In a survey of 356 serial murderers, there are 1514 victims where I know the cause of death. The victims represent people from around the world, dating from the 1800s to today.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released a Global Study on Homicide in 2019. “Shooting has long been the most common cause of death in homicide cases worldwide (p.25).” With serial killers, the most common method, by far, is strangulation. This is followed by stabbing or slashing. Shooting a victim is the third most common method.
Strangulation is just one form of asphyxiation. Asphyxiation also includes suffocation, and non-specific causes. One example is a victim of killer Randy Kraft. The victim had tissue paper stuck up his nose, and he choked on his own mucus. Adding up all forms of asphyxia, there are 656 victims. That’s 43%.
Drugs and alcohol played a key role in murders. Alcohol was rarely the only cause of death, but was considered by pathologists to be a contributing factor. So, having a drink with a victim doesn’t count, but getting the victim pass-out drunk, does. Drugs are used often, but not exclusively, by medical killers.