True Crime

Things You Should Know But Don’t: Early Signs of a Killer
Posted July 17, 2023 Written by Claire

Often times when the FBI is looking for a serial killer, they will begin building a criminal profile to help […]

Things You Should Know But Don’t: Common Traits of a Killer
Posted June 5, 2023 Written by Claire

In the world of true crime and crime fiction, it’s a cause for celebration when a notorious killer is caught—such […]

FBI agent looking at a criminal profile. There is a detective board in the background of the photo.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Does Criminal Profiling Work?
Posted May 22, 2023 Written by Claire

Last week I discussed what criminal profiling is and its history, particularly related to the FBI and how it is […]

Desk with papers spread on it
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Criminal Profiling
Posted May 8, 2023 Written by Claire

Crime fascinates many people, especially when it’s violent. For some, this is because it’s difficult to understand what compels someone […]

A man in a suit against a dark background holding a playing card up towards the camera. It is the ace of hearts.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Calling Cards of Killers
Posted April 10, 2023 Written by Claire

While “calling card” has a context in crime, the term has its origins in an 18th century social practice. Often, […]

A man in a business suit holding a blank masquerade mask
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Copycat Killers
Posted March 27, 2023 Written by Claire

You’ve undoubtedly heard the term “copycat killer.” It’s often used as a popular trope in crime dramas and police procedurals […]

Digital map of a city's transport system, colored in bright red & white against a black background
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Crime Mapping & Forecasting
Posted February 27, 2023 Written by Claire

The other week I gave an overview of how AI is currently being used by police in criminal investigations. In […]

Photograph of an open dictionary on a desk. On top of the pages is a magnifying glass.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Origins of a Serial Killer
Posted February 13, 2023 Written by Claire

What makes a serial killer? While that’s a provocative question, I mean it here in the most literal sense: What, […]

A photo of scientists working in a lab with an overlay of graphics on top. The graphics depict icons of DNA, charts, beakers, and other scientific instruments.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: How Forensic Science Uses AI
Posted January 30, 2023 Written by Claire

If you’ve heard anything about artificial intelligence (AI) recently, it has most likely concerned its impact on the artistic community […]

Dark photo of a female detective looking at a cork board. On the board there are notes and newspaper clippings.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Golden Age of Serial Killers
Posted January 16, 2023 Written by Claire

John Wayne Gacy. Jeffrey Dahmer. Ted Bundy. The Zodiac Killer. Son of Sam. Even people who don’t actively seek out […]

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