NCJ Number
105921
Journal
Journal of Justice Issues Volume: 1 Dated: (Winter 1986) Pages: 3-19
Date Published
1986
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Following a review of the literature on juvenile murder and the characteristics of these offenders, a taxonomy of juvenile murders is presented.
Abstract
The taxonomy is based upon two motivational dimensions: the desire to hurt the victim and the intention to kill. Depending on whether each of these is low or high, four types of homicide can be delineated -- situational, intentional, emotionally reactive, and nihilistic. The nihilistic pattern is particularly interesting in that it coincides with media depictions of the new breed of child murderer. Identification of such motivational dynamics in adolescent first-time homicide offenders could serve as an early warning signal that they pose an increased risk to society and warrant greater incapacitation than other young homicide offenders unless or until this motivational pattern is eradicated. 44 references.