Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Homicide”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Epidemiology of homicides in Cali, Colombia, 1993-1998: six years of a population-based model].

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the usefulness of an effective and timely information model, underscore the seriousness of the problem of homicides, and point out the need to apply this type of model as well as comprehensive prevention projects, such as Desarrollo, Seguridad y Paz (DESESPAZ). From 1993 to 1998, 11 457 homicides were registered in Cali, Colombia, through an epidemiological surveillance model established under DESESPAZ by the mayor's office in Cali. METHODS: Beginning in January 1993, a work group organized by DESESPAZ reviewed and standardized the variables that different institutions gathered about the victims, their assailants, and the facts surrounding each case, and issued a weekly summary bulletin for the mayor and other local authorities. RESULTS: Between 1983 and 1994, the homicide rate increased from 23 to 124 per 100 000 inhabitants. Subsequently, rates went down in 1995, 1996, and 1997 to 112, 102, and 86,1 per 100 000, respectively, and again rose slightly in 1998 to 88 per 100 000. Even though people of all ages, including children under 5, have been victims of violence, the most affected group is that of men between the ages of 20 and 34. The ratio of men to women has varied from 14.3:1 to 9.2:1. In terms of numbers, percentages, and rates, low-income groups are the most seriously affected, although the highest-income groups have had rates as high as 160 per 100 000. A firearm was used in over 80% of homicides, and the crime was most often committed at night and on a weekend. A suspect was identified in only a few cases (8% to 21%). The bivariate analysis revealed a positive association with alcohol consumption by the victim, as well as with the use of firearms by the assailant (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 2.6 to 3.6). Cases that occurred during a fight between individuals or during group fighting showed an association with the use of a sharp weapon and with alcohol consumption by the victim (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.6). CONCLUSIONS: A map shows the homicide distribution by neighborhood, and the benefits of a population-based surveillance model are discussed, particularly their usefulness for identifying risk factors and the measures that can be applied to prevent and control this form of violence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The case of Jeffrey Dahmer: sexual serial homicide from a neuropsychiatric developmental perspective.

Sexual serial homicidal behavior has received considerable attention during the last three decades. Substantial progress has been made in the development of methods aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals who exhibit these behaviors. In spite of these advances, the origins of sexual serial killing behavior remain for the most part unknown. In this article we propose a biopsychosocial psychiatric model for understanding the origins of sexual serial homicidal behavior from both neuropsychiatric and developmental perspectives, using the case of convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer as the focal point. We propose that his homicidal behavior was intrinsically associated with autistic spectrum psychopathology, specifically Asperger's disorder. The relationship of Asperger's disorder to other psychopathology and to his homicidal behavior is explored. We discuss potential implications of the proposed model for the future study of the causes of sexual serial homicidal crime.

Aggression↗
PubMed2003

Female intimate partner homicide: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the patterns of female intimate partner homicide, to describe the nature of the partner relationships between victims and perpetrators, and to determine the extent of intimate partner violence (IPV) preceding the homicide. METHODS: We reviewed North Carolina medical examiner records and conducted telephone interviews with law enforcement officers about partner homicides of women age 15 and older occurring in North Carolina from 1991 to 1993. RESULTS: Most women were killed in homes (80%) and with guns (66%). One hundred thirty-five women (of 293 cases) were killed by marital partners, 47 of them former partners. Nonmarital partners killed 158 women, 46 of them former partners. Intimate partner violence was noted in two-thirds of the cases, 70% of those involving marital partners and 64% involving nonmarital partners. Homicides by former nonmarital partners were the most likely to have been preceded by IPV (78%). One hundred six victims with histories of IPV had had contact with law enforcement or judicial systems in the year before death. CONCLUSIONS: Legal and health care professionals should be aware that women are vulnerable to both IPV and homicide from both nonmarital and former partners as well as from current husbands.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Puncture of central veins in homicide cases].

