Creepy and Deadly: The Dating Game Serial Killer and other Sexual Predators. 5 Tips for Avoiding Victimization.

As suspected serial rapists or killers, people like Phillip Garrido (accused in kidnapping of Jaycee Dugard), Rodney Alcala (aka the Dating Game Serial Killer), and Philip Markoff (aka craigslist killer) are getting a lot of attention these days. From repulsion about what was done to their victims to curiosity about who these monsters are - they are the talk of the town. But mostly, I think there is dread that people like them even exist and concern about how to keep them away from loved ones.

If I had my way there would be no sexual predators out there to worry about. Probably, I would banish them to a deserted island they could share with those similarly situated and of the same gender. That way they could not reproduce children that would become their prey. I know some would be concerned about the “poor rapists” and what they would do to each other. But this article is not for those people. I’m writing to those who want to avoid victimization. Here are some ways to minimize the likelihood of falling prey to sexual predators.

Tip #1 - Don’t go looking for them. Don’t visit, write or date inmates. To end up in prison a person has to have been detected, investigated, charged, found guilty of a crime, and incarcerated. That’s a lot of people who have to agree that a criminal is bad news. Convict is an earned label. Maybe an offender will be rehabilitated while in prison and maybe he will not - but you don’t want to happen along and take a chance. Dating and marrying people in prison is about as risky as it gets. Consider the fact that Nancy Garrido, who also stands accused with her husband in the kidnapping and rape of Jaycee Dugard met and married Phillip Garrido while he was serving 50 years for another kidnapping and rape.

Tip #2 - Don’t let a sexual predator’s good looks, charisma or charm fool you. In addition to these traits being attached to many sexual offenders, Markoff’s being “clean cut” surprised many holding stereotypes about what sexual predators look like. Many a woman dismissed her suspicions that a man could be a rapist because he had so many positive qualities leading to the dismissal “surely he does not have to resort to rape to get sex.” It is not about the sex though - it more about the violence and dominance. Rapists depend on women believing that they aren’t harmful because they are attractive. But you don’t have to go out with anyone you do not want to - not for sympathy or out of some kind of obligation. Though Cheryl Bradshaw picked Batchelor #1 (Alcala) on the Dating Game Show in 1978, she refused to go out with him on the prearranged date funded by the show.

Tip #3 - Don’t ignore signs or testimonials from others. “Creepy” is a common term associated with predators. Neighbors of Phillip Garrido referred to him as “Creepy Phil”. Jed Mills, Batchelor #2 on the same Dating Game Show is quoted as saying that Alcala was “standout creepy.” And even one of medical student Markoff’s former classmates said that he gave off a “creepy vibe.” Creepy may not be the most scientific adjective out there, but must of us know creepy when we see it. Still, charismatic or attractive sexual predators tend to be antisocial enough that the rest of us know that there is something wrong with them even if we cannot put our finger on it. If he makes your skin crawl, leave him be. Give your fellow beings the benefit of the doubt. When others say he’s weird - listen; it might not be just hype.

Tip #4 - Don’t fall for their bait. Contrary to popular belief, it is rare for an offender to grab an adult victim off of the street. Predators know this approach not only increases their chance of detection but also limits pulling off their crime. Instead they try and use some ruse to lure unsuspecting women. On a grocery store parking lot, Phillip Garrido represented to one of his first victims that his car was broken down and convinced her to give him a ride. When she consented, he hog-tied her, drove her over state lines to a pre-arranged mini storage space where he raped her for hours. Markoff responded to his victims’ Craig’s List advertisements. Those women found themselves in hotel rooms expecting quid pro quo services - their massages (or whatever) for his money. Alcada’s profession as a photographer is believed to be a means by which he lured numerous victims. Police are using pictures discovered in Alcada’s possession to clear cold cases of several missing persons they believe he murdered. Sexual predators will dangle whatever bait is at their disposal to reel a victim in.

Tip #5 - Don’t find yourself off-guard. Sexual offenders often drug their victims without their knowledge to gain compliance and reduce resistance. But some victims become easier prey by accepting the alcoholic beverages or drugs provided by offenders. Among Garrido’s early victims was a teen enticed by barbiturates. And besides indulging in LSD and cocaine himself, he is believed to have drugged others. On other occasions victims become targets of opportunity when sexual predators witness them getting high off alcohol or drugs. Avoid having your senses dulled in public by alcohol or drugs to the extent that your judgment is off or it hinders your ability to fight off an attacker.

In conclusion, don’t expect a sexual predator to be holding a pitch fork or have horns protruding out of his head. But don’t ignore red flags like someone is a registered sex offender either. Perhaps he did get a raw deal, but that’s not your problem unless you make it your problem. Few are licensed psychologists that can diagnose whether someone is cured or what kind of sexual deviant they are for that matter. If a person is capable of rape, he may also be capable of murder. I was once briefed by FBI profilers who had studied sexual offenders. The agents revealed that it is not surprising that sexual sadists are serial killers because they derive their sexual pleasure by inflicting pain that can lead to the death of their victims.

The only time you should gamble is if you can afford to lose. In the case of tangling with a sexual predator, you cannot afford to lose. The odds of surviving an encounter with a serial sexual murderer are not good. And the stakes are way too high. No one wants to take a chance on their life. To the extent that you can, steer clear of these predators.