Predators

1. Predators are Opportunists: Understand Their Mindset

Victimology, simply stated, is nothing more than a comprehensive study of the victim, a way for authorities to narrow a list of probable types of suspects.

Proactive safety starts with understanding. To protect yourself and loved ones, you must think like a criminal investigator and a predator. This involves applying "victimology" to your own life, assessing your "Risk Continuum" from low to high. Predators are not random; they seek specific opportunities and predictability, making your routine a potential vulnerability.

Analyze your own life. Ask critical questions about your lifestyle, circumstances, and behaviors that might inadvertently put you at risk. This isn't about blame, but about identifying "chinks in your armor." For instance, a predictable daily routine, like Sara's morning schedule, can be meticulously observed and exploited by a stalker who lives nearby.

M.O. vs. Signature. Criminals have a Method of Operation (M.O.), which can change as they become more proficient, and a Signature, which is the psychological gratification they seek and rarely changes. Understanding these helps investigators, and you, identify patterns. By recognizing what opportunities a predator looks for, you can proactively eliminate them, turning probabilities into possibilities you can control.

2. Vulnerability is a Magnet: Eliminate Easy Opportunities

The old adage “Expect the unexpected” is probably the best defense against the predators of today.

Predators seek least resistance. Criminals, like wild predators, are opportunists looking for the easiest prey. They don't want a fight; they want to achieve their desires with minimal effort and risk of detection. This means they actively scout for signs of vulnerability, both in individuals and their environments.

Subtle cues reveal weakness. Brad Morrison, a serial rapist, revealed he often judged a potential victim's vulnerability by the state of their home or car. Cluttered spaces or unkempt yards suggested depression or exhaustion, indicating a less likely fight. Conversely, signs of a strong male presence, like construction boots on a porch, were enough to deter him.

Create deterrence, not just defense. Your goal is to make yourself and your property appear difficult to victimize. This doesn't require expensive security systems but rather smart, visible deterrents.

• Place old construction boots or masculine items outside your door.
• Get a dog, even a small one, as noise deters.
• Maintain your property to avoid appearing neglected.
  By eliminating easy opportunities, you significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target.

3. Child Predators Groom: Teach Children to Break Secrecy

As a child molester, I depended upon absolute secrecy.

Grooming is the primary tactic. Child molesters rarely appear dangerous; instead, they meticulously "groom" both children and parents to gain trust and access. Oliver Ben Gerrish, who molested over 500 children, used tactics like false friendship, guilt trips, and lures (e.g., kittens, ice-skating lessons) to isolate victims.

Empower children with knowledge. The most crucial defense is teaching children that "bad touch" is never good, regardless of who it comes from, even trusted family or friends. Children must understand that the adult is always accountable, and secrets that make them feel uncomfortable should never be kept.

• Teach children to scream "FIRE!" loudly to draw attention.
• Instruct them to tell any trusted adult if they feel violated, and to keep telling until someone listens.
• Role-play various scenarios to build confidence and rehearsed responses.

Online grooming mirrors offline tactics. Cyber predators use the same psychological manipulation (false friendship, ego boosts, guilt trips) through digital platforms. Parents must monitor online activity, keep computers in open areas, and teach children to immediately involve them if an online interaction feels wrong. The core principle remains: take away the predator's access and anonymity.

4. Terrorism is a Mindset: Be the Eyes and Ears of Society

Most terrorists don’t care if they get caught or killed during the commission of their crimes.

Terrorism is a war of ideology. Unlike common criminals who seek to avoid capture, terrorists are often driven by a cause (political, religious, economic) and may be willing to die for it. This fanaticism makes them incredibly dangerous and unpredictable, as seen in the Oklahoma City bombing or the Lafferty brothers' religiously motivated murders.

Recognize the psychological profile. Terrorists often emerge from isolation, feeling a profound need for significance or a sense of injustice. They can be charismatic leaders (like David Koresh) or easily manipulated followers (like Terry Nichols). Their actions are often rooted in a distorted worldview where their violence is justified as a "holy war" or a means to achieve a "greater purpose."

