For centuries, humans have been fascinated—and horrified—by tales of serial killers. But have you ever wondered who was the first known serial killer? Before modern criminal profiling or forensic science, there was one figure whose gruesome legacy still haunts history books. Let’s travel back in time to uncover the chilling origins of humanity’s darkest obsession.
The First Known Serial Killer: Meet H.H. Holmes
While multiple suspects throughout history could claim the title, Herman Webster Mudgett, better known as H.H. Holmes, is often called America’s first known serial killer. Operating in the late 19th century, Holmes built a literal “Murder Castle” in Chicago—complete with trapdoors, secret passageways, and rooms designed for torture.
But here’s where it gets even more disturbing:
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Holmes was a charming, educated doctor with a gift for deception.
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He lured victims, often young women, under the guise of offering jobs or lodging.
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His “castle” reportedly contained a gas chamber, soundproof rooms, and a crematorium.
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Authorities estimate he killed between 20 and 200 people (though he confessed to 27).
Holmes was executed in 1896, but his story set the stage for a century of fascination with the criminal mind.
Earlier Candidates: Were There Serial Killers Before Holmes?
Believe it or not, the concept of a serial killer existed long before Holmes ever set foot in Chicago.
Gilles de Rais (France, 1400s)
A French nobleman and former military leader, Gilles de Rais fought alongside Joan of Arc. After his military career, however, he was accused of kidnapping and murdering hundreds of children. Historians debate the accuracy of these claims, but many consider him one of Europe’s earliest serial murderers.
Elizabeth Báthory (Hungary, 1500s–1600s)
Known as the “Blood Countess,” Elizabeth Báthory was a Hungarian noblewoman accused of torturing and killing hundreds of young girls. Legend says she bathed in their blood to preserve her youth—though modern scholars think some of these stories may have been exaggerated or politically motivated.
Jack the Ripper (England, 1888)
And then, of course, there’s Jack the Ripper, the infamous killer who terrorized London’s Whitechapel district. Though never caught, the Ripper’s brutal crimes against women captivated the public and fueled global media hysteria.
Did You Know?
The term “serial killer” wasn’t coined until the 1970s. FBI agent Robert Ressler introduced it to describe murderers who kill multiple people over time, with a “cooling-off” period between crimes. Before that, society didn’t even have a name for this kind of criminal behavior.
What Makes a Serial Killer “First”?
Here’s the tricky part: defining who was truly the first serial killer depends on how you define “serial killer” itself.
Some key traits include:
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Multiple victims (usually three or more).
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Distinct periods between killings (not all at once).
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Psychological or emotional motivation, rather than money or revenge alone.
By those standards, there were likely many “serial killers” long before records existed—only they went unnoticed or unrecorded.
Mini Q&A: Common Questions
Q: Were there serial killers in ancient times?
A: Absolutely. Historical accounts suggest killers in ancient Rome, China, and Egypt who fit the description, though details are often lost to time.
Q: How did people catch serial killers before modern forensics?
A: Usually by confession, rumor, or luck. Early cases relied heavily on witness accounts and superstition rather than solid evidence.
A Personal Take
I’ve always found it eerie how figures like Holmes and Báthory blend charisma with cruelty. It’s a strange reminder that evil doesn’t always look monstrous—it can wear a friendly face or a doctor’s coat. Studying their stories makes me appreciate how far criminal science has come… and how fragile trust can be when deception hides behind charm.
Even though we may never know who was the first known serial killer, the fascination endures. From medieval castles to modern true-crime podcasts, humanity continues to seek answers to the same chilling question: what drives someone to kill again and again?
Who do you think deserves the title of the world’s first serial killer—Holmes, Báthory, or someone even earlier? Share your thoughts below!