“Baggage in the business”: The investigative challenges of serial homicide

This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted challenges encountered by investigators handling serial murder cases. Drawing upon insights gained from over 40 cases investigated by six seasoned professionals from the United States and Canada, the research employs a semi-structured interview methodology to understand the contextual dynamics at play. The results indicate that the primary hurdle confronting investigators is establishing a nexus between cases, often necessitating a probabilistic inference rather than absolute certainty. Once this connection is established, investigators grapple with a range of common obstacles, including securing adequate financial and personnel—related resources, high-risk missing persons, navigating evolving modus operandi, and effectively managing complex crime scenes. Notwithstanding these challenges, the study reveals that 75% of the cases that were discussed in detail were solved through the cultivation of an open-minded approach and the assimilation of insights from prior investigations. The study concludes by discussing the relevance of these findings and their practical implications for crime prevention and investigative strategies.