S.C. Sheriff: Yes, We Have a Serial Killer

I believe the Sheriff in this article is confusing a Spree Killer with a Serial Killer. At least the way this article says the killing ahve take place. The fact that someone kills four people doesn't make the a serial killer under the FBI's definition. When someone just starts killing folks over a short period of time he is considered to be a Spree Killer.

A spree is a rampage without a cooling off period. A serial killer has at least a 24 hour cooling off period in between incidents.

as per the FBI: http://www.fbi.gov/publications/serial_murder.htm#two

"The validity of spree murder as a separate category was discussed at great length. The general definition of spree murder is two or more murders committed by an offender or offenders, without a cooling-off period. According to the definition, the lack of a cooling-off period marks the difference between a spree murder and a serial murder. Central to the discussion was the definitional problems relating to the concept of a cooling-off period. Because it creates arbitrary guidelines, the confusion surrounding this concept led the majority of attendees to advocate disregarding the use of spree murder as a separate category. The designation does not provide any real benefit for use by law enforcement.
The different discussion groups at the Symposium agreed on a number of similar factors to be included in a definition. These included:

������ one or more offenders
������ two or more murdered victims
������ incidents should be occurring in separate events, at different times
������ the time period between murders separates serial murder from mass murder

In combining the various ideas put forth at the Symposium, the following definition was crafted:

Serial Murder: The unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s), in separate events."

Doyle. First of all, saying "the Sheriff in this article " instead of saying Sheriff Blanton tells us that you are likely nowhere near Gaffney. Secondly, I'm sure Blanton didn't just glance at the FBI's definition of Serial Killer before he made this announcement. I'm sure that no Sheriff ever wants to have to say those words. Odds are he or someone with his office spoke directly with the FBI, and they may even be assisting. I know that WSPA 7 News has already annouced that state and other LE agencies are involved in the investigation.

Enough with the grammar police.

The sheriff has his hands full and people are being killed by somebody.

Sorry to offend, oops, to late. Some of the posts sound as if they were written by CSI junkies.

It's not a TV reality show, or a "symposium".

He is not an English major, but does have a criminal justice degree.

Chances are, there may be more victims out there. Not the first time for that county. I remember the "cherokee strangler" case.

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon belittling the sheriff's grammar, how about recognizing his choice of setting up a task force with neighboring county sheriffs and "other agencies"?

The fact he was a detective and chose to act so quickly, seeking any and all assistance, tells me this guy is no dummy.

Maybe the grammar cops would like to show him how to hunt down a killer.

i was supporting the sheriff with a direct quote from a published FBI document, which i linked right above it...read the post before you open your mouth

i was supporting the sheriff with a direct quote from a published FBI document, which i linked right above it...read the post before you open your mouth

NJ he is the only one who didnt run on about what is or not a serial killer.