Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Serial-killer stories grip public
By Ruth Liao
The Arizona RepublicPublished: 7/15/06
Excerpt:
The ongoing story of serial killings in Phoenix has been carried by
news media around the country, feeding a complex fascination many
people have with such senseless, violent crimes.
The "Baseline Killer" has raped, robbed and killed victims since
August. The "Serial Shooter" is believed to be responsible for 34
random shootings since May 2005.
Media experts and academics say people follow serial-killer stories for
several reasons. Many are afraid of becoming targets. Serial-killer
stories capture audiences through classic literary elements, with
villains and heroes and victims. And some are intrigued by an almost
forbidden interest in evil. ...
... Serial-killer stories are often followed because they unravel tales of suspense. ...
The oddities and bizarre nature of serial killers also play into
American culture. True-crime cases are often popularized into novels,
movies and documentaries.
Poynter Institute faculty member Chip Scanlan said serial killers fit
into popular genres: horror, true crime, mysteries, detective stories.
"Although these are real-life and horrific stories, at the same time,
they fit into formulas that people enjoy reading," he said.
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