Understanding the Differences Between Contract Killers and Serial Killers

When discussing the nature of contract killers and serial killers, it's important to identify the key differences that set these two categories apart. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these distinctions, addressing common misconceptions and providing a clearer understanding of their unique characteristics.

The Nature of Contract Killers

Contract killers, also known as hitmen, are individuals hired to carry out targeted murders. Unlike serial killers, contract killers typically operate based on business principles, fulfilling specific orders or engaging in freelance activities for financial gain. There are two main categories of contract killers:

Order-Following Hitmen: These individuals are hired to carry out specific assassinations based on the orders from their clients. They do not have personal motivations for the killings. Freelance Hitmen: These individuals operate independently and take on contracts based on financial incentives. They lack the personal emotional ties that drive serial killers.

Contrasting Characteristics

The core distinction between these two types of killers lies in their motives and emotional involvement. Serial killers often act out of personal, often psychological, reasons. Their actions stem from a compulsion that drives them to kill repeatedly, typically with no clear motive other than their own twisted desires. On the other hand, contract killers are driven by external factors such as payment or orders:

“Hitmen generally fall into a couple categories: ones ordered to do so or ones paid to do so. The freelance types are really about business; neither could care about what they’re doing, whereas a serial killer is usually emotionally involved.”

Social Perception and Responsibility

Our social perception of serial killers is rooted in their solipsistic actions. They kill according to their own terms, without regard to external mandates or orders. This distinction is crucial in understanding why the phrase “I was just following orders” is often cited. Studies show that about 75% of people will comply with orders from those they believe are in a position of authority. Only 25% stand up against institutional cruelty and injustice. This highlights the stark contrast between contract killers, who act out of business demands, and serial killers, who act from emotional compulsions:

“Only 25 will object to institutional cruelty and injustice. All I know is that in the face of 75 compliance, acceptance, and control, I would hope to be one of the 25 to oppose anything decided by an ill-informed and complacent majority.”

Richard Kuklinski: A Case in Point

Richard Kuklinski, a notorious hitman for the mob, illustrates the stark difference between the two categories. In his interview, he famously said, “Assassin. That sounds so exotic. I was just a murderer.” This statement underscores the detachment and lack of emotion that characterizes contract killing. Despite being a professional killer, Kuklinski’s actions were driven by financial motives rather than personal compulsion:

“Richard Kuklinski, a hired hitman for the mob, said “assassin That sounds so exotic I was just a murderer” in an interview on the Iceman tapes.”

Conclusion

Contract killers and serial killers are two distinct categories within the realm of professional and personal homicide. While contract killers operate under external mandates for financial gain, serial killers act from internal compulsions. This article has aimed to clarify these differences, emphasizing the stark contrast between business-based killings and personal motivations. Understanding these distinctions is vital for comprehending the complex nature of these crimes and the individuals who commit them.