The “Miniature Killer” in CSI, a series that has featured many serial killers, is particularly terrifying because she defied the usual profile of a female serial killer. The “Miniature Killer” displayed varying methods of murder, leaving behind detailed models of crime scenes. The identity of the “Miniature Killer” remained unknown until Season 7, Episode 24, shocking viewers and adding a suspenseful subplot to the series. The abduction of Sara Sidle by the “Miniature Killer” showcased how ordinary and unassuming the killer appeared, emphasizing the unsettling idea that anyone could be hiding a murderous intent.
Natale Davis, the “Miniature Killer,” is a young woman, which is rare in a serial killer. While there have been female serial killers throughout history, they account for between 5-7% of serial killers. Most female serial killers tend to be motivated by financial gains and tend towards less violent means of murder, like poisoning. Natalie defied the generalities, changing her method of murder in each scenario and not shying away from violent acts. She also left a calling card at each murder, a perfect model of the crime scene, which is a chilling concept.
What makes Natale’s case so terrifying is multi-faceted. For one, she defied the usual profile of a female serial killer and displayed varying methods of murder. She also left behind detailed models of crime scenes, which is a unique and unsettling way to commit a crime. Additionally, her tragic backstory, which included the loss of her mother at a young age and the accidental death of her younger sister, contributed to her poor mental health and eventual descent into murderous behavior.
Catherine Willows and Gil Grissom (Via IMDB)
In season 7, episode 24, Natale’s adoptive father, Ernie Dell, commits suicide, and she begins to unravel. When Grissom attempts to find out what happened to Sara Sidle, who was abducted by Natalie, she reveals that she didn’t murder Sara. Instead, she dumped Sara in the desert, intending for her to drown under a vehicle during a torrential rainstorm. The tension builds as Grissom frantically searches for Sara, and eventually, she is found badly injured by the CSI team and airlifted to the hospital.
In the end, Natalie’s character is a tragic figure, a product of her sad past and lack of nurturing. While most people with similar diagnoses do not turn to murder, Natalie’s violent tendencies were a result of her upbringing and experiences. Her character is unsettling because she seems like any other young woman, and that is what makes her so chilling – she is a reminder that you never know who may be hiding a murderous intent.
