NCJ Number
172010
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 873-878
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a study of intrafamilial homicide committed by juveniles.
Abstract
The study examined a sample of 112 adolescents convicted of murder. From this sample, 11 adolescents who murdered a member of their family were chosen for in-depth examination. All participants had been convicted as adults and received prison sentences. The study explored characteristics of the crimes, including demographic information, relationship to victim, motive, and weapon used in the commission of the crime. A majority of the homicides (N=8) were committed with a gun available in the home. More than half of the subjects murdered a parent or parental figure and the most salient characteristic was a chaotic family life prior to the homicide. No single motive was dominant, indicating that intrafamilial homicide is the culmination of a number of factors, including abuse and psychopathology. The article recommends interventions that address the needs of youth at risk for committing violent crimes such as intrafamilial homicide. Tables, references