mass murder vs. serial murder

Mass murder involves the killing of multiple people—usually four or more—in a single event or incident, often at a single location and over a short period. Serial murder refers to a series of murders committed by the same individual over an extended period, with intervals between the crimes, often driven by psychological motives. While mass murder occurs as a one-time act involving many victims simultaneously, serial murder unfolds over time with multiple victims, typically linked by the offender’s compulsive need. Both are distinct patterns of homicide with different psychological and situational characteristics.