Inside the Mind of Evil: Dr. Rachel Toles Deciphers The Psychology of Serial Killers.

April 28^th, 2024

If you think you know everything there is to know about serial killers by watching docu-dramas and documentaries on television, you are 99.8 percent incorrect. Being an amateur sleuth and detective myself, considering I have watched every single episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise, not to mention I have read countless number of books on the subject and subjects themselves. I thought I had a pretty good handle on the subject until I came to the lecture/show this evening at the Parker. I then realized I know absolutely nothing. What I do know is the Hollywood serialized profile of serial killers, close, but no cigar. The truth of the matter; they could easily be your next-door neighbor, the person that bags your groceries, your Uber driver, or someone in your family. The question to ask yourself is – do we really know anyone – whether we’re married to them, there are parents, or our children.

A fascination with the subject may not be the easiest thing to bring up in conversation or admit, especially in the days that we are now living in. However, I can confidently say that I have been fascinated with the subject for many years. It’s not so much how the crimes or where are committed, but why? The psychological aspect of the human species has baffled man for thousands of years and continues to do. The human condition factors – genetic, environmental, social, etc.  It seems whenever a new serial killer is unearthed, their story spreads like wildfire. How else could you explain the fascination with Ted Bundy, the Son of Sam, Jeffrey Dahmer, etc. The Netflix drama, DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, was the highest rated series in history. It is that psychological aspect that grabs all our attention and makes us want to know the complete story, ugly as it may be.

Dr. Rachel Toles, a renowned Clinical Psychologist and criminal expert is the speaker of this evening’s masterclass into the psychology of serial killers.  Her extensive knowledge and experience were on full display this evening. The Psychology of Serial Killers not only delves into the minds of the killers, serial homicide, but turns the mirror on us and why we are so fascinated with their existence.

Psychology of Serial Killers Dr. Rachel Toles – Credit Austin Wade – Take Part Co.

During her talk may questions were posed:

What makes a serial killer?

What is their motivation to kill over and over?

Are there different types of serial killers?

Is animal cruelty a red flag for later violence?

Do they possess common traits?

How do we defend ourselves against a serial killer?

Why are we so obsessed by them?

Lizzie Bourne, the moderator for this evening, conducted the introduction at the beginning of the evening, and assisted with the audience Q&A segment at the end. Dr. Toles posed various methods and scenarios during her talk. At the end of her ninety-minute narrative, I came away with a better understanding of the subject. My admiration for Dr. Toles and countless other Detectives, psychologists, medical and law enforcement personnel, who make this study their life, holds no bounds. It takes a special kind of person to inhabit the world of serial killers and homicides in general.  Dr. Toles 40-city tour ended this evening in Ft. Lauderdale.  If this subject interests you beyond the Hollywood façade, I suggest you delve into her website.  Dr. Toles has a book set for release later this year. It was an enlightening and interesting evening well spent.

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