Citation

Stack S. Criminology 1997; 35(3): 435-453.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, American Society of Criminology)

DOI

10.1111/j.1745-9125.1997.tb01224.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Homicide followed by suicide has been a neglected area in criminological theory and research. The work that exists is marked by a series of methodological limitations, such as small samples and lack of systematic multivariate analysis. This study tests the thesis that the closer the ties between the offender and victim in a homicide, the greater the ensuing guilt and the greater the likelihood of suicide. Data on 16,245 homicides in Chicago are analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis largely confirms the hypothesis. Controlling for sociodemographic variables, killing an ex-spouse/lover increased the risk of suicide the most, 12.68 times. The odds of suicide are increased 10.28 times for killing a child, 8.00 times for killing a spouse, 6.11 times for killing a girlfriend or boyfriend, and 1.88 times for killing a friend. The act of homicide-suicide is conceptualized as stemming from a frustrated intimate relationship and a blend of self-and other-blame in one's attribution style.

Language: en