It’s not uncommon for serial killers to have trauma and mental health issues, and Chase certainly did not have an easy life. Per Murderpedia, he was abused by his father at a young age. Over the years, many troubling habits, such as the torture of animals and drug use, surfaced. Chase was also institutionalized on multiple occasions, where doctors prescribed him medication intended to curb his disturbing behavior.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Chase’s mental state continued on a downward spiral. He lost his desire to care for his personal hygiene and instead focused his energy on unhealthy fixations on firearms and the Hillside Strangler (later revealed to be cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono Jr. acting together). Chase’s delusions also appeared to have a firm grip on his psyche, as he believed that Bianchi and Buono Jr. were the target of the same Nazi conspiracy he was convinced was wreaking havoc on his life.

Richard Chase might not have been rehabilitated before he lost connection with reality, but the study of today’s killers shows promise for achieving this goal. Although Scientific American noted that not all serial killers experience mental illness, for cases like Chase, understanding their minds will undoubtedly help prevent people like him from taking more lives.