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기사입력 : 2024.04.20 02:20
In the shadows of the 1970s and 1980s, names like Edmund Kemper, David Berkowitz, Wayne Williams, and Robert Hansen cast a chilling pall over America. While these figures might be mere footnotes in the consciousness of the average person, for Americans of that era, they symbolized sheer horror and unrelenting terror.
Each of these individuals left a macabre mark on history: one targeting female hitchhikers in California, another striking fear into the hearts of lovers in New York, a third preying on non-white children in Atlanta, and yet another haunting the Alaskan wilderness, claiming the lives of sex workers.
Who were these people, and what drove them to commit such atrocities? Delving into the minds of serial killers is a daunting task. Still, John Douglas, the inspiration behind Jodie Foster's character in "The Silence of the Lambs," is uniquely positioned to shed light on this dark corner of human psychology. For twenty-five years, Douglas stood at the forefront of FBI investigations, earning a reputation as a living legend among his peers.
Combining psychological insight, the wisdom gleaned from years of experience, and an innate hunter's instinct, Douglas honed his craft, relentlessly pursuing the most elusive killers. His autobiography, "In the Minds of Serial Killers" (1995), offers a riveting glimpse into his world, now reprinted by Melanie Publishing in a translation by Effie Frieda.
Douglas astutely observes that in modern times, many of the most heinous crimes are perpetrated by strangers against strangers. Despite advancements in science and technology, the clearance rate for homicides has plummeted since the 1960s. The perpetrators, Douglas notes, are adept at learning from their experiences and refining their methods, devoid of the compassion, guilt, or remorse that typically accompany lesser offenses.
As Douglas ascended to the ranks of top profilers, he navigated the bureaucratic maze of the FBI, enduring the rigid hierarchy that characterized J. Edgar Hoover's reign. Refusing to wield a gun, even in the face of imminent danger, Douglas approached his work with the precision of a seasoned predator, analyzing crime scenes, decoding behavioral clues, and tirelessly pursuing justice.
Through his eyes, readers are transported into the twisted minds of criminals as Douglas painstakingly reconstructs their motivations and modus operandi. Yet, amidst the darkness, Douglas offers a glimmer of hope, asserting that criminals are not born but made, shaped by the circumstances of their upbringing.
In his autobiography, Douglas reflects on his years of confronting brutality. He concludes that at the heart of crime lies a moral quandary that can only be addressed through love and understanding. In a world of darkness, his words serve as a beacon of insight and empathy, illuminating the path toward a more compassionate society.
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