Serial killers are more likely to make a living in some occupations than others, it seems.
Just ask Criminologist Professor Michael Arntfield, who quite literally wrote the book on the subject.
Professor Arntfield, author of ‘Murder in Plain English’, studied the patterns and behaviours of killers over the past 50 years.
And one thing he discovered is their tendency to gravitate toward certain industries and professions.
Criminologist Professor Michael Arntfield (pictured) has revealed the 12 occupations that are most favoured by serial murderers, according to dominant patterns from the last five decades
Arntfield studied the patterns and behaviours of killers over the past 50 years – and one thing he discovered is that they have a tendency to gravitate toward certain industries and professions
In his book, Arntfield reveals the 12 occupations that are most favoured by serial murderers, according to dominant patterns from the last five decades.
Many of the roles are practical in nature – arborists rank highly, for example, as do general labourers – while others, says Arntfield, likely appeal to certain people’s killer instincts.
‘[It’s a] combination of mobility, power (whether structural or actual), and the fact many jobs also simultaneously satisfy the underlying paraphilias, or sexual preoccupations, that also fuel killers’ crimes,’ he told IFLScience.
A number of the top ranking jobs, such as truck drivers and gas station attendants, also provide access to potentially vulnerable victims.
Many of the roles are practical in nature, some appeal to certain people’s killer instincts, while others – such as a truck driver – provide access to potentially vulnerable victims
A number of the occupations are disturbingly commonplace, with car upholsterer, general labourer and hotel porter all making the list
Arntfield divides the occupations into four separate categories, depending on the level of skill and qualification.
And many of the occupations are disturbingly commonplace:
Skilled Occupations
1. Aircraft machinist/assembler
2. Shoemaker/repair person
3. Car upholsterer
Semi-Skilled Occupations
1. Forestry worker/arborist
2. Truck driver
3. Warehouse manager
Unskilled Occupations
1. General labourer (such as a mover or landscaper)
2. Hotel porter
3. Gas station attendant
Professional and Government Occupations
1. Police/security official
2. Military personnel
3. Religious official