Gilles de Rais, a prominent figure in 15th-century France, remains a controversial figure in history. Celebrated as a brave military leader and companion of Joan of Arc, he was later convicted and executed for the horrific crimes.

Following his military career, extravagant spending and poor financial decisions led to a rapid decline in his wealth. This period coincided with a shift in behavior, marked by cruelty and a growing obsession with the occult. While many accept his guilt, questions remain about the validity of the evidence and the motivations behind his conviction. Ultimately, the story of Gilles de Rais serves as a chilling reminder of the potential for darkness to reside even within those who seem to embody heroism and virtue.

Peter Manuel's crimes were motivated by more than just the need for money. While material gain played a role in many of his offenses, the sources highlight additional driving forces behind his actions

From his early attacks on women in Mount Vernon to the murder of Anne Kneilands, Manuel's crimes frequently had a sexual element. Manuel seemed to derive excitement from the danger and risk associated with his crimes. This is evident in his assault on Mary McLachlan, where he was aroused by the thrill of almost being caught. It's also apparent in his enjoyment of taunting the police and his decision to represent himself in court.

His actions were frequently impulsive and difficult to rationalize, stemming from a combination of his troubled upbringing, lack of remorse, and inflated ego. While financial gain was a factor, it was often overshadowed by Manuel's darker impulses, making him a particularly chilling figure in the annals of criminal history.

Randy Steven Kraft, a seemingly ordinary computer programmer, was a sadistic predator who terrorized Southern California for over a decade. Kraft targeted young men, many of whom were hitchhikers or frequenters of gay bars. His crimes, marked by torture, mutilation, and sexual assault, earned him the moniker "Scorecard Killer" due to a chilling list found in his car that investigators believe documented his victims.