American popular culture has developed an insatiable appetite for true crime, particularly the enigmatic world of serial killers. The allure extends beyond podcasts, books, and movies, seeping into the realms of psychotic obsession and sleepovers at crime scenes. Amid the sea of enthusiasts, there exists a distinct subgroup with an even more profound fascination.

Hybristophiliacs, often referred to as ‘murder groupies’ are sexually aroused by dangerous people who have committed heinous crimes. It's a paraphilia that is more commonly associated with women than men, and the premise is that the more gruesome and heinous the crime is, the greater the sexual attraction. It can stem from many factors, such as having extreme fantasies about someone highly controlling, the notion of being desired, or overall morbid curiosity and arousal for danger. New York-based sex therapist and clinical psychotherapist, Dr.Sharna Striar, claims that when an infamous murder trial occurs, people swarm to it because they see it as a new reality that excites them. Serial killers and their crimes have an effect on normal people’s brains making them obsessed with the morbidity of killing, a dopamine rush that can also trigger an erotic response towards the perpetrator. Many of these individuals have endured traumatic childhoods that played a pivotal role in shaping them into the criminals they eventually become. Consequently, some women have a mentality that they possess the capacity to comprehend these twisted men and be the transformative force that understands and changes them. Moreover, within American popular culture, serial killers and mass murderers attain celebrity status, thereby heightening their allure to certain women as a direct consequence of their notoriety and infamy.

Richard Ramierz, also known as the night stalker, began his killing spree in 1984 through the summer of 1985 in Southern California. His modus operandi involved breaking and entering suburban homes, rape, murder and leaving behind Satanic symbols at the crime scene. He murdered at least 14 people and is believed to have killed many more and showed no specificity with his crimes as his victims ranged from young children to the elderly. The judge of his trial stated that his crimes showed “cruelty, callousness and viciousness beyond human understanding.” Yet, as Ramirez was apprehended, having terrorized the Los Angeles community, women were provocatively exposing and flashing themselves to him through the police vehicle window.

Ted Bundy is known for his iconic charisma and unsettling stealth. He possessed a keen intellect, adept social skills, and demonstrated the capacity for healthy emotional connections with others. He confessed to killing 28 women between 1974 and 1978, but many believe that he could be responsible for over a hundred deaths. His killings usually followed a gruesome pattern of rape and battery. Despite the appalling nature of his crimes, Bundy became a celebrity due to his ‘charming’ presence at trial. Women showed up to the courthouse every day, cheering him on, swooning at his mere presence.

Jeffrey Dahmer, characterized by his awkwardness and tension during his adolescent years, perpetrated his initial act of homicide in 1978, which he persisted with until his apprehension in 1991. Upon his capture, law enforcement discovered the remains of 11 individuals in his refrigerator. Dahmer subsequently admitted to the murder of over a dozen individuals, whom he subjected to torture, dismemberment and mutilation- predominantly targeting African American, Asian, and Latino men. His offenses were notably heinous, encompassing acts of cannibalism and necrophilia. Throughout his incarceration, Dahmer received an extensive volume of correspondence, which notably included nude images, money, and various other tokens of admiration.

Through the media’s curation and dissemination of stories, books and embellished accounts of these murderers, these individuals have garnered a following of admirers and fangirls worldwide, who extend offerings ranging from love letters to underwear and even proposals of marriage. The allure for these women lies in the ability to harbor a distant fascination, shielded from the direct impact of the criminals' actions. The phenomenon of women being drawn to such reprehensible figures is disconcerting, yet more unsettling is the observation of subsequent generations perpetuating this tradition beyond the lifespans of the killers in question. While these men might exhibit certain attributes of physical appeal, none conform to traditional standards of attractiveness. This phenomenon prompts an examination of the root causes behind the escalating fetishization of serial killers.

Human beings are captivated by serial killers because of their rarity. They exemplify a type of human gone wrong, so similar to us yet so different. We are fixated on their subconscious and intrusive thoughts becoming known, and the adrenaline rush this provides to us, allowing us to safely explore thoughts that we otherwise wouldn't dare. Jordan Peterson, a renowned clinical psychologist, says: “To understand evil, is to also understand good.” He argues that one of the primary reasons we are infatuated with serial killers and true crime is because they weave the fundamental narrative of good versus evil, allowing us to understand “good” through observing “evil”. Alternatively, many argue this fascination stems for an evolutionary subconscious desire to identify potential threats. It helps us explore and engage with the darker side of the human psyche while still enjoying our safety. However, in the age of media, serial killers have been more popularized and glorified than ever. In particular, the film industry has played a significant role in romanticizing and sexualizing serial killers, contributing to an alarming trend where an increasing number of young women find themselves drawn to these monstrous figures.

Take, for instance, the cinematic portrayals of notorious serial killers. Evan Peters brought Jeffrey Dahmer to life in "Dahmer - Monster - The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" (2022), while Ross Lynch embodied the character in "My Friend Dahmer" (2017). Zac Efron took on the role of Ted Bundy in "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile" (2019). These actors are celebrated heartthrobs in American popular culture who command a significant following, particularly among female admirers as they famously captivate millennials and represent a blend of talent and attractiveness. The irony lies in the transformation of these charming actors into the sinister figures of real-life criminals. To portray America's most notorious serial killers as heartthrobs challenges our instincts to condemn and incriminate these monstrous individuals. The deliberate casting of actors known for their charm creates a disconcerting dissonance, where the allure of physical attractiveness clashes with the inherent repulsion one should feel towards these infamous figures.

Understandably, TV and cinema are outlets to present things that people are fascinated by but can’t outwardly express. The strategic casting of handsome and renowned actors as protagonists, even when embodying the persona of a serial killer, undoubtedly serves as a successful formula for generating substantial box office ratings. It raises the question: Isn’t Hollywood built on the broadcasting and exploitation of beautiful people anyway? Sadly, there seems to be a prevailing reluctance among viewers to engage with films centered on victims as they are often perceived as somber, heart-wrenching, and dark. The industry’s preference of an attractive and compelling evil villain who's the product of his environment or upbringing becomes a pragmatic choice to ensure heightened box office sales. This narrative formula aligns with the prevailing tendencies of audiences, facilitating a more palatable and commercially successful experience. While the ethical implications of such choices linger, it's important to recognize that Hollywood's modus operandi, built on the allure of beautiful faces and riveting plots, is deeply entrenched and unlikely to undergo a significant transformation in the foreseeable future.

            In our fascination with serial killers, our focus often gravitates toward absorbing details about their childhoods, lives, murders, and trials. Regrettably, the majority of people may struggle to recall a single victim’s name. As these notorious criminals ascend to celebrity status by inspiring TV shows, books, and documentaries, the spotlight often neglects the lasting impact on the families of the victims. The families of their victims will forever be tainted and shattered by the despicable acts committed by these individuals. Acknowledging my own culpability in this narrative, my essay delves into the unsettling crimes of three serial killers without affording due recognition to the human toll they exacted. While society indulges in the macabre allure of these criminal figures, it is incumbent upon us to shoulder the responsibility of honoring and remembering the victims. There needs to be a compassionate remembrance of those whose lives were unjustly cut short, as well as the families left to grapple with the enduring anguish caused by these horrific acts.