Articles tagged with Homicide
A nationwide study found filicide offenders have fewer previous criminal offenses and are more likely to be employed than homicidal controls, contradicting the idea that they are mentally disordered. They also exhibit emotional problems and suicidal behavior, highlighting the need for adequate support.
Researchers compared TV show crimes to real homicides and found significant differences in portrayal of alcohol use, relationships, and racial representation. The study highlights the need for accurate public health messages, as media influences individual health behaviors and perceptions.
A recent report by Professor David Spiegelhalter suggests that London's murder numbers follow a predictable pattern, with certain aspects being statistically expected. The study found that the number of murders in London is not unusually high and has remained stable over the past five years.
Researchers at Charles Drew University found that neighborhoods with street gangs have significantly higher homicide rates and greater instability than those without. The presence of gangs, not poverty or unemployment, was the greatest predictor of homicides in Los Angeles County.
Research found that young ex-military personnel are up to three times more likely to take their own lives than civilians, with those under 24 years old and in lower ranks being most vulnerable. The study suggests exposure to adverse experiences during military service may play a role in the increased suicide risk.
Researchers have reconstructed the chronology of Oetzi's injuries, finding evidence of a short-lived arrow wound and a blow to the back before his death. The study suggests that Oetzi endured at least two injuring events, which could indicate two separate attacks.
A new study reveals that most young violent offenders in two NYC neighborhoods have seen someone die in a violent incident, highlighting the impact of lifelong exposure to violence on their behavior. The study also found that these youth often cite trauma and lack of feeling safe as reasons for their actions.
A professor of political science argues for a national policy on culture in the legal system. She proposes three conditions to reduce false claims of cultural defense, including membership in the ethnic group, tradition adherence, and influence on actions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found significant increases in firearm homicide among young male populations between 1999 and 2005. The overall US homicide rate remained flat during this period, but firearm deaths rose sharply, with black males experiencing higher rates than whites.
Research published by The University of Manchester's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness reveals a significant link between alcohol and drug misuse and Scottish suicide and homicide rates. The study found that Scots are almost twice as likely to kill or take their own lives compared to ...
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that local-level background checks are associated with a 27% lower firearm suicide rate and a 22% lower homicide rate compared to federal-level checks. States that rely on local-level checks have substantially lower rates of firearm suicides and homicides.
Researchers found that poor neighborhoods with high concentrations of African Americans had significantly more off-premise alcohol outlets and lower prices for 40-ounce bottles of malt liquor. Malt liquor is a concern due to its association with heavy drinking and public safety issues, particularly among inner-city youth.
This special issue examines homicide rates across various countries and cultures, highlighting factors such as alcohol consumption, economic inequality, and neighborhood-level factors. The study provides insights into the complex relationships between homicide rates and these variables.
A study found Croatian children were exposed to firearms and explosives at a much higher rate than other countries, leading to significantly increased rates of weapon-related deaths. The population remained heavily militarized even five years after the war, resulting in persistent increases in these deaths.
The UN voted to abolish the death penalty globally, with 125 countries already having done so. In the US, 126 death-row inmates have been exonerated due to DNA evidence, raising concerns about the fairness of the practice.
Researchers found that most crime is committed by a small fraction of criminals, and investing in rehabilitation for these individuals may have prevented some murders. By focusing on high-risk areas, governments can reduce crime and violence with more efficient resource allocation.
Jurors presented with gruesome evidence are more likely to convict, a study finds. The evidence can influence jurors' decisions at an unconscious level, leading to unfair outcomes for defendants.
The black-white life expectancy gap has narrowed from 1983 to 2003, primarily due to improvements in mortality rates for homicide, HIV disease, and heart disease. However, the current difference remains substantial, with blacks experiencing a 6.3-year gap over whites.
Despite a recent increase in US murders and robberies, Carnegie Mellon University Professor Alfred Blumstein suggests that it may not be part of a widespread national trend. The number of crimes dropped by over 40% between 1993 and 2000, with the rate remaining flat since then.
