MEXICO: Eerie exhibit portrays the world's most famous serial killers

Record ID: 286073

  • Title: MEXICO: Eerie exhibit portrays the world's most famous serial killers
  • Date: 28th December 2006
  • Summary: FORENSIC EXPERT TALKING TO EXHIBIT VISITOR SOUNDBITE (Spanish) FORENSIC EXPERT PEDRO ESTRADA SAYING: "The goal of the exhibit is to make people think about the dark side of humankind, which can only be fought by peace and harmony by people the world over."
  • Embargoed: 12th January 2007 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA6A17HR0W7S3A46M6HKGJEBWF3
  • Story Text: It's an eerie scene in the Mexico City Police Cultural Centre, where an exhibition of some of the world's most famous serial killers has been on display for the past month.
    The exhibition came from Italy in early December and features wax representations of some of history's most infamous villains, including Jack the Ripper and Charles Manson.
    "The goal of the exhibit is to make people think about the dark side of humankind, which can only be fought by peace and harmony by people the world over," said Mexican forensic expert Pedro Estrada.
    A special room is dedicated to Mexican serial killers, focusing largely on the most notorious - Juana Barraza, who was arrested in 2005 for murdering 10 elderly women.
    Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour through the displays, where a narrator expounds on their characteristics and methods of killing.
    "It helps us get to know the subject matter better because here in Mexico you could say that serial killers are taboo. You know there is always someone wanting to imitate them," said exhibit visitor Alberto Gonzalez.
    Another part of the exhibition focuses on capital punishment, featuring a replica of an electric chair, a gas chamber and a lethal injection table.
    The serial killer exhibition marks the reopening of Mexico City's Police museum. For many years, visitors just trickled into the museum, but authorities recently began a renovation programme that kicks off with the serial killer exhibit. So far, cultural centre authorities say that more than 3,500 people have visited the exhibit.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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