Spree killers are a special kind of murderers who are completely different from serial killers. They commit two or more murders in a short period of time. This means that they do not experience the cooling-off period which is typical for a serial killer. As a matter of fact, their killing spree is often quick and pretty violent.
Driven by an uncontrollable rage, spree killers would often turn on their families, co-workers, or any group of people that wrong them in any way. What triggers these crimes? The debate is still ongoing but it is usually connected with a major event in a killer's life such as a breakup or an argument with someone who is more superior to them.
So when George Banks, a former prison guard, began his rampage in Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania, the entire police force went out to hunt him and try to prevent his further unraveling. Unsure what started his killing spree, they weren't ready for the crime scenes he left behind. They knew he had military training since he worked at a prison and that catching him would be a problem. The law enforcement also realized that they are dealing with a highly psychotic individual that simply had nothing to lose.
So what exactly happened on that autumn day in 1982 and why did George Banks turn on those who were closest to him?