Dr Jack Levin has written countless books and appeared on shows such as Oprah and Larry King live discussing the minds of notable serial killers. With his insight and first hand experiences with serial killers and their families Levin has also worked on murder investigations and trials. He spoke to us about what he's learned throughout the years.
"What was originally just a small study of serial killers became what i call a professional pre ocupation that's lasted over 30 years."
Dr. Jack Levin wrote the first book on serial killers back in 1985 and says that thanks to society's interest, he's continued his work in that field.
"Almost everybody is fascinated with serial murderers otherwise you wouldn't see so many plots on primetime television like Criminal Minds, Law & Order, CSI."
Dr Levin says the key to a serial killer's success is that they're monsters but they don't look like monsters. He adds that there are two distinct characteristics that serial killers share. The first is a lack of conscience or human worth and the other...
"Many of these murders are motivated by a need for power and control and dominance. the killer wants to be in charge of things..to feel important."
Over the years Dr Levin has had the chance to study and speak with some of the most notable murderers of our time. And someone who Levin says still has a strong following to this day is Charles Manson. Levin says that when he persuaded people to do the crimes it was a time of revolution in society and that why he feels people obeyed him.
"He was able to convince a lot of young people that they were doing the right thing by committing hideous murders."
Having had the chance to interview notable criminals drew many students from Laredo Community College interested in going into a criminal justice field.
"I'm going into a field of criminal justice in law enforcement that deals with mass murders so what if I get that type of case. I'll know what I'm dealing with."
Escamilla looks up to Dr. Levin and the experiences he's had.
"Just the simple fact that he's researching these individuals for the sake of knowledge."
Dr. Levin said he hoped the students and faculty of l-c-c would leave with a more realistic view of what these killers are like since he says Hollywood has given people a different perception.