The Ortega Highway, a 28-mile stretch in Southern California, is known for its eerie and mysterious reputation, with many believing it’s haunted, a place frequented by serial killers, and a site for body dumpings. This article discusses several murders, dating back to the 1970s, that took place along this highway, as well as speculation about its related paranormal activity.
Netflix has a way of bringing to life history in a manner meant to bring out our emotions. Serial killers who dismember their victims are thought to be some of the sickest people alive. To think someone could do such horrible things to others is unthinkable yet almost sad, too sad, honestly. This article aims to further study the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer so we might be able to understand why he committed these heinous crimes.
Why ask?
Forensic psychology requires practitioners to investigate a person entirely. Do they have a mental illness? Do they have a developmental disability? Do they have a neurological disorder causing slowed speech or other cognitive deficits? Is their family and school environment healthy? Are they suffering from substance abuse or anger problems? The job of a forensic psychology professional is to get to the bottom of what is causing the offender to do what they do. Forensic Darkness aims to shed light on the why behind some of serial killers’ worst behaviors.
The study of forensic psychology examines the serial killer’s entire life which includes:
Netflix truth or fiction
Evan Peters portrayed Jeffrey Dahmer in a relatable way and not as a monster. Dahmer’s demeanor was respectful around others. Dahmer was quiet and did not show any outward emotions even when he was being confronted. The way Evan Peters portrayed Dahmer was as someone who was timid and not the type of person one would think to be a sadistic serial killer.
At an early age, Dahmer struggled with being accepted by his peers. Dahmer became fascinated with mutilating animal bodies, which he did to bond with his father. The act of dismembering animals not only caused Dahmer to become desensitized to such acts, but it also gave him a feeling of control which he later found stimulating. Absorbed with the action of mutilation Dahmer later expressed his curiosity by practicing on humans. Dahmer felt a sense of control and appeared to feel powerful. Dahmer seemed to enjoy those moments he shared with his victims.
The Netflix series showed us that Jeffrey Dahmer came from a broken home and that he suffered from being emotionally neglected, primarily by his mother. Dahmer also feared abandonment because his parents basically left him alone. His fear of abandonment became apparent as we witnessed Dahmer panic each time one of his victims threatened to leave. Dahmer did whatever he could to make sure his victims couldn’t leave including killing them. He resorted to immediate violence if necessary and later when he became more sophisticated as a serial killer, Dahmer began drugging his victims so he could further experiment believing his victims could feel no pain.
Ultimately, Evan Peters portrayed a serial killer who was vulnerable and in desperate need of companionship. Sadly, people who don’t have friends may be socially awkward, meaning they have trouble relating to others. Later, Dahmer was able to find friends in his newfound mostly male nightclub where he was able to try out his alcohol-fused social skills. Having the power to attract others, Dahmer was able to advance on his fascination with dissecting animals as a kid. The Netflix special showed father and son bonding over collecting and dissecting animals but, this did not happen.
Analysis
When it comes to serial killers, forensic psychology professionals ask the question, what is life like for the serial killer? Did the serial killer grow up in a broken home? Do mental illnesses like schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, or other mental illness run in the family? What could be the real cause of such behavior?
Compulsions drive us. Compulsions can define us and what we decide to do and when. A person who develops urges or compulsions is stuck in a loop. This person behaves in an obsessive way and is habitual to the point of satisfaction. Young Jeffrey obviously felt urges to dissect animals so later when he began his killing spree, he was able to feed his urges in new and utterly grotesque ways. It was as if Dahmer wanted to try new ways to kill, dismember, and torture. This behavior is obsessive. Dahmer experienced compulsions or urges that gave him an emotional and physical biological reward. He felt in control.
Symptoms of mental illness explained:
According to the DSM-V, a person suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) will have redundant ideas, and thoughts (American Psychiatric Association, 2023). It appears Dahmer developed the need or compulsion to continue his childhood dissection experiments only directly with humans.
To be diagnosed with OCD a person would have to show signs of obsessional thoughts or compulsions for more than an hour a day. Ultimately it seemed that Jeffrey was more comfortable around the dead than the living. In Dahmer’s mind, he was living a real-life horror show each time he killed. After committing the most gruesome acts on his victims, Dahmer admitted that he drugged some of his victims so they wouldn’t feel anything. Do you think this act means Dahmer cares deep down?
