He is an evil killer

A sociopathic killer who knew exactly what he was doing has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his own grandparents with an ax and then burning their bodies in the backyard of their home. Anyone who reads the details of this case can’t help but wonder, how could anyone be so cruel and calculating? And how can we protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to someone like this? The answer lies not only in understanding what makes people like this tick, but also knowing the ways they present themselves to others so that you can spot them before it’s too late.

They're charming

Sociopaths are masters of manipulation and can be very charming. But if you can't get them to open up about themselves, that may be a sign they're not being honest with you.

They're egocentric

Sociopaths are egocentric, meaning they put themselves first in every situation. They feel entitled, and often exploit other people for their own benefit. They're incapable of genuine empathy and don't see the effects of their actions on others. Instead, they see other people as either being there for them or not there at all.

They have a sense of entitlement

Sociopaths and psychopaths have a sense of entitlement that separates them from the rest of society. They often feel like they are more important than others, which gives them the ability to do what they want without consequences.

They're manipulative

The most important thing you need to understand about them is that they are masters at manipulation. They will tell you anything, do anything, and use anything in order to get what they want from you. Don't believe me? Just ask any of their past victims. They're good at making their victims believe everything they say. They're very convincing and know just how to get what they want from people by offering the right words or gestures at the right time, but it's all just an act.

They're often good at lying

Sociopaths are often good at lying. They can trick you into thinking that they love you, that they care about you, or that they're your friend. In reality, they want to use you as a pawn in their sick and twisted game. If something feels off, listen to your gut instincts and get away from the sociopath right away.

They lack empathy

According to the Mayo Clinic, Sociopaths can come across as confident and charming, but they typically have deep character flaws. They're self-centered, dishonest and manipulative, and often sexually promiscuous. A person might be a sociopath if he or she lacks empathy, has an inflated sense of self-worth and blames others for his or her mistakes. It's also important to note that the person may not always show these traits; some are more skilled at hiding them than others.

They're often aggressive

A person who is aggressive may also be a sociopath. Sociopaths can be quite charming and friendly in the beginning of a relationship, but this behavior will wear off as the relationship goes on. Aggressive people are often rude, speak with authority and are condescending to others. They're often impatient and don't have much empathy for others' feelings or needs; they'll use anything they can against you in an argument.

They have a history of criminal behavior

If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who has a history of criminal behavior, you may be dealing with more than just your significant other. A sociopath can pose as charming, intelligent and caring when they want something from you. They often become violent when they feel threatened or if they don't get what they want. If this person has always been manipulative or aggressive, there is likely no need for alarm bells.

They're impulsive

Sociaths lack the ability to control their impulses, which means they may act on their desires without thinking about the consequences. This impulsiveness can lead them into trouble when they end up in a situation where they're unable to escape. They can also be irresponsible with money and not care if they hurt others' feelings.

They're often unable to maintain long-term relationships

A sociopath will often seem charming and personable when they're trying to get what they want, but their inability to maintain long-term relationships should be a red flag. They'll often blame their partners for problems in the relationship and refuse to take responsibility. A good way of spotting a sociopath is that they're often unable to understand other people's feelings and will have high self-esteem.