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this *is* a serial killer, pretty much by definition

Actually, the FBI classification for this sort of murderer is, I believe, "spree killer" (someone who commits multiple murders in a short time frame, as opposed to a serial killer, who kills over the course of months and years). Of course, he could be both a spree killer and a serial killer, if he has killed before.

Wow, everyone's an expert.

OK, you all talk about the language from this or that book or website or TV.

Everyone in the room who has actually prosecuted a homicide in this jurisdiction raise your hands:

Hmmm, that would be me.

Let's see what in the REAL WORLD the actual prosecutor would call someone who kills 5 people in one day. What words would be used with the press, with the jury, all about and around?

Multi-tasking homicidal maniac?
BUZZER nope
FBI Classificatoion #6
BUZZER nope
Serial Murderer
bing!!

In fact, just for y'alls edification, when a guy rapes several different women, we all call them a serial rapist even if there aren't many similarities in the crime (which there usually are).

OK, all sarcasm (mostly directed at silly posts, Rogue, not your kinda interesting one) aside, I don't think we know yet whether this is a spree that has ended. I think we're still in the middle of something.

P.S. Sorry my post to you was so heavy, man! I kinda liked your point. Please note I was mostly talking to a lot of sillier posts before. I'll listen to a point about FBI classification anytime. (As opposed to court TV pop psychology points: are those announcers PAID to lie about the criminal justice system?)