Citation

Milroy CM. Med. Sci. Law 1995; 35(3): 213-217.

Affiliation

University of Sheffield, Medico-legal Centre.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, British Academy of Forensic Sciences, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7651099

Abstract

Fifty-two episodes of homicide-suicide were examined to determine the reasons behind the episodes. Forty-nine of the assailants were male. The major reason for homicide-suicide was breakdown in a relationship (46%), the victim usually being the spouse. Mental illness was the second commonest reason (21%). Physical ill health (11%) and financial stress (10%) were important reasons in older couples. Criminal behaviour was the reason in 11% of cases. Alcohol was detected in 15 (29%) of assailants, with 10 (19%) having a blood-alcohol level over 100mg/100ml. The results are compared with other published studies.

Language: en