Expert claims these are the seven terrifying stages of becoming a serial killer

An expert on serial killers has broken down the stages that most of them go through, and what each of them is likely feeling at the time.

In recent years, there has been a growing fascination surrounding the most notorious serial killers.

From Jeffrey Dahmer Netflix TV shows to the rise in popularity of true crime podcasts, it has become a hot topic that many are fascinated with.

And while many have only now become fans of the genre, experts have been doing deep dives into the minds of these individuals for decades.

That includes forensic criminologist Laura Brand, who has interviewed more than 50 serial killers and identified and outlined the multiple phases each of them goes through before committing their crimes.

Speaking to the Mail Online, she explained each step and the killer’s potential desires and emotional mindset at the time.

People have become more fascinated with serial killers over the years (Curt Borgwardt/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images)

Phase 1: Fantasy

The first stage that serial killers go through before committing the actual act is fantasizing about it or similar heinous acts.

Brand stated that a person may become obsessed with these thoughts or others that focus on control, dominance, and violence.

She said: “Other common themes are aggression, sexual gratification, power and manipulation, revenge and retribution.”

While in this phase, an individual may begin to show isolationist behavior and collect violent online content. They may also create art, write stories, or use other expressive mediums.

Serial killers she has spoken to have admitted to consuming true crime reports during this stage.

There are many factors that influence fantasy development, according to Brand.This includes childhood trauma or abuse, as well as mental health issues, including psychopathy and or narcissism.

Phase 2: Planning/ Preparation

It is during this stage that serial killers will begin to think about the logistics of enacting their fantasies.

Brand explained that typically, these individuals research potential victims and identify vulnerable groups or individuals.

In some instances, they may even attempt to build relationships with these groups or people, allowing them to study their routines and habits.

Brand said: “'They experience increased excitement and anticipation and a growing sense of control and empowerment.”

Serial killers will also scout locations that could be fitting for their attacks. This also includes contingency plans for unexpected events.

Aileen Wuornos is one of the most notorious female serial killers in US history (Florida DOC/Getty Images)

Phase 3: Stalking/ Hunting

Most concerningly, Brand said this stage was among the favorite of the killers.

In this stage, serial killers search for potential victims more specifically. They may watch or follow an individual, and wait for the ideal opportunity to strike.

They may also test the boundaries of their victim, according to Brand, going as far to contact them through email, fake online profiles, or social media.

Phase 4: Capture

This phase is pretty self-explanatory; it's when the killer attempts to abduct their victim.

Some serial killers attempt to kill their victim immediately, while others choose to take them to a pre-determined place and kill them slightly later.

Disturbingly, Brand stated that serial killers enact this stage to gain control over their victim through a series of ways, notably manipulation, coercion, deception, force, violence, surprise, or ambush.

The killer may also use items he has prepared ahead of time, such as restraints, rope, or handcuffs to make this stage easier. Chemicals may also be used to reduce the victim's ability to defend themselves.

During this point, Brand noted killers may be feeling ‘intense excitement'.

Multiple shows and podcasts have focused on Ted Bundy and his murders(Getty/Bettmann)

Phase 5: Murder

Serial killers throughout history have done this in a variety of terrible ways, including strangulation, stabbing, shooting, blunt force trauma, drowning, and suffocation.

Brand said: "The motivation can be sexual gratification, control and dominance, financial gain, revenge, retribution, or just thrill-seeking.”

Maybe the most concerning emotional aspect of the stages is that after committing their terrible crime, serial killers have told Brand they felt an ‘intense emotional release and a sense of power and accomplishment that they are fulfilling fantasy-driven desires’.

Phase 6: Disposal

Initially not wanting to be caught, most serial killers will have also planned how they intend to dispose of their victim.

They may also take steps to get rid of or destroy evidence or incriminating materials that would tie them to the crime.

This could see them create fake alibis or false trails to confuse the police investigation.

Brand stated that serial killers will often take a memento or trophy from the victim to remember the crime. This aspect of a serial killer's psychosis is often seen in films or TV shows.

Dennis Rader was given the nickname BTK, bind torture kill, for his heinous crimes (Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images)

Phase 7: Rebirth

The bizarre final stage sees the killer likely experience an ‘emotional crash’ and typically suffer from depression, according to Brand.

She stated that the killer will now have a need for reassurance and validation.

Brand added: “They are also planning their next fantasy or crime to recapture the thrill."

Explaining the similarities between the serial killers she had interviewed, Brand noted that most said they favored the planning and hunting phases.

She also said a whopping 96 percent of serial killers she spoke to used 'true detective' magazines during the 'fantasy phase’.

They had also told her it was addictive, and gave them a sense of euphoria or high.