Uncovering the Minds of America’s Most Notorious Killers: The Story of Ann Burgess

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a serial killer? Ann Burgess, a renowned expert in the field of criminology, has spent her career studying some of America’s most notorious killers in an effort to understand and ultimately stop them. From Ted Bundy to the Menendez brothers, Burgess has delved deep into the motivations and behaviors of these criminals, leaving a lasting impact on the world of forensic psychology. Now, a new Hulu documentary titled ‘Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer’ explores Burgess’s groundbreaking work with the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the 1980s. This three-part series, set to premiere on July 11, takes viewers on a journey through Burgess’s life and career, shedding light on her pioneering contributions to the field. Born in Newton, a suburb of Boston, Burgess initially pursued a nursing career before transitioning to criminology. Her early experiences working in a psychiatric unit sparked her fascination with human behavior, leading her to co-author an important study in the American Journal of Nursing in 1973. As part of Boston University’s nursing program, Burgess and her colleagues often found themselves on the front lines of treating crime victims, giving her unique insight into the minds of both perpetrators and victims. Today, Burgess’s work continues to inspire a new generation of investigators, as she remains dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of criminal behavior. Learn more about Ann Burgess’s groundbreaking research and the impact it has had on modern criminology in ‘Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer.’