The FBI says that less than one percent of our population is capable of claiming the title... serial killer. And because these cases are so rare, that's likely where the fascination comes from.
We've seen many posts on our Facebook page asking more about Israel Keyes. And we continue to have questions ourselves.
I sat down with a Vermont Law School professor and former federal prosecutor to get her perspective on the mind of a killer.
"It's jack the ripper, Hannibal lector, that's who Israel Keyes was," Michele Martinez Campbell said.
They're among the select group who kill for pleasure, often times taking multiple lives over a long period of time. Israel Keyes, the man who confessed to killing the Essex couple, Bill and Lorraine Currier - by FBI definition was a serial killer.
"Most serial killers, contrary to public perception are in the community, they often are married and often are employed, they're usually not loners the way that Israel Keyes was," Martinez Campbell said.
The long list of unanswered questions no doubt remains. How did Keyes have the ability to commit such a horrific crime? But after details were released Monday, we started to have a better understanding of what happened to the Currier's and who was responsible.
"He had clearly established criteria for his victims in order to evade capture," Martinez Campbell said.
The Currier's met that criteria. Keyes stalked them like prey, and then attacked.
"With killers who commit multiple murders, they become very skilled at disposing of bodies," Martinez Campbell said.
Some serial killers want the recognition that comes with the crime, others like Keyes, didn't want to be known. Keyes even told police he'd stop cooperating if his name got out publicly.
"I don't think it's impossible that somebody who commits crimes like this could feel remorse," Martinez Campbell said.
Keyes went to great lengths to avoid being caught. He'd drive for miles, and because he used different methods to kill his victims across the country, the murders were never linked.
"There really is a great sense of fear that is created in the average person because they worry that they might be next," Martinez Campbell said.
Of the eight people Keyes said he killed, one of the victim's deaths was even declared accidental by police, so the Currier's tragic story by far generated the most media attention.
