‘Society needs monsters’: why are Americans so obsessed with the idea of serial killers?

The GuardianSaturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:00:34 PM
NeutralU.S News
‘Society needs monsters’: why are Americans so obsessed with the idea of serial killers?
The fascination with serial killers in America continues, despite a significant decline in actual cases since the 1970s. Recently, Austin, Texas, has been gripped by rumors of a serial killer dubbed the Rainey Street Ripper, following a series of drownings in a local lake. Authorities have indicated that these incidents are likely linked to alcohol-related accidents rather than a serial killer. This situation highlights the ongoing societal obsession with true crime narratives and the impact of social media in amplifying such fears, even when the reality may be far less sensational.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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