Puncture of a major cervical veins for insertion of a central venous catheter is a standard-method in resuscitation performed in emergency conditions. Even extensive lesion-marks due to punction are customarily seen by medico-legal practitioners, but in detail they may cause difficulties in differential diagnosis, when lesion marks caused by acts of violence directed straight against the neck are to be differentiated. Especially in the primary phase of inquiry about crimes of homicide these injuries due to punction are forensically important. Therefore frequency and methods of resuscitation efforts were evaluated in 453 crimes of homicide, committed in Göttingen and Berlin (subjects given by the Free University). Findings of the present study were that resuscitation measures were taken merely to a rate of 25%, and in proceeding a central venous catheter was not obligatorily inserted, moreover proceeding being regionally different. In Berlin a central venous catheter was inserted in 17 cases out of 77 resuscitated homicidal injuries, the rate being 24 cases out of 36 cases in Göttingen. In altogether 8 crimes of homicide committed by immediate attacks against the neck, a cervical vena was punctured, findings later being extensive effusions of blood marked around the tapped spot. The different ways to perform resuscitation may justify to point also at the forensic interest to discover the facts together with complete diagnosis in cases of crimes of homicide. That is why it may be vindicated to try to find out a proceeding, which does not lessen the effectiveness of resuscitative manoeuvres, yet by means of which forensical concerns are taken into consideration, too.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autopsy↗
PubMed2004

Homicidal violence during foreign military missions--prevention and legal issues.

OBJECTIVES: The study involved Nigerian soldiers engaged in peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Yugoslavia. Using case illustrations, the study sought to describe patterns of homicidal violence among soldiers from the same country or soldiers from allied forces, and to suggest possible reasons for the attacks. DESIGN AND SETTING: Nigeria was actively involved in peacekeeping missions in Liberia between 1990 and 1996. During this period, intentional homicidal attacks occurred among the Nigerian military personnel. Post-homicidal interviews conducted among the perpetrators were combined with evidence obtained at military courts to produce the case studies. SUBJECTS: Six Nigerian military personnel who attacked other Nigerians or soldiers from allied forces, with homicidal intent. RESULTS: Possible predisposing and precipitating factors for these attacks were highlighted. The possibility of recognising these factors before embarking on overseas missions was discussed, so that preventive measures could be instituted as far as possible. Finally, medico-legal implications of homicide in the military were discussed. CONCLUSIONS: A certain degree of pre-combat selection is essential to exclude soldiers with definite severe psychopathology. A clearly defined length of duty in the mission areas and adequate communication with home could reduce maladjustment. Health personnel deployed to mission areas should be very conversant with mental health issues so that early recognition of psychological maladjustment is possible.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The burden of suicide and homicide of Wisconsin's children and youth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of violent deaths (suicides and homicides) of children and youth in Wisconsin. METHODS: Linked data from death certificates, coroners or medical examiners, Uniform Crime Reports, police case reports and crime laboratories were analyzed using SPSS 11.5. Analyses from 2000 to 2002 describe suicides and homicides of children and youth under age 25. Rates are per 100,000 population per year. RESULTS: A total of 585 persons under age 25 in Wisconsin died from suicide or homicide during 2000--2002. Suicides outnumbered homicides 323 (55%) to 262 (45%). Firearms were involved in 59% (n=344) of cases. Fatality rates increased with advancing age, ranging from 2.0 in 0-13 year olds to 26.9 in youth age 21-24. There were over twice as many violent deaths compared to cancer and infectious disease deaths combined (n=253). CONCLUSION: Suicides and homicides are a significant burden on the children and youth of Wisconsin. An investment in reducing this burden requires comprehensive data and informed programs and policies. We recommend that physicians and public health community leaders collaborate with the criminal justice community and policy makers to develop, implement, and evaluate prevention programs and policies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Blue Thursday? Homicide and suicide among urban 15-24-year-old black male Americans.

A comparative analysis was made of day of the week variations in homicide and suicide deaths among 15-24-year-old white males, black males, white females, and black females in the 22 counties with the most black persons in the United States. Thirty-seven percent of black Americans and 14 percent of white Americans lived in these densely populated counties. The authors expected a weekend excess of homicide and a Monday excess of suicide. They found a pronounced excess of homicides on weekends, especially among white males. A slight excess of suicide was observed on Monday, but other slight excesses of suicide were also found. Young black males exhibited an unexpected excess of homicides and suicides on Thursday. On Thursdays the black male-white male ratio for homicide was 1.43 and for suicide, 1.26. Possible explanations for the young black males' blue Thursday phenomenon are offered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Violent death in the West: suicide and homicide in New Mexico, 1958-1987.

We examined New Mexico vital statistics data for suicides and homicides among the state's Hispanics, Native Americans, and non-Hispanic whites collected from 1958 to 1987. We found high age-adjusted rates for both suicides and homicides among Hispanic and Native American males, in comparison with rates for non-Hispanic white males. Suicide rates among Native American women were comparatively low, contrasting with their high homicide rates. Homicide rates for males in all three ethnic groups increased substantially over the 30-year study period. We conclude that death from violent causes, both suicide and homicide, is a major public health problem in New Mexico, and disproportionately affects minority males.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparing death certificate data with FBI crime reporting statistics on U.S. homicides.