Public vigilance is paramount. Since terrorists often don't fear capture, traditional law enforcement methods are less effective in prevention. The public must act as the "eyes and ears" of society.

• Report unusual or suspicious objects (e.g., unattended suitcases, cars in odd locations).
• Observe people whose demeanor is unusually intense or out of place in a celebratory setting.
• Trust your instincts: If something "doesn't feel right," alert authorities.
  Your proactive vigilance can be the critical factor in preventing catastrophic attacks.

5. The Elderly are Prime Targets: Guard Against Deception and Isolation

I think part of the thing about why people, like myself, attack the elderly is because the elderly are abandoned in our society.

Vulnerability attracts predators. The elderly are a highly targeted demographic due to perceived isolation, physical limitations, and accumulated wealth. Perpetrators often possess minimal social skills, preying on loneliness and a desire for companionship, as exemplified by Terrence Adderly, the "gentleman rapist" who conned his way into victims' homes.

Deception is the primary weapon. These criminals don't rely on force initially; they use charm, feigned helpfulness, or elaborate scams (like health insurance fraud) to gain trust and access. Terry Donnelly, a serial killer of elderly women, admitted he exploited their kindness and desire for company, knowing they were "easy targets" who wouldn't fight back.

Proactive measures are essential. Seniors and their caregivers must prioritize safety by:

• Never letting strangers into the home, even for seemingly innocent reasons.
• Conducting all interactions (e.g., with solicitors, repairmen) outside, in public view.
• Involving trusted family or neighbors in financial matters to prevent scams.
• Increasing social interaction to reduce isolation, which predators exploit.
  By eliminating private access and increasing public visibility, seniors can significantly reduce their risk of victimization.

6. Sexual Assault is About Control: Don't Be a Controllable Victim

Rape, or any kind of sexual assault, is not as much about sex as it is about power and control.

Assault is about dominance, not desire. Rapists seek to assert power and control over their victims, often targeting individuals they perceive as vulnerable or easily manipulated. Michael Carson, a serial rapist, specifically chose real estate agents because he could isolate them and believed he could control them.

Recognize rapist typologies. Understanding the different psychological profiles of rapists can help you identify potential threats:

• Power Reassurance (Wannabe): Low self-esteem, seeks validation, uses minimal force, relies on surprise.
• Power Assertive (Macho Man): Proves virility, moderate force, often date rape, spontaneous.
• Anger Retaliatory (Rambo): Punishes/degrades women, excessive force, blitz attacks, spontaneous.
• Anger Excitation (Sexual Sadist-Devil): Gratification from pain, premeditated, uses torture, keeps trophies.
  Each type has distinct behaviors that can be recognized.

Empower yourself through control. The best defense is to make yourself an undesirable target by projecting strength and control over your environment.

• Maintain locked doors and windows.
• Create visible deterrents (e.g., a dog, signs of a male presence).
• Avoid isolated situations with strangers or new acquaintances.
• If attacked, scream, fight, and create a commotion; most rapists want to avoid attention and confrontation.

7. Domestic Abusers Seek Domination: Break the Cycle of Isolation

Of all the predatory crimes we cover in this book, this one cannot be prevented by locking your doors and windows because it occurs from within.

Abuse stems from a need for control. Domestic abusers, whether male or female, prey on the most vulnerable members of their own families, often driven by deep-seated insecurities and a desperate need to control others. Margaret Jefferson, who murdered her son, was driven by a fear of abandonment and a need to control her relationships.

The cycle of manipulation and isolation. Abusers typically court victims with tenderness, then gradually isolate them from external support (friends, family) to establish complete dominance. Mark Wing, who tortured and killed his infant son, systematically dismantled his wives' cars and cut phone lines to prevent outside contact.

Intervention is crucial. Because victims are often psychologically manipulated into believing they are helpless or that the abuse is their fault, external intervention is vital.

