NCJ Number
123987
Date Published
1990
Length
187 pages
Annotation
Information from research data and analyses of cases of homicides by juveniles from all parts of the United States form the basis of this analysis of the characteristics of youthful murderers and the reasons for their crimes.
Abstract
The author is a psychologist and lawyer. The discussion focuses on juveniles who kill their parents or siblings; homicides committed during the course of other crimes, usually rape and robbery; gang killings; homicides committed by females and children under age 10; and homicides related to thrill-seeking, cults, or mentally disturbed youth. The analysis also considers the justice system's provisions for dealing with juvenile killers and the prospects for reducing the incidence of juvenile homicides. It concludes that the number and rate of juvenile homicides is likely to increase as a result of increasingly serious substance abuse among juveniles and adults, apparently rising rates of child maltreatment, expanding access to guns, the growing number of juveniles living in poverty, and the anticipated increase in the growth of the juvenile population. The text is intended for use by mental health professionals, lawyers, and those who work with violent juvenile offenders. Tables, chapter notes, and index. (Publisher summary modified)