Both the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality System and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting System measure the numbers and characteristics of homicide in the United States. There are important differences, however, in both the substance and the quality of the information that the two systems collect. The NCHS mortality system reported an average of 9 percent more homicides nationally than did the FBI crime reporting system during the 1976-82 period. Variations did occur in the average ratios of the frequencies of homicides reported by the two systems across age, race, and sex subgroups and geographic areas. The major source of the ascertainment difference between the NCHS and the FBI systems is thought to be incomplete voluntary reporting to the FBI by participating law enforcement agencies and lack of reporting by nonparticipating agencies. The proportions of homicides among corresponding demographic categories in the two systems is remarkably similar despite the difference in ascertainment. This congruence of the distributions of reported homicides supports the idea that inferences drawn from analysis of variables in one of these systems will be valid for the population reported on by the other system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Childhood homicide in Erie County, New York.

Childhood homicide during 1972 to 1984 constituted 7.6% of the total homicides in Erie County, NY, a relatively higher percentage than that for the United States as a whole. The age-specific rate for black children less than four years of age was 17.9 per 100,000, a rate higher than that for Northern Ireland. Areas in which childhood homicide occurred most frequently were characterized by poverty and unemployment. The most common cause of death was a blunt trauma. Most homicides occurred on a Saturday and during spring and fall. In most cases, the offender was the child's mother. Most homicides occurred in the bedroom.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Detection of cannabinoids in homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities.

A gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) procedure is described for the detection and measurement of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-hydroxy-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in blood, or 11-nor-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid in urine. About 50% of all homicide victims and motor vehicle drivers killed in Bexar County in 1985 were tested for the presence of cannabinoids. Of 130 homicides and 69 drivers tested, blood was analyzed primarily in all but 15 and 3 cases, respectively. In these latter cases, blood analyzed after urine was found to be positive. Of the homicide victims, 44 (34%), and of all drivers, 19 (28%), tested were positive for one or more of the cannabinoids. As a separate group, 16 motorcycle drivers tested had 38% positive as compared with 25% of the other vehicle drivers. Ethyl alcohol was present in 55% of the drivers, and in 63% of the homicide victims. Drugs other than alcohol or cannabinoids were found in 10% of the drivers, and in 12% of the homicide victims.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hanging: suicide or homicide?].

Death by Hanging: Suicide or Homicide. Six cases of homicidal hanging and murder presented as suicidal hanging are recorded. Suspension followed strangulation by ligature or throttling and head injuries in 4 cases. Distinction between homicide and suicide was easy in 5 cases: two of the perpetrators gave themselves up to the police, one committed suicide immediately after he had hanged his 15 year old daughter; in two cases tracks of blood, heavy injuries of the victims, and traces of robbery were obvious. Unless the victim is an infant or an adult person incapacitated by drink, disease, or drugs, or unless there are several assailants murder is difficult to accomplish. Distinction between murder and suicide may be impossible by an examination of the body alone. Detailed investigation of the scene, reconstruction of the position of the suspended body, examination of the rope, the knots, the direction of the fibres on the rope may serve to discover homicidal hanging. - Compared to suicidal hanging homicide has a frequency of about 1% in our autopsy material. However, we cannot estimate the number of obscure cases.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A profile of homicides on the streets and in the homes of New York City.

Although prior research has found that homes containing firearms and illicit drug and ethanol users are more likely to be the scene of a homicide than homes that do not contain these elements, the authors studied homicides on the streets as well as in homes so as to assess the role of firearms, cocaine, and ethanol in both settings. Using the files of the Chief Medical Examiner, the authors reviewed all 4,468 homicides occurring in New York City in 1990 and 1991. The most frequent places of occurrence were the streets and other outdoor places (49.6 percent) and the victims' homes (19.3 percent). Firearms were the cause of death for 49.6 percent of homicides in the home and 80.3 percent of those on the streets. Use of cocaine and ethanol was found more frequently among victims killed on the streets than those killed at home. In addition, victims killed on the streets were more likely to be male, ages 15-24 years, and African American. Further research in regard to prevention and intervention strategies is needed, keeping in mind the different patterns of homicide on the streets compared with those occurring in other settings.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mortality due to homicide in children. Mexico, 1979-1990].

