Peter Vronsky is an author and a PhD in criminal justice history. He’s written numerous true crime best sellers and his new book is called “American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000. Our interview with Mr. Vronsky is posted below.

A couple of facts to give some perspective…the rash of serial killers reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s. The 90s saw a decreasing trend and by the year 2000 active serial killers in the U.S. had dropped dramatically. As had violent crime across the board. I know the reaction is to assume that crime is worse now than at any point in history but that is simply wrong. Homicides, including serial killings are at the lowest point that they’ve been in the past 80 years.

But Vronsky, who is as much of an expert as anyone in the world, thinks serial killers might be a phenomenon that will increase in the near future. You can hear his reasons in the interview included in this article.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Many experts, Vronsky included, think that serial killings have decreased because of technology. In the modern world everyone is connected through tech, including people living on the very fringes of society. Runaways, the homeless, sex workers…many of the prime targets of serial killers…all have cell phones. Homeless people have Facebook accounts. Being connected, even through social media, means that peoples whereabouts are known by somebody. That wouldn’t have been the case in 1975…or even in 1995. Add to that the fact that cell phones can be tracked and that means that people, both victims and perpetrators are much less likely to “disappear”.

“American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000” is out now. It talks about Gacy, Dahmer, Bundy and El Paso’s own Richard Ramirez. The contrast between the serial killer heyday and today is quite stark. The idea that it might return is chilling. Here’s our interview:

 

Lizzie Borden's Maplecroft Is Back on the Market in Fall River, Massachusetts

 

More From KLAQ El Paso