Citation

Shai D. Homicide Stud. 2010; 14(2): 132-158.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1088767910362339

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article focuses on homicides (murders and nonnegligent manslaughter) in Alaska from 1999 to 2006, through a comparison of homicides in Anchorage and in the rest of the state. Data used include the Supplementary Homicide Reports of the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program Data for Alaska, newspaper surveillance, and Alaska Vital Statistics. Geographic, cultural and demographic factors are used to help provide an explanation of Alaska’s unusual homicide pattern, a relatively high rate of female homicide victims. In addition, the article compares the Alaska findings to those of the United States as a whole, to place homicide in the state within a larger context. The general theoretical framework is a consideration of disorganization theory, which is used to better understand homicides in Alaska and the particular vulnerability of Alaskan Native women who migrate to Anchorage from rural villages. Topics examined include the gender and race of victims, the relationship between the victim and perpetrator, the time of year of the homicide, the location (home or elsewhere), the region of Alaska, and the weapon used in the homicide. Negligent manslaughter and child witnesses to murder are also discussed. A number of suggestions are made for the reduction of homicides in Alaska.