Abstract
A large body of research has identified strong and consistent correlates of aggregated intimate homicide incidents; however,
the bulk of these studies focuses on the influence of either case or neighborhood characteristics on homicide types, but not
both. This study examines data collected from 739 homicides in two distinct metropolitan cities to determine which factors
differentiate intimate and non-intimate homicide. Findings reveal that intimate partner homicides (IPH) are more likely to
involve females both as victims and offenders when compared to non-IPH incidents. In addition, IPH homicides are more likely
to be committed with weapons than non-IPH, but this finding only appears in Indianapolis homicides. Indeed, one of the stark
contrasts between Indianapolis and Newark was the much greater prevalence of firearms involved in IPH homicides in Indianapolis.
This suggests the need for future research that sorts out patterns of household gun possession, factors influencing community
levels of household gun possession, and the use of legally- or illegally-possessed firearms in IPH homicide.
the bulk of these studies focuses on the influence of either case or neighborhood characteristics on homicide types, but not
both. This study examines data collected from 739 homicides in two distinct metropolitan cities to determine which factors
differentiate intimate and non-intimate homicide. Findings reveal that intimate partner homicides (IPH) are more likely to
involve females both as victims and offenders when compared to non-IPH incidents. In addition, IPH homicides are more likely
to be committed with weapons than non-IPH, but this finding only appears in Indianapolis homicides. Indeed, one of the stark
contrasts between Indianapolis and Newