The Ties Between Crime and Malignant Narcissism

What do Ted Bundy, OJ Simpson, and Jim Jones all have in common? 

They were charismatic and charming, and each one could influence almost anyone. But unfortunately, they all demonstrated specific characteristics associated with malignant narcissism.

Malignant narcissism is known as a mixture of antisocial personality disorder and narcissism. They often live in grandiose fantasies that compete with reality, and they lack empathy. If the fantasies are exposed, they may become hostile with high levels of rage.

Malignant narcissism is not an individual diagnosis in the DSM but is a subset of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Although they present with symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, a person with malignant narcissism also displays paranoia.

Jim Jones suffered from paranoid delusions, particularly during the last days of his cult. When he first became obsessed with the CIA, Jim Jones began his search for “The Promised Land.” By instilling fear into his followers’ minds, he could control large groups of people, ultimately leading to their death. 

Using ” fear” to control people has been seen recently with the COVID narrative.

For example, people were convinced to stay away from each other in lockdowns, wear surgical masks, distance specifically 6 meters from each other, and inject themselves with mostly untested injections they call ” vaccines.” Our governments and public health care agencies have done this under the lie of keeping everyone safe. 

These governments are infiltrated by narcissists, specifically malignant narcissists who know precisely what they are doing and how to control people with fear, gaslighting, and other nasty qualities. 

Since a malignant narcissist’s personality cannot tolerate criticism, paranoia usually stems from being mocked. Often they will inflict paranoia on others by preaching highly controlled ideologies. 

Usually, these ideologies are at least somewhat fabricated to tailor to the narcissist’s needs. For example, religion and philosophy are two categories they often gravitate toward. 

Pathological lying is another prominent trait of malignant narcissism. Ted Bundy lied about his killings to various professionals but was not considered innocent. For instance, he told one psychologist that he started killing women in 1974, but later, he said the killing began in 1969. 

At one point, Bundy said there were 35 victims in all, but another time he claimed over 100. The criminal investigation reports that Ted Bundy seemed to be lying to impress people rather than avoid jail. He often said the deaths of the women he killed were higher than the victims reported. Pathological lying can be much more subtle than in Ted Bundy’s case. 

The term “gaslighting” is often used when someone denies another person’s reality to manipulate them into feeling insane purposely. This is another tactic frequently used in both malignant narcissists and general narcissists with NPD. 

Perhaps the most terrifying symptom of malignant narcissism is the lack of empathy required to carry out the behavior. For example, OJ Simpson frequently called his wife fat while she was pregnant. This kind of behavior was explained by them saying they were “joking around.” Looking closer, this was not an isolated incident. He beat his wife and publicly humiliated her by having affairs. 

When his wife was murdered, he seemed uninterested in his children, focusing more on himself. 

It is hard to prove that someone does not have empathy, especially if they are highly charismatic.

Someone lacking empathy may demonstrate kind facial or body language while simultaneously hurting another person. Because of the contrast between what is being said and what is being done, many people feel they are losing their minds. 

The warning signs of involvement with someone who may be a malignant narcissist are as follows:

1. Success At Any Cost. A close inspection of past relationships may show a failure to treat people kindly for the promise of a grandiose yet superficial success. Watch out for flaunted accomplishments, especially if there is a lack of people to share in the enjoyment.
2. Violence. Their ego is so fragile that any criticism received feels like an attack on them. They fight back much harder than what is given to them. Someone who uses violence demonstrates a lack of impulse control and may also have multiple addictions.
3. Manipulation. Pitting people against one another for the ultimate goal of loyalty is often used by narcissists. In this case, loyalty usually means isolation.
4. Narcissists may be hypersexual, often concerning power and control. Incest and a lack of regard for partners and boundaries are frequently reported.
5. Incessant Blaming. Lack of personal responsibility is a vital sign. Often a narcissist will play ‘the victim’ even when they have hurt someone else.

Most professionals advise leaving if you are involved with someone with malignant traits.

There is no treatment for narcissism; statistically, the change outcome is low. The longer someone stays in a relationship with a narcissist, specifically a malignant narcissist, the worse they feel. And also, they are often in danger. The internal rage they feel can explode at any time, and you are most likely the target.

I lived with a malignant narcissist for years, and when I finally left, he turned his rage on a much more vulnerable victim – his child. 

Thankfully my child is safe and healing from his abuse. However, staying around these evil monsters for the sake of the children, or because you have a business together or are reliant on their income, will never work as they can never change or heal.

It is up to us to heal; the first step is leaving them and having NO CONTACT with them.

As I mentioned earlier, malignant narcissists have been causing many of the world’s problems, and we must stop them. Ignoring them, allowing them to control us and our freedoms without question, has caused problems for us in the first place. Saying no to those, not on our side is essential for the necessary change for our human race. It is time to stop blindly taking their word as they have been lying to us for a very long time. 

These are the same behaviors we find in our relationships, and now is the time to step into the light of grace and say goodbye to where we have been. 

I have healed from the abuse I suffered in my abusive relationship, and my child is healing.

Let me know if I can help you as I discovered that leaving is very important, but the more profound healing happens when you work on yourself. I can be your guide. Book a session with me, and let me help you heal your trauma from the narcissistic abuse you suffered.

Much Love

Debbi