Dahmer, driven by his sexual fantasies and impulses, inflicted new and different torture and pain on his victims. To give you a little more background, according to John Hopkins Psychiatry Guide, the act of finding unusual things sexually interesting is called a paraphilic disorder. Parts of the Dahmer show depicted moments when Dahmer became fascinated with the mannequin, which was to become his canvas to paint his upcoming murder dissecting episodes in which he seemed to become aroused sexually.
The way that Dahmer seemed to be aroused when he was torturing or killing his victims shows us that he may have developed a paraphilic disorder over time. A paraphilic disorder is when someone experiences intense sexual urges, and fantasies with the satisfaction to inflict harm on others (Lerner & Berlin, 2017). Basically, the word paraphilia means having a sexual interest in deviant ways such as sexual sadism in the case of Dahmer. The purpose of this article is to speculate on the facts not fiction presented by the Netflix Dahmer movie. For a full overview of Jeffrey Dahmer’s diagnosis take a look at Inside the Mind of Jeffrey Dahmer article.
Sadly, because of the Jeffrey Dahmer Netflix show the family of the victims has had to endure the whole tragedy again. We here at Forensic Darkness can only express our most profound support to the families suffering from these tragic killings. Normal society cannot even begin to comprehend how someone could do such heinous acts. Still, this analysis must be done so forensic psychology professionals can attempt to avoid future serial killers. If you or someone you know is a victim of a murder or serial killer visit our Help for Victims article for tips on what to do next.
Our children, our future
OCD does exist in children. If you have a child, please be aware your child might have OCD so it is up to you as their parent to help guide them onto healthy obsessions. Take the time to talk with them about what they feel so you can gain a better understanding of how your child might think. While the case with Dahmer and his father both bonding from mutilating animals is not real, we need to monitor what our kids are seeing. Unfortunately, when children are constantly exposed to death or killing, they may find the very act itself just a little bit too interesting. As parents we need to show our children that death is not the answer. Show them that love wins every time. Thank you for visiting Forensic Darkness today. Please feel free to leave a comment to further this very interesting serial killer topic and don’t forget to subscribe for future updates!
References:
American Psychiatric Association (2023) What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? Retrieved April 26th, 2023 from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Lerner, B., Berlin, F. (2017) Paraphilic Disorders John Hopkins Psychiatry Guide.
By Victor J. Fisher
March 24, 2023
As we reflect on the Jack the Ripper case and the advancements in forensic science since then, there are several key lessons that we, as modern forensic investigators, can take away.
The Importance of Preservation
One of the most significant challenges faced by the investigators in the Ripper case was the lack of crime scene preservation. The contamination of evidence due to the absence of gloves, inadequate methods of evidence collection, and the sheer number of people present at the crime scenes highlights the importance of modern-day crime scene preservation techniques.
The Value of Collaboration
The Ripper investigation saw collaboration between the police, medical professionals, and even the media. While this collaboration was far from perfect, it demonstrates the value of sharing information and resources among various disciplines in order to solve complex cases.
The Necessity of Skepticism
Many false leads and sensational claims were made throughout the Ripper investigation, often fueled by the media frenzy surrounding the case. Modern investigators must remain skeptical and avoid being swayed by unverified information, ensuring that their focus remains on the evidence.
The Evolution of Profiling
The rudimentary criminal profiling conducted by Dr. Thomas Bond in the Ripper case has since evolved into a sophisticated and invaluable tool for modern investigators. Today’s profilers use a combination of psychology, criminology, and behavioral analysis to create detailed profiles of unknown subjects, often narrowing the pool of potential suspects significantly.
The Power of Technology
Finally, the advancements in forensic technology since the 1880s cannot be overstated. From DNA analysis and fingerprinting to digital forensics and advanced imaging techniques, modern forensic investigators have a wealth of tools at their disposal that would have been unimaginable to their 19th-century counterparts.
As we continue to delve into the darkness, let us remember the lessons learned from cases like Jack the Ripper and strive to improve our methods, techniques, and understanding of the criminal mind. Only then can we truly stand as guardians against the shadows that lurk within our society.
