Andrei Chikatilo's career as the cannibalistic "Shelter Belt Killer" spanned 12 years and won him notoriety as the 20th century's most savage serial killer. Growing up in a small Ukranian village, Chikatilo often heard his mother describe how an older brother had been abducted and eaten during the 1930s famine. Other strong memories included nearly dying of hunger and seeing the bodies of children dismembered by the Nazis. Near-sighted and afflicted by a brain-based sexual dysfunction, Chikatilo came to believe he had been blinded and castrated at birth. However, he and his wife Feodosia had two children, whom he supported by becoming a teacher after completing his military service.

A harmless-looking family man, Chikatilo did not kill until he was 42. After attempting to rape nine-year-old Lena Zakotnova, Chikatilo stabbed the girl three times and threw her into a river. Police suspected convicted rapist Alexander Kravchenko, who confessed under pressure...