- Because you never know why people do what they do.
Do you know about these crazy killers and why they said they killed? For attention or just to know how it felt, it doesn’t get much crazier than that.
“I wanted to know what it felt like.”
One of the most disturbing motives ever described is simple curiosity. Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb murdered 14-year-old Bobby Franks in 1924 partly because they wanted the thrill of committing what they believed would be the “perfect crime.” They later described the murder as an intellectual challenge and an experiment, showing a profound disregard for human life.
“I wanted attention.”
Mark David Chapman admitted that part of his motivation included a desire for recognition and significance. Some offenders have sought media attention or notoriety, leading researchers to examine whether extensive publicity surrounding violent crimes can encourage copycat behavior.
“I was trying to prove I was tough.”
Some killers have committed murder to gain status or respect among peers, particularly in gang-related violence. Rather than acting out of personal hatred, they sought to demonstrate loyalty, courage, or dominance. Criminologists note that these crimes are often driven by insecurity and social pressure rather than genuine strength.
“I was angry about something small.”
Many homicides begin with surprisingly minor disputes. People have killed over arguments involving parking spaces, loud music, road rage, insults, or damaged property. In these cases, the original disagreement is trivial compared with the irreversible consequences, illustrating how poor impulse control and uncontrolled anger can escalate everyday conflicts into deadly violence.
“I was bored.”
Although rare, some offenders have described violence as a source of excitement. Leopold and Loeb themselves spoke about the thrill of committing murder, while other violent criminals have claimed they acted simply because they wanted stimulation. Such explanations are generally viewed by psychologists as reflecting extreme callousness rather than ordinary boredom.
“I thought I was helping.”
Andrea Yates suffered from severe postpartum psychosis and believed
she was saving her children from eternal suffering. Her case illustrates how serious mental illness can distort reality, leading a person to believe they are acting for a benevolent purpose.
“I wanted revenge over a personal insult.”
Feelings of humiliation, rejection, or betrayal have motivated numerous homicides. Domestic violence cases frequently involve offenders who cannot accept the end of a relationship or perceived disrespect. What begins as a personal grievance can escalate into irreversible violence.
“I wanted to become famous.”
John Hinckley Jr. sought notoriety through a violent act connected to his obsession with actress Jodie Foster. Although his crime was attempted assassination rather than murder, it remains one of the clearest examples of violence motivated by a desire for fame.
“I was following a command or belief.”
David Berkowitz initially claimed that a neighbor’s dog, possessed by a demon, ordered him to kill. Investigators later questioned the truthfulness of these statements, but the case remains a well-known example of an offender attributing violence to perceived commands.
“I wanted to see if I could get away with it.”
Leopold and Loeb openly discussed their ambition to commit the “perfect crime.” They believed careful planning and superior intelligence would allow them to escape detection, treating murder as a test of their abilities rather than recognizing the value of the victim’s life.
“I was jealous.”
Jealousy is among the most common motives for intimate-partner homicide. Some offenders have killed because they feared losing a relationship or could not accept rejection. These crimes often stem from possessiveness and the desire for control rather than genuine affection.
“I thought it would solve my problems.”
Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife and children while attempting to escape mounting personal pressures and begin a new relationship. Instead of solving his problems, his actions resulted in lifelong imprisonment and immense suffering for many people.
Did you know about these crazy killers? Tell us someone who should have been on the list in the comments!