5 Teen Serial Killers Who Almost Got Away With Murder
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
In 2016, James Fairweather was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison after brutally murdering two strangers. Fairweather says that the murders were inspired by his obsession with serial killers, particularly his favorite, Ted Bundy. His first victim was stabbed to death 102 times while lying drunk in a park, while the second was killed with a bayonet.
After the trial, Fairweather’s mother said, “James Fairweather is a monster in our eyes – and we will never be able to forgive him.”
Read More: Some Of The Creepiest Quotes From The World’s Most Demented Serial Killers
2. Charles Starkweather
3. Mary Bell – 11 years old
Although not quite a teenager, Mary Bell was assisted in her crimes by her 13-year-old best friend, Norma Bell, who was no relation despite having the same last name. Together, the pair strangled two young boys, ages three and four. When police investigated Mary’s background, they found out that her prostitute mother was abusive. On more than one occasion, she tried to kill Mary and forced her to engage in sexual acts with men.
While Norma was acquitted of the crimes on account of her feeble mindedness, Mary served 12 years in a juvenile detention center. Today, she’s a grandmother and lives anonymously under a new name.