When it comes to serial killers, scientists and psychologists have long debated the question of nature versus nature. Did life events make them prone to violence, or are some people just born to kill?

While most serial killers are middle-aged white males, there are certainly others who don’t fit the typical profile. Perhaps most disturbing of all are those who become serial killers even before they are out of their teens. It’s easy to vilify a murderous adult, but to hate someone who is practically a child? That brings up a whole new set of emotions for everyone involved.

Here are five teenage serial killers who tried to get away with murder. Each was arrested, but as a warning, some readers may find his stories distressing.

1. James Fairweather – 15 years old

Wikipedia

In 2016, James Fairweather was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison after brutally murdering two strangers. Fairweather says the murders were inspired by his obsession with serial killers, particularly his favorite Ted Bundy. His first victim was stabbed to death 102 times as he lay drunk in a park, while his second was stabbed to death with a bayonet.

After the trial, Fairweather’s mother said, “James Fairweather is a monster in our eyes, and we can never forgive him.”

Read more: Some of the creepiest quotes from the world’s most insane serial killers

2. Charles Starkweather

Wikipedia

Have you ever seen the movie Natural Born Killers? The plot was inspired by the real-life story of Charles Starkweather and his 14-year-old girlfriend, Caril Ann Fugate. After murdering Fugate’s mother, stepfather, and two-year-old sister, the pair embarked on a two-month killing spree. At the time of his arrest, 11 people were dead. Starkweather was sentenced to death in the electric chair, while Fugate served 17 years behind bars before being released.

3. Mary Bell – age 11

Wikipedia

Although not yet a teenager, Mary Bell was assisted in her crimes by her best friend of 13 years, Norma Bell, who was completely unrelated despite having the same last name. Together, the couple strangled two young children, ages three and four. When the police investigated Mary’s background, they discovered that her prostitute mother was abusive. She on more than one occasion tried to kill Mary and forced her to have sex with men.

While Norma was acquitted of the crimes due to her feeblemindedness, Mary served 12 years in a juvenile detention center. Today she is a grandmother and lives anonymously with a new name.

4. William Heirens – 18 years old

William Heirens began committing petty crimes at the age of 13, but five years later he turned to murder. After brutally stabbing his second female victim, he wrote a message on the wall in lipstick. He would say, “For God’s sake, catch me before I kill more. I can’t control myself.” Sadly, he would murder a six-year-old girl before the police finally caught up with him.

Heirens served 65 years in a Chicago prison before dying of natural causes.

5. Jesse Pomeroy – age 14

Wikipedia

The Jesse Pomeroy case is infamous due to his position as one of America’s first known teenage serial killers. In 1871, at the age of 12, Pomeroy began murdering young children in Massachusetts. After his family moved to South Boston, he continued his murder spree and was arrested by the police, but spent only two years in a juvenile detention center.

At the age of 14, Pomeroy was paroled and sent back to live with his mother. However, a short time later, he was found guilty of killing two more children. He was sentenced to life in prison and eventually transferred to Bridgewater Hospital for the Criminally Insane.

Do you think these teenage serial killers were born to kill, or were their actions negatively influenced? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to SHARE with your family and friends to find out what they think.