Thrill killers kill people because it brings them a rush. These types of hedonists usually kill a lot more because they are addicted to this rush. Gain killers always kill people for some type of gain. This is usually money but it can also be something like a job promotion. Another point of a Serial Killer is that their mind is constantly going through one of their seven phases. The first of these phases is the Aura Phase. This is the part where the killer daydreams about death and destruction. After awhile these demented fantasies usually have the urge to be acted upon. This leads into the second stage, which is the Trolling Phase. In the Trolling Phase the serial killer tries to find the perfect victim for their needs. They usually tend to look in schoolyards or lovers lanes or even red light districts. This might go on for hours, days, and sometimes even months, until the perfect victim will be found. This will begin the Wooing Phase. Serial killers usually act very debonair to get their victims to trust them. After the Wooing Stage comes the Capture Stage. This is where the killer reveals what he is. He may draw you into his car where there's no door handle for you to get out. This is disturbingly fun for them and is included in their sick sadistic game. Then comes the climax, the Murder Stage. They may just decide to kill you, but sometimes, they will decide to torture you to death, try to revive you on the brink of death to torture you more (Scott). The sixth stage is the Totem Stage. This phase is where the killer will take a memoir of you. It might include your jewelry or clothes or even a piece of your body. After this, comes the seventh and final phase which is Depression. There is great emotional let down for the killer. They may even become so depressed as to attempt suicide. But sooner or later they will start day dreaming more and this whole cycle will keep repeating itself until the killer is either caught or dies ("Characteristics of Serial Murder").