In closing, the tale of Jack the Ripper remains an enduring reminder of the importance of forensic science and the pursuit of truth in the face of unspeakable evil. While we may never uncover the true identity of the Ripper, we can honor the victims by continuing to shine a light into the darkness and seeking justice for all who have been wronged.
Until next time, dear readers, stay curious, stay vigilant, and remember: the darkness may be vast, but our quest for knowledge and justice is relentless.
Yours in darkness,
Victor J. Fisher
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On July 15th 2002, 5 year old Samantha Runnion was kidnapped outside her home in Stanton, California. Her mother was nearby, but sadly unaware a child predator was watching her child, until it was too late. Who would have thought a parent could not let their child go play outside?
Fortunately, as soon as Samantha Runnion was abducted, her friend ran into tell Samantha’s mother what had happened. Thankfully, Samantha’s little friend was not only able to provide a description of the car, but she also described what the killer looked like. Surely, let us teach our children to always be aware, if not for their own safety, but the safety of their friends.
Unfortunately, 2002 in Orange County, California was a heartbreaking time, especially for the police community who desperately used every resource to find 5-year-old Samantha Runnion. Meanwhile, parents watched the news in anger, sadness, and disbelief that such a sweet child could go missing in broad daylight. Ultimately, the Samantha Runnion abduction, taught families in Orange County, California to be strong, sit back and let the police do their job.
Regrettably, on July 16th, 2002, just one day after the abduction of Samantha Runnion, 911 received a call from a man stating he found the body of a child located off the Ortega Highway located in Riverside County. Sure enough, it was her.
So, the hunt for poor little Samantha was over and the police found worst of all and so tragically that Samantha Runnion had died at the hands of Alejandro Avila. At just 27 years old, not only had Avila kidnapped and brutally murdered Samantha Runnion, but he had also been an accused child molester. Avila, it just so happened had been working out of Lake Elsinore at the time of Samantha’s disappearance, which meant Avila was in close in proximity to where Samantha Runnion’s body had been dumped off the famed Ortega Highway.
During the investigation, police found Avila had not only strangled poor little Samantha, but he had brutally, sexually raped her. What kind of monster does such a thing to a five-year-old child? My heart goes out to the family and to Samantha herself who had to endure such horrors at the age of five.
Though that day was such a tragic day, we cannot blame the parent for letting their child play outside. We must blame the child predator watching and waiting for a chance to take the child. Let us look at this experience as a lesson learned, “Never take your eyes off your child when they are outside.” Pay attention to your surroundings especially if people linger. Teach your children to stick together with their friends and to always stay close and alert.
The Lesson
The Samantha Runnion murder was a wakeup call for parents to keep their children close, no matter what the costs. The lesson. We never know who is watching. We cannot trust anyone with our child’s safety, so we must never let our guard down concerning our children, at any age.
The question we ask after such a horrific killing is, why? How can a man be so sick that he kidnaps and sexually assaults a 5-year-old child? Sad, horrific and dark are these sadistic killers who make us all feel the worst and see the most awful things, but they cannot win. The serial killer cannot break us. The child predator will not defeat us. We will not let them. We will fight back and protect our children. We will warn each other, and we will be suspicious of everyone, including, and especially those, close to us.
We will learn what motivates serial killers and child predators so we will be a step ahead. We will pray, we will fight, and we will create a safe place for our children 24/7. Most importantly we will teach our children to be strong, to fight, to scream, to be suspicious when someone is too friendly, and most importantly to stay away, by always maintaining distance.
We will live by boundaries and protect always because love wins. One goal of the Forensic Darkness effort is to carryout serial killer awareness to keep our families safe and aware. Forensic Darkness recognizes the darkness but does not give into it or glorify, “Evil Deeds.”
By becoming more aware, we will learn ways to outsmart even the smartest predator. We will do our best to keep alert to others who might be in crisis and on the verge of a breakdown of some kind. We will also share love to all those who are hurting and who may need a loving, kind word. Only through love and light will we win against the darkness.
Written by Jenny Montoya M.A. Forensic Psychology
Photo by: Pixabay
Forensic Darkness - Serial Killers & Awareness 