University News Last updated 25 March 2014
Leading psychologist, Professor Craig Jackson from Birmingham City University, uncovers the motivations of some of the world’s most notorious spree killers in a new Channel 5 series starting this week.
‘Killing Spree’ – a six part documentary series - explores some of history’s most infamous and brutal criminal acts, recounting shocking killing sprees that would change – and end – countless lives.
Each episode will examine one such event in forensic detail, drawing upon the expert testimony of friends of the killer, detectives, journalists and those lucky enough to escape with their lives.
As a scientific consultant on the series, Professor Jackson offers his own insight into each of the six unique cases uncovered and explores the motives that drove these men and women to kill, be it childhood trauma, bloody revenge or crippling xenophobia.
“This series gives us a real opportunity to try and understand and explore more about spree killings,” said Professor Jackson. “Different from the crime of "serial murder" spree killings are becoming more common - with major sprees occurring around the world roughly every 150 days. These crimes are also evolving, with perpetrators often using booby-traps and decoys to help them succeed in their killing sprees.
“We also re-assess the differences between spree killers and serial killers and examine whether there is any overlap between the two classes of murderer. In the first episode we focus on the Ipswich Strangler Steve Wright and ask if his victims were part of a short reckless rampage or a more controlled campaign.”
Killing Spree begins on Wednesday 26 March at 8pm on Channel 5 or catch-up on demand.