The answer is highly controversial. Many sociologists and psychologists believe that observing a killer's childhood can explain his behavior. Childhood abuse, while not the only explanation for serial killers, is a frequent problem in many of their contexts (Serial Killers: Nature vs. Nurture). Albert DeSalvo, the Boston Strangler, was sold into slavery by his alcoholic father. Henry Lee Lucas' prostitute mothers made him go to school dressed as a little girl. He later confessed to killing hundreds of women, but was only held responsible for three, one of whom was his mother