7 Most Common Myths About True Crime—Debunked

Introduction

True crime has experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade. From bestselling podcasts and Netflix documentaries to Reddit rabbit holes and YouTube breakdowns, millions of people are captivated by real-life crime stories. But with popularity comes misinformation. The genre is filled with assumptions, dramatizations, and myths that often stray far from reality.

Some of these myths originate from pop culture, while others stem from outdated beliefs, and many distort our understanding of victims, perpetrators, and the justice system itself. In this article, we’re breaking down seven of the most common myths about true crime—and what the facts say.

1. “Serial killers are everywhere.”

Thanks to movies, series, and podcasts, it might feel like serial killers are hiding behind every corner. In reality, they’re extremely rare. The FBI estimates that less than 1% of murders in the U.S. are committed by serial killers.

Most homicides are one-off crimes committed by someone known to the victim, often during moments of anger, domestic disputes, or other personal conflicts. While serial killers do exist (and make for compelling stories), they’re not nearly as common as true crime media may suggest.

2. “Killers always look creepy or act weird.”

It’s comforting to think we’d spot a murderer by their behavior or appearance, but it’s not that simple. Many high-profile killers were considered charming, well-liked, or completely ordinary before their crimes were discovered.

Ted Bundy was charismatic. John Wayne Gacy was a community volunteer. BTK was a father and a church leader. The reality is that killers often blend in, and stereotypes about their “look” or demeanor can lead to missed warning signs or wrongful suspicion of others.

3. “Most crimes are solved using high-tech forensics.”

We’ve all seen the dramatic crime lab scenes—DNA results in hours, computer hacks, magical fingerprint matches. However, in real-life investigations, forensic results can take time, and not all cases are solved with them.

Many crimes are solved through basic detective work, including interviews, witness accounts, timelines, surveillance footage, and confessions. Forensic science plays a critical role, especially in cold cases—but it’s not the sole or even primary method in most investigations.

4. “If there’s no body, there’s no case.”

This myth has been around for decades, but it’s completely false. Prosecutors can and do convict suspects even when a victim’s body has never been found.

Such cases often rely on circumstantial evidence, confessions, digital records, or witness testimony. Though more difficult to prosecute, “no-body” murder cases have resulted in successful convictions, especially when other evidence points to foul play.