For the full story on Randy Kraft, please click here.
Kraft Sale
Since Randy Kraft infamously kept souvenirs and photos of his victims, there’s a bizarre irony to his own exploitation on the Web by peddlers of serial-killer memorabilia, who offer his letters and other items on various websites. But the proprietor of one site says the market for Kraft memorabilia is slack: “There is no real interest in Randy Kraft items.” Among them:
· A 2004 Christmas card, in which Kraft advises his correspondent, “Don’t forget to party a little now and then.” $45
· A 2005 postcard depicting the Balboa Peninsula, which Kraft inscribed with memories of living there in 1969-70. $40
· “Randy Kraft authentic hair, clipped in February 1994.” This item apparently was peddled by fellow serial killer Lawrence Bittaker, who cleaned up after a death row barber and traded the cuttings to collectors in exchange for pornography and postage stamps. Kraft stopped talking to him when he found out. “Maybe he overreacted a bit,” Bittaker later told an interviewer. $75
· A 2007 Christmaspostcard, with the inscription: “So what’s up? I haven’t heard from you lately, and my last couple of letters are unanswered. Please send a line or two when you can …” $40
Myths About Serial Killers
Your image of serial madmen likely is shaped by made-for-TV movies and true-crime bestsellers. However, FBI experts tell us that most assumptions are wrong.
Myth Reality
| All serial killers are dysfunctional loners. | Most appear to be normal members of their communities, with homes and families |
| They’re all white males. | Most are men, but there have been Asian-American, black, and Hispanic serial killers. |
| They roam the country. | Most conduct their killings in a “comfort zone” close to home. |
| They can’t stop themselves from killing. | They often stop for periods when involved in family activities or other diversions. |
| They’re insane. | While they tend to suffer from personality disorders, most are legally sane, meaning they understand that what they’re doing is criminal. |
| They’re evil geniuses. | Their intelligence ranges from borderline mentally disabled to above average. |
| They want to get caught. | Most plan more carefully than other criminals, in an effort not to get caught. |
Illustration by Keith Negley
The related article appeared in the May 2013 issue.
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