Serial killers are rare amongst the criminal population; therefore, few studies have been conducted regarding their behavioral traits as children. Previous theoretical research on serial killers identifies concentrated typologies of power and control, mission-oriented, visionary, and hedonistic. It is hypothesized that serial killers display certain psychological and behavioral traits in childhood due to extended exposure in trauma-prone environments, but differ between typologies based on situational circumstances of each murder. From an investigative psychological perspective, the lives of Ted Bundy, Ted Kaczynski, David Berkowitz and Jeffrey Dahmer are examined through psychodynamic and human development theories to identify potential traits specific to their lives prior to murder. A historical analysis is used to thoroughly review, interpret and draw pointed conclusions regarding shared behavioral, psychological and environmental traits present during childhood. Based on identified common traits, the four serial killers will be placed into appropriate typologies and examined from a theoretical standpoint. Results indicate a significant overlap in behavioral, psychological and environmental traits after examining each participant's youth, but these traits are only considered contributing factors in predicting their future violent offenses. Additionally, these did not suggest the type of serial killer each participant became. While serial killers are rare in appearance, their behaviors are not foreign and their crimes are not unsolvable with assistance from historical cases and applied research.