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Abstract
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VioLit summary:
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study by Russell was to provide in-depth descriptions of six case studies of juvenile murderers and discussed similarities and differences between them. The complexity of the determinants precipitating the murders was also highlighted.
METHODOLOGY:
The case descriptions of the six juvenile murderers detailed in this study were collected by the researcher over several years. Methodological issues were not extensively discussed in this study. These adolescent murderers were placed in two distinct categories: those from "good" backgrounds with serious neurotic conflicts and those from "disadvantaged" backgrounds with hindered development of normal impulse control.
FINDINGS/DISCUSSION:
Within the four cases of adolescent murderers who came from "good" (i.e. middle class) backgrounds, the juveniles' troubled relationships with their parents were extensively detailed. Two of these cases involved the murder of strangers during the execution of another crime such as robbery or rape. One of these juvenile murderers killed an abusive, alcoholic step-father. The fourth murderer killed an acquaintance who was picking a fight with him. In each of these four cases, it was argued that highly charged situational circumstances led to the murderous impulses. The second group of juvenile murderers involved two cases of youth from "disadvantaged" (i.e. poor) backgrounds who had experienced a life of violent attitudes and activities. Both of these juveniles came from large, poor families with which they had little recent contact. They both had spent time living in juvenile detentions centers or on the street. Both of these murders occurred during the execution of another crime such as car theft and robbery.
AUTHOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS:
The author warned of drawing inferences about juvenile murderers as a whole from this small of a sample. The author also stressed, however, the importance of detailed case studies of juvenile murderers in understanding the complexities of their situations. (CSPV Abstract - Copyright © 1992-2007 by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Institute of Behavioral Science, Regents of the University of Colorado)
Language: en |