36: The Fantasy Behind Serial Murder | Case Notes

What role does fantasy play in serial murder?

In this episode of Case Notes, I sit down with bestselling investigative journalist and true crime author M. William Phelps to explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of violent offenders: the fantasies that often precede, shape, and sustain serial violence.

We discuss how violent fantasy develops, why it can become central to an offender's identity, and what investigators, psychologists, and the public often misunderstand about the connection between imagination and real-world violence. Along the way, we examine how fantasy influences victim selection, ritual, escalation, and the stories serial killers tell about themselves after they're caught.

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