• Friends and family must overcome fear and involve authorities.
• Police receive more domestic dispute calls than any other, and they are equipped to intervene.
• Victims should seek help from domestic abuse hotlines and support organizations.
  Breaking the cycle requires collective action and a refusal to tolerate abuse, ensuring the safety of victims and preventing future perpetrators.

8. Kidnapping is Psychological: Cultivate Mental Resilience and Awareness

The biggest part of the battle against kidnapping is on the psychological front.

Kidnapping is theft of the human spirit. Beyond physical abduction, kidnappers aim to psychologically control their victims, isolating them and breaking their will. Arvin Shreeve, a cult leader, "kidnapped" followers by brainwashing them with religious doctrine, creating a dependency that made them believe they had nowhere else to go.

Predators exploit vulnerability and trust. Kidnappers, like Brian David Mitchell who abducted Elizabeth Smart, often target individuals at low points in their lives or those taught to be overly respectful to adults. They then use psychological tactics to convince victims that escape is impossible or that their loved ones will be harmed if they resist.

Proactive preparedness is key. Parents and individuals must adopt a proactive approach to safety, combining education with mental and physical preparedness.

• Teach children to trust their "gut instincts" and to make noise if threatened.
• Utilize resources like Kindervision and RadKids for safety education and role-playing.
• Maintain an up-to-date ID kit for children (photo, fingerprints, DNA) to aid rapid recovery.
• Avoid vulnerable situations: stick to well-lit, populated areas, vary routines, and never put your well-being in the hands of strangers.

9. Homicidal Predators Escalate: Recognize the Pinnacle of Criminality

Murder is the pinnacle of a predatory criminal’s resume.

Murder is the ultimate escalation. Homicidal predators often begin with lesser crimes, gradually escalating their violence as their desires intensify. Serial killers like Robert Ben Rhoades, who tortured and murdered hitchhikers, represent the extreme end of this progression, having objectified victims through fantasies often fueled by pornography.

Appearances are deceiving. Homicidal predators do not fit the "creepy" stereotype; they are often outwardly friendly and charming, using this facade to lure victims into isolation. Ted Bundy, for example, was known for his charisma, making it easy for him to entice victims into his car.

Identify and eliminate opportunities. The key to avoiding these most dangerous predators is to apply the same risk-reduction principles used for lesser crimes, but with heightened vigilance.

• Never allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't know or trust, regardless of their apparent normalcy.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts; if something feels "off," disengage.
• Understand that these individuals are devoid of empathy and cannot be reasoned with or deterred by kindness once they have targeted you.
  By cutting off opportunities for isolation and recognizing the subtle signs of a predatory mindset, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering such extreme violence.

10. Cyber Grooming is the New Frontier: Adapt Safety to the Digital Age

The problem is, while our lives have become more efficient, so have those of today’s criminal predators.

Digital platforms amplify predatory reach. Advances in technology, particularly social media and dating apps, have transformed how predators identify and groom victims. They no longer need to physically stalk; they can "comb social media to find photos and information for any type of potential victim they want."

Traditional tactics, new medium. The core grooming tactics remain the same – building false trust, exploiting vulnerabilities, and creating dependency – but they are now executed virtually. Andy Tanner and Brenda Boren, for instance, used dating apps to identify and manipulate a vulnerable woman for their "sacrificial sex" fantasy, exploiting her depression and desire for connection.

Virtual vigilance is crucial. Just as you would secure your physical home, you must secure your digital presence.

• Be cautious about sharing personal information online that could reveal vulnerabilities (e.g., emotional state, daily routines, family details).
• Recognize "love bombing" or intense emotional connection early in online interactions as a red flag.
• Always meet online acquaintances in public places for initial interactions, and inform trusted friends or family of your plans.
  The digital world offers convenience but also new avenues for exploitation; adapting your safety mindset to this new frontier is paramount.

Last updated: August 18, 2025