are more externally motivated—fueled by media exposure, public fascination, or a desire for fame.
Psychological Drivers Behind Copycat Crimes
There are several factors that may cause someone to become a copycat killer:
1. Obsession with Infamy
Many copycat killers are drawn to the fame and fear generated by earlier murderers. They may believe that by copying a notorious figure like Ted Bundy or Zodiac, they can gain similar recognition or immortality.
2. Media Influence
Movies, TV shows, documentaries, and sensationalized news coverage can glorify serial killers, even unintentionally. This widespread attention can plant ideas in the minds of disturbed individuals who want to reenact what they've seen.
For example, after the release of the film Natural Born Killers, a series of real-life murders followed, with some killers claiming the movie influenced them.
3. Identity Crisis and Psychological Vulnerability
Some copycat killers are psychologically unstable, suffering from delusions or a fractured sense of identity. They may adopt the persona of a past killer as a way of feeling powerful, in control, or part of something bigger than themselves.
4. Desire to Outdo the Original
There are cases where copycats attempt to "one-up" the original killer by committing more violent or more frequent murders, hoping to surpass their predecessor in infamy.
Notorious Cases of Copycat Killers
Herbert Mullin, though not a direct copycat, claimed he killed to prevent earthquakes and was indirectly influenced by the era of the Manson murders, which normalized cult-like justifications for killing.
Jack the Ripper copycats emerged decades after the original murders, including individuals who left similar notes and targeted sex workers in identical ways.
The Zodiac Killer's methods have been copied in multiple attempted murders, with some assailants even sending coded messages or taunts to the media.
In 1997, Luke Woodham, who committed a school shooting, was influenced by the Columbine shooters and their writings, which circulated online.
Role of the Media and Pop Culture
The media plays a double-edged role in copycat crimes. While informing the public, the media often provides detailed descriptions of murder methods, killer motives, and crime scene layouts. These details can act as a blueprint for vulnerable or violent individuals looking to imitate or recreate the experience.
Fictional portrayals can also blur the lines between reality and imagination. Shows like Dexter, You, or movies like American Psycho have been cited in criminal investigations where perpetrators mirrored scenes or behaviors from screen killers.
Do Copycats Feel the Same Pleasure as Original Killers?
Though not all copycat killers are clinically psychopathic, many do report a sense of excitement, thrill, or satisfaction during the act of killing—similar to original serial killers. For them, the act of imitation enhances the fantasy, creating a psychological link between them and their criminal idol.
However, some are more emotionally unstable or reactive, using imitation as a way to express rage, rebellion, or a cry for attention rather than a deep-seated compulsion to kill.
Conclusion: Copycats in the Age of Infamy
In the digital age, where information spreads rapidly and infamy is often celebrated, the danger of copycat killings continues to rise. The psychology behind such killers reveals the powerful influence of media, culture, and unresolved personal trauma. Copycat killers may not always be original in their violence—but their impact is just as deadly.
Understanding their motives helps us not only prevent future crimes, but also recognize the responsibility of how true crime stories are told and consumed. When the line between news and entertainment blurs, it opens a dangerous door for those looking to walk in the footsteps of murderers.