Inside the Minds of 5 Teen Serial Killers Who Nearly Vanished Without a Trace
Ever wonder if some folks were just born with a dark twist, or if life’s curveballs pushed them over the edge? When it comes to serial killers, that age-old debate—nature versus nurture—gets even murkier when the culprits are barely out of kid shoes. Sure, the classic image is a middle-aged, white dude lurking in the shadows, but some of the most bone-chilling cases involve teens who tiptoed beyond the brink far too early. It’s one thing to package monstrous acts with a grizzled adult’s face, but when the headline reads “15-year-old serial killer,” well, that’s a whole different brand of eerie. Below, I’m sharing five stories that might just give you a shiver—or a profound existential headache about what really shapes evil. Buckle up—this ride’s as disturbing as it is fascinating.
When it comes to serial killers, scientists and psychologists have long debated the question of nature versus nature. Did life events make them prone to violence, or are some people simply born to kill?
While the majority of serial killers are middle-aged white men, there are certainly others who don’t fit the typical profile. Perhaps most disturbing of all are those who become serial killers before they are even out of their teens. It’s easy to vilify a murderous adult, but hating someone who is practically a kid? That brings up a whole new set of emotions for everyone involved.
Here are five teen serial killers who tried to get away with murder. Each one was apprehended, but as a word of warning, some readers may find their stories distressing.
1. James Fairweather – 15 years old