A study of homicides in children under five years old was conducted in order to define the mortality panorama by this cause during 1979-1990 in Mexico. Trends of homicide mortality were analyzed, as well as the main causes by age and sex. Rate ratio (RR) by cause and sex were analyzed too. The variables were age, sex, year and external cause of intentional injuries which were analyzed according to the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision E960-E969. The total number of deaths due to homicide were 2,939. Each day one children under five years of age died in Mexico due to homicide. The trend of homicide is b = 0.126. Thirty per cent of deaths occurred in children under one year old. Boys were most affected than girls in the causes by age: strangulation < 1 year old RR 21, confidence interval (CI) 15-30; fire arm in two years old children RR 3.1 CI 2.0-5.7; drowning in three years old children RR 2.6 CI 1.7-4.8 and assault by other and unspecified means. Further research in the area and prevention should involve the use of a multidisciplinary approach in considering the multiple causes and solutions to this problem.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1994

Homicide-suicides between adult sexual intimates: an Australian study.

Little research that focuses upon homicide-suicides between adult sexual intimates has been conducted to date. Yet U.S., U.K., and Australian studies on homicide and homicide-suicide show that a disproportionate number of those that kill and subsequently take their own lives are the husbands or estranged sexual intimates of their victims. This paper provides some retrospective data on the historical, demographic, and situational traits of this type of homicide-suicide in Australia by looking at what, if anything, differentiates homicides between adult sexual intimates that include the suicide of the offender from those that do not. A lack of significant variation was apparent in histories of domestic violence, alcohol involvement, and unemployment between those who committed suicide and those who did not. However, if the offender was a male estranged from his partner, born outside of Australia, who used a gun as the weapon and killed more than one victim, or was older with an ailing wife, he was more apt to commit suicide. Using anecdotal case study material, causation or explanatory variables are also discussed. These appeared to cluster either around a theme of old age and ill-health or control and pathological-type of possessiveness. The author concludes that more research focusing on the differentiation between the two groups of offenders is necessary in order to better identify contributory variables and to develop risk elements and information for criminal justice practitioners and other service providers.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Homicide and mental disease].

The number of homicides committed by insane persons has increased from 1980 to 1989. Among those charged with homicide and attempted homicide who have been subjected to judicial psychiatric observation, 60% are schizophrenic and 17% have paranoid psychoses. Other psychotic conditions are relatively rare. The homicides took place most frequently within the household and in most cases were psychotically motivated. The cause of the increased frequency of homicides is discussed. The liberal treatment strategy employed at psychiatric institutions, and the short duration of the treatment, are thought to be important in this connection.

Forensic Psychiatry↗
PubMed1993

International correlations between gun ownership and rates of homicide and suicide.

OBJECTIVE: To examine international correlations between reported rates of household gun ownership and rates of homicide and suicide with a gun. DESIGN: Survey. POPULATION: People who responded to a telephone survey conducted by the 1989 International Crime Survey in 11 European countries, Australia, Canada and the United States. RESULTS: Positive correlations were obtained between the rates of household gun ownership and the national rates of homicide and suicide as well as the proportions of homicides and suicides committed with a gun. There was no negative correlation between the rates of ownership and the rates of homicide and suicide committed by other means; this indicated that the other means were not used to "compensate" for the absence of guns in countries with a lower rate of gun ownership. CONCLUSION: Larger studies are needed to examine more closely possible confounding factors such as the national tendency toward violent solutions, and more information on the type and availability of guns will be helpful in future studies. Nevertheless, the correlations detected in this study suggest that the presence of a gun in the home increases the likelihood of homicide or suicide.

Australia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The study of suicides and homicides in Spain. Years 1980-1990].

A descriptive epidemiological was carried out in order to evaluate true scope of the problem of suicides and homicides in Spain. These two items were considered individually. With regard to the cases of suicides and homicides published in Causes of Death Spain, the mortality rates, tendency and potential years of life lost (PYLL) were calculated. We have found that the suicides rates are higher than the homicide and both are higher in men than in women. The provinces having the highest suicide rates are: La Rioja, Ceuta and Melilla, Asturias and Galicia. Those have the lowest Castilla-León. By means of the tendency study, we have noted a greater increase in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia for the period 1980-90. Regarding homicides, the only provinces showing statistically significative values are Jaen, Las Palmas and Guipuzcoa. The provinces with highest rates of PYLL, in men, were Galicia, Asturias and Navarra; were observed in the women of Cantabria and Madrid in the case of suicides, and Castilla-La Mancha, Asturias, Ceuta and Melilla in case of homicides.

Female↗