A serial killer is someone who has murdered three or more people over time, typically with a cooling-off period between murders, often for pleasure or psychological gratification. There is no definitive answer to how much a killer “gets.” Outcomes vary by crime severity, jurisdiction, and personal circumstances. Some receive death sentences or life without parole; others get fixed terms with parole potential; some are found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to mental institutions. Victims’ families may also pursue civil lawsuits for damages. Ultimately, the consequences for a killer depend on many complex factors.