Why Serial Killers Use Chopping and Dismemberment
Introduction to Chopping and Dismembering: More Than Just a Media Myth
The practice of chopping and dismembering human remains is often misunderstood and sensationalized in media. While not as common as some believe, serial killers do sometimes use this method to dispose of their victims. In reality, this technique serves multiple practical purposes that go beyond mere horror or shock value.
Practical Reasons Behind Chopping and Dismembering
Chopping and dismembering a body significantly lightens the load, making it easier to transport and hide. After death, a corpse quickly becomes heavy due to the accumulation of gases and fluids. This weight can make moving a body a challenging and time-consuming task. By dismembering the body, serial killers can break it down into more manageable pieces, making it easier to transport to different locations and evade detection.
Moreover, dismemberment simplifies the disposal process. A whole corpse is a large and heavy object that can be easily detected, even in remote areas. In contrast, smaller body parts are less likely to attract attention. Some serial killers, such as Jeffrey Dahmer, enjoy the satisfaction of dismemberment, finding it psychologically fulfilling. For them, the act of chopping and dismembering is not just a method of disposal, but a crucial part of their modus operandi.
Practical Steps in the Process
The process of dismembering a body involves several steps that are meticulously carried out for efficiency and thoroughness. Typically, a serial killer would start by bleeding out and gutting the victim. The majority of the body's weight resides in the internal organs, so removing these parts significantly lightens the body. In warmer climates, the gutting process is easier as the internal fluids allow for smoother removal of the entrails.
Once the internal organs are removed, the body can be wrapped in plastic and hung from hooks on a ceiling. This step requires precise cutting and handling to avoid risking injury. The weight of the head and lower legs can be particularly troublesome, so dismembering these parts further helps achieve the desired outcome. For example, cutting the arms and legs up to the knees and elbows reduces the overall weight and facilitates hanging the body.
Parallel to Butchering and Animal Handling
The process of dismembering a human body shares similarities with butchering animals. Many serial killers who practice this method have backgrounds in animal butchery. For instance, the author of this account mentions helping with deer butchering to earn extra money for the family. This experience provided a helpful analogy for understanding the dismemberment process.
Deflecting from a mere personal enjoyment, dissecting the body can be seen as a way to fully comprehend the victim's anatomy and physiology. This process can also serve as a form of respect, as the author suggests, by treating the body with the same care and precision as one would with an animal. By understanding how the body functions, a serial killer can better manipulate and control the victim's remains.
Conclusion
Chopping and dismembering victims is more than just a media trope. It serves practical purposes in terms of ease of disposal and concealment. While some serial killers enjoy this process, it is also a necessary step in the disposal of their victims. Understanding the reasons behind this method can provide valuable insights into the minds of these individuals and highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of their crimes.