Guest Post and Giveaway from Kerrie Droban
Today's guest post is from author and podcaster Kerrie Droban. Her specialty is true crime. Her guest post delves into some of the myths that have emerged from the genre, versus the horrors of the worst offenders.
Be sure to check out her giveaway after reading her post.
Natural Born Killers: The Myth and the Reality
By: Kerrie Droban
True crime isn’t just about telling stories; it’s about uncovering uncomfortable truths and asking haunting questions: Are killers born or made?
Why are we (particularly women) so obsessed with true crime? It’s not just about the grisly details—it’s about the psychology, the patterns, the unmasking of predators hiding in plain sight. And it’s about taking control of the narrative, rejecting the tired excuses that too often shield destructive behavior from accountability.
The idea of “natural-born killers” has fascinated us for generations. We want to believe that evil has a face, a genetic marker, a scarlet thread that makes it easy to identify. But the truth is more nuanced—and far more chilling.
Science tells us that psychopathy, one of the most dangerous personality disorders, is not a mental illness but a condition marked by a lack of empathy, an inability to connect emotionally, and a cold, calculated manipulation of others. These individuals often rise to positions of power, not through brute force but through charm, intelligence, and an uncanny ability to read and exploit others.
It’s this type of hidden predator that true crime often brings to light: the charismatic serial killer, the manipulative con artist, the emotionally abusive partner. These aren’t outliers—they’re a reminder that evil isn’t always obvious. And it isn’t a “disease” to be cured.
Evil Is Not a Mental Illness
One of the most damaging misconceptions in true crime—and society at large—is the tendency to conflate evil with mental illness. It’s a convenient excuse, a way to explain away horrifying behavior without confronting its true nature. But the reality is this: mental illness is not a synonym for violence, and most people with mental health issues are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators.
Evil, on the other hand, is a choice. It’s an absence of empathy, a refusal to see others as human, and an unrelenting pursuit of self-interest at any cost. Psychopathy, sociopathy, and narcissistic personality disorder aren’t mental illnesses—they’re personality traits that exist on a spectrum. And while not everyone with these traits becomes a killer, those who do are fully aware of their actions.
No more excuses. No more soft-pedaling bad behavior as a “product of trauma” or “a cry for help.” True crime forces us to confront the reality that some people simply choose to harm others—and that choice makes them dangerous.
Education and Prevention, Not Rehabilitation
If we accept that some individuals are beyond redemption, the focus must shift from rehabilitation to education and prevention. The justice system is often reactive, stepping in only after a crime has been committed. But true crime offers a roadmap for identifying red flags before the damage is done.
Through my work as a criminal defense attorney and true crime author, I’ve seen time and again how predators exploit ignorance. They rely on the fact that most people don’t understand the signs of manipulation, gaslighting, or psychological abuse. My goal with shows like Crime Bites and Crime Stands Still is to change that—to arm listeners with the knowledge to spot these behaviors early and protect themselves and their loved ones.
Prevention isn’t just about spotting the next Ted Bundy. It’s about recognizing the warning signs in everyday relationships, workplaces, and communities. It’s about teaching people, especially women, to trust their instincts, set boundaries, and say no to toxic behavior before it escalates.
No More Romanticizing Redemption
One of the persistent themes in true crime is the idea of redemption—the notion that even the most hardened criminals can change. But in my experience, this is often a dangerous illusion. Rehabilitation works for some, but for those with deeply ingrained personality disorders like psychopathy, it’s little more than a game.
True crime compels us to confront the uncomfortable truth: not everyone can be saved. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t to fix the unfixable—it’s to protect the vulnerable, educate the unaware, and create a society that values prevention over second chances for the unrepentant.
True Crime as a Call to Action
True crime doesn’t just feed our curiosity—it challenges us to do better. It forces us to look beyond the headlines and ask why these crimes happen in the first place. It’s not just about the killers, but about the systems that allow them to thrive, the victims who go unheard, and the red flags we too often ignore.
True crime is about connection—about understanding what draws us to the darkness and how we can use that understanding to shed light. For me, writing true crime and producing my own shows was about filling the gaps I saw in litigation. It was about exposing the hidden crimes that devastate lives but rarely make it to courtrooms or headlines.
Because in the end, true crime isn’t just about the stories we tell—it’s about what we do with them. It’s about arming ourselves with knowledge, rejecting excuses, and holding both individuals and systems accountable.
So, let’s keep asking the hard questions. Let’s keep confronting the uncomfortable truths. And let’s use our savage passions not just to consume stories—but to change the narrative.
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A Giveaway Worth Dying For
To thank my loyal readers and listeners, I’m offering a creative and unique giveaway inspired by my love for true crime, storytelling, and production.
One lucky winner will receive:
A personalized Crime Bites podcast experience: I’ll create a custom 15-minute episode featuring an interview with you and a true crime case that keeps you up at night.
A signed copy of my next release: The Devil’s Playground: A Guide to the Psychopaths Among Us, and How to Spot and Leave Them
How to Enter
Entering is simple:
Subscribe to Crime Bites and Crime Stands Still on your favorite podcast platforms.
Follow me on social media @Kerrie_Droban, facebook.com/KerrieDroban, linkedin.com/in/kerrie-droban
Comment on this post with the phrase: “I crave the dark truths.”
The winner will be announced during a special Crime Bites episode airing December 30, 2024.
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Kerrie Droban is an award-winning true crime author/podcaster, attorney, and television journalist. She writes about violent subcultures, undercover lives, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and criminal pathology. She has appeared on numerous television documentaries and shows including American Greed, the History Channel, Netflix, A&E, Investigation ID, People Magazine, and CNN. Her books have been made into a popular television series, Gangland Undercover, and optioned for film.