Serial Killers: How to Identify Them

Serial Killers - Psychopathic Behavior

One of the most common challenges impacting society, is determining when a person is showing psychopathic behavior. In the world of healthcare, these signs can underscore someone who is a serial killer that will strike out at the most vulnerable patients. This is the case with Kristen Gilbert. She was a respected nurse, who was known for her professionalism. However, between 1995 and 1996 over 40 people died on her watch. This raised concerns about her involvement in these incidents. (Farragher, 2000)

After a lengthy investigation, she was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. It uncovered that Kristen was a very cold and calculating person. This led to her targeting veterans who trusted her and were unable to stand up for themselves. To fully understand the way the investigation evolved requires carefully examining the procedures, the role of the community, the levels of communication between stakeholders, the functions of different programs and the impact on the community / law enforcement. Together, these different elements will highlight the way the investigation was conducted and how various segments worked with one another to arrest her. (Farragher, 2000)

Describe the investigation. How did the investigators proceed? Was there any interaction between the killer and the police? How did investigators finally catch the killer?

The investigation involved law enforcement working with the administration, community, coworkers and friends. It started by examining the number of cases and how the cause of death occurred. At the same time, law enforcement looked at her criminal history and the number of complaints they received. This is showing how she has a violent side that is targeted at white males. These insights can be used to establish a motive and opportunity. Once this takes place, is the point surveillance footage will be collected to place her in the room at the time of death. Each incident will add to the total amounts of evidence against Kristen. This is when they can show how her actions were premeditated and designed to avoid detection. There was some interaction, with the police interviewing her several times. The way they were able to catch her was through using all of the evidence to prove her guilt. This is when they can place pressure on Kristen to confess or face the death penalty (during a jury trial). The fact that she was sentenced to life in prison involving four deaths; is showing how a plea bargain occurred. This is an agreement where she agrees to cooperate with investigators in order to avoid a harsher sentence. (Phelps, 2003)

Did the police involve the community in their efforts to find the killer?

Yes. This occurred with them asking the community to share their tips. This meant that friends and family came forward with information about Kristen. This helped them to catch her and decide if a crime was taking place. (Phelps, 2003)

How would you evaluate the level of cooperation or communication between investigators and the community? Were the police able to warn potential victims?

The level of cooperation can be seen in the total number of tips they received. This occurs with them letting the community know about the issues and how they can help. At the same time, they can work with patients, families and the facility to inform them about the problem. This is when they can let everyone know the possible warning signs and what to watch out for. In the future, this will allow the police to set up a sting operation to catch Kristen in the act. (Tynan, 1999)

The evidence that is collected can be used with circumstantial information to understand her role in the crime. This when it is difficult for Kristen to claim how she was at the wrong place and time. Instead, they can demonstrate that the crime is premeditated and targeting the most vulnerable male patients inside the facility. (Tynan, 1999)

For example, inside the Soviet Union (during the 1970s and 1980s), public officials felt that serial killers were the result of Western Society. This blind arrogance meant that the community was not made aware of the danger until after the fact. These views allowed Andrei Chikilato (a.k.a. The Rostov Ripper) to go undetected during this time. It was not until 1992, when he was finally stopped (after killing 125 people). If the public had been made aware of this person, they could have helped to stop him sooner. (Schechter, 2006)

What role, if any, did programs such as Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) or Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) play in the investigation? If your chosen case was from decades ago, are there investigative tools available today that could have helped?

The Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) is a large central repository where information is collected on all major violent crimes that are committed inside the U.S. It gathers information on sexual assaults, missing persons, homicides and other violent crimes using human remains. The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is central system where the DNA is stored for all federal, state and local crimes. It offers law enforcement with the ability to compare DNA selected with others. This helps them to connect the perpetrator with other crimes that were committed. (Tynan, 1999)

In the case of Kristen's investigation, they are providing the police with evidence about past violent crimes and all DNA that was collected. This can be compared with sample from the last murder to show her direct involvement. As a result, many of these techniques can connect her with the 36 other murders that were committed at the facility. This will offer the families with closure and it can be used to ensure she remains in jail. (Tynan, 1999)

What was the effect on the local community while this killer was active?

The impact is that many patients and their families became concerned about what was happening at VAMC. This meant that they would go to alternate facilities which have more professionalism and a better safety record. At the same time, some of victim's families can sue VAMC for negligence and failing to properly supervise Kristen. This is because the management did not immediately notify the police about what was happening until after the fact. These issues are problematic, as they increase the chances of wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuits. There is also the possibility of regulators placing added amounts of scrutiny on them from these actions. As a result, the community is fearful of a serial killer inside the facility and will subsequently stay away until the situation is addressed. (Tynan, 1999)