Title: Serial Killer Myth #3: They Are All Men | Psychology Today
Headings: Serial Killer Myth #3: They Are All Men
Serial Killer Myth #3: They Are All Men
Female serial killers exist, and they’re as lethal as males.

Content: The shocking and stereotypical depictions of male serial killers serve a large consumer market, so their sensationalized stories are good for business profits. At the same time, however, media distortions do a disservice to the public. Although the graphic images of male serial killers sell countless books and movie tickets, they also perpetuate the myth that all serial killers are demented men. Nevertheless, there are some similarities between male and female serial killers. Most female serial killers act alone, similar to males, and they are just as effective in the business of killing as their male counterparts. Perhaps the most infamous female serial killer in U.S. history is Aileen Wuornos, a highway prostitute who killed seven men in Florida during 1989 and 1990. She is a unique exception to the typical profile of female serial killers who target people they know for financial gain. The “black widow” killer is the media stereotype of female serial killers. Wuornos, unlike the stereotype, was driven to kill male strangers out of rage and a desire for vengeance. Wuornos sought retaliation for a lifetime of rape and beatings by men, so she killed prostitution clients that picked her up along Florida highways.