A recent study has found that male and female rates of robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault have closed significantly over the past few decades. The research suggests a decline in violence against men and women, with notable differences in intimate partner violence and non-lethal victimization.
A recent study found that social and cultural factors contribute to regional differences in male serial killers in the United States. The study, led by James DeFronzo, examined data from 1970 to 1992 and discovered a correlation between high execution rates and southern states with more serial killers.
A study by Harvard researchers found that households with guns are more likely to be involved in homicides, particularly among children and women. States with higher levels of gun ownership have significantly higher homicide victimization rates, driven mainly by gun-related homicides.
A recent study found that people with higher self-esteem enjoy mystery stories with unexpected twists, whereas those with lower self-esteem prefer stories with confirmed endings. The study involved 84 German college students who rated their enjoyment of a mystery story with varying levels of uncertainty and confirmation.
The FBI's profiling method for serial killers is criticized for its limitations, particularly in cases involving women and non-Caucasian offenders. Experts argue that crime scenes often exhibit both organized and disorganized components, making it challenging to develop accurate profiles.
A national study found that media reports linked alcohol to specific crimes and accidents significantly less frequently than estimated numbers. This underreporting may lead to distorted views about the risks of alcohol use, ultimately decreasing public support for alcohol control measures.
Research found a strong link between AA membership and decreased homicide rates in Ontario, with men consuming more beer and spirits showing the greatest benefit. The study suggests that participating in AA can exert beneficial effects on alcohol-related violence at a population level.
A study found frequent human rights violations, including murders, sexual assaults, and kidnapping, in Port-au-Prince. The researchers estimated around 12 individuals were murdered daily and 35,000 women and girls were raped during a 22-month period.
A new study found that juries are more likely to hand down death sentences to defendants with stereotypically black features when the victim is white, but not in cases involving black-on-black homicide. The study controlled for nonracial factors and suggests jurors equate stereotypical black features with degree of criminality.
A study published in Evaluation Review highlights the dangers of firearms in intimate partner violence cases, with women twice as likely to die from gunshot wounds inflicted by male intimates. The research explores potential solutions such as restraining orders, gun removal, and denial of gun purchases to intimate partner abusers.
A UK hospital analysed the Shipman murders and added virtual deaths to their records to test the hospital's monitoring system. The study found that the system would have raised alarms in eight months for a surgeon and ten months for an anaesthetist, highlighting the need for robust local monitoring to prevent similar events.
New research by Vanderbilt University psychologist Jessica Giles finds that noun labels, such as 'murderer' or 'sex offender', can lead to negative and fixed views of people described with these terms. The study also suggests that the use of labels like this has a lasting impact on children's perceptions.
A study of 51 countries found that women outlive men due to higher murder rates among men and patriarchal societies. The wealth gap also contributes to male mortality, with GDP accounting for 13.6% of death rate variation among men.
A study by Matthew Krain found that single international actor interventions reduce killings, while additional actors increase the chance of saving lives. The research also confirms that impartial intervention attempts are ineffective in stopping genocide.
The study analyzed the relationship between past violent behavior and future homicide rates among male offenders in the US. The findings suggest that a history of violent behavior is associated with an increased risk of future homicides.
The GMC's judgment against Roy Meadow has raised concerns that children will be put at greater risk of abuse and murder. The decision is also expected to deter trainee paediatricians from pursuing a career in child protection, further compromising the system's ability to protect vulnerable children.
Researchers found that permitting workers to carry guns on the job significantly increases the risk of homicide, with a nearly seven-fold increase in worker fatalities compared to workplaces where no firearms are allowed. This finding highlights the need for employers to reassess their policies on workplace gun permits.
A study found that violent crime surges in low-crime areas hurt business growth and employment in retail and service businesses, while having little effect on businesses in high-crime neighborhoods. The fear of crime affects customer choices and employee willingness to work in neighborhoods with increased homicide rates.
A new study examines the relationship between distance and detail in human visual perception, finding that blurriness is equivalent to distance from the viewer. The research has implications for eyewitness testimony, including a case where a witness identified suspects from 450 feet away, leading to a new trial.
The study found that rural counties had over 1.5 times the rate of gun suicides compared to urban counties, while urban areas experienced almost twice the gun homicide rate of rural counties. Gun suicides have outpaced gun homicides in the US, accounting for over half of all firearm deaths.
A study of police officers in Australia found that they rate the accuracy of a profile more when they think it was written by a professional profiler, regardless of its actual content. The researchers suggest that this bias can lead to false positives and undermine the effectiveness of profiling.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that a combination of factors, including unemployment, access to firearms, highly controlling behavior, and separation, increases the likelihood of female murder by their partner. Researchers identified key risk factors that can help identify women at high risk of homicide.
Researchers found no evidence that homicide detectives spend less time on cases involving African-American victims. The study, published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, examined 802 murders in Columbus, Ohio between 1984-1992.
A study found that people with a gun in their home are almost twice as likely to die in a gun-related homicide and 16 times more likely to use a gun to commit suicide than those without. Handguns account for most domestic homicides and suicides, highlighting the dangers of gun ownership.
A new study examines the lifelong personal and environmental events that led 37 Texas murderers to their execution. Childhood violence is a common thread among many of the men, with 15 later convicted of committing heinous murders despite experiencing physical abuse in childhood.
The Singleton case has raised concerns about forced medical treatment of the mentally ill and its impact on the death penalty. The US Supreme Court must rule against this practice to restore competence for execution as a medically and ethically untenable dilemma.
Researchers found that a minority of homicides are reported in national newspapers, with a substantial bias towards covering untypical cases. The report highlights the need for responsible reporting to showcase real dangers and avoid manufacturing fears.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that Maryland's 1990 law banning Saturday night specials resulted in a 9% lower rate of gun homicides. The study suggests the law saved an average of 40 lives per year between 1990-1998.
A recent study from UNC Chapel Hill found that bright exterior lighting and staffing practices can significantly reduce workplace homicide risk. Eliminating solo work at night is associated with a 70% lower risk of homicide.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that mentally ill patients are at a significantly higher risk of dying from homicide compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from over 72,000 individuals and revealed that those with mental illness were six times more likely to die by homicide.
A woman convicted of murdering three children by suffocation shares her perspective on how intense grief and a desire for control led to her actions. The authors argue that empathy from professionals could have prevented these tragedies.
Research found workplaces open late on Saturdays and with only male employees or black/Asian workers have increased risk of on-site killings. Limitations include lack of data on personal characteristics or behaviors contributing to workplace homicide.
The paper attributes the decline in homicide since the early 1990s to changes in drug markets, police response to gun carrying by young males, and economic expansion. Fewer handguns were used in homicides, especially among juveniles and young adults.
A Swedish study found that nearly 29 percent of all unnatural deaths were associated with alcohol consumption. The most common causes included suicides, falls, traffic injuries, and intoxication. Experts emphasize the importance of responsible drinking and stricter policies to mitigate these risks.
Researchers found taxi drivers are significantly more likely to be murdered on the job than other occupations. Self-employed workers and minorities were also disproportionately affected by workplace homicides.
UT Southwestern Medical Center investigators have developed a rare case of familial filicide in which twin sisters tried to kill their own children. A new classification system, identifying 16 subtypes of filicide, aims to aid understanding and strategies for prevention.
A recent University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill poll found that 65% of respondents favor the death penalty, while 19% oppose it. The racial and demographic differences are significant, with whites more supportive than blacks, and men more supportive than women.
A new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that child abuse homicides are more common than vital records reveal, with over 9,400 US children under 11 dying from abuse between 1985 and 1996. The true number is estimated to be three times higher than reported cases.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that domestic violence preceded at least two-thirds of the cases, with black women and young women being disproportionately affected. The research also showed that alcohol regularly contributed to the deaths, and guns were involved in 54% of the homicides.
Researchers identified risk factors for infant homicide victims, including second or later birth order and mother's age, education level, and prenatal care. The study found that visiting nurse programs could reduce the infant homicide rate by helping teenage mothers gain behavioral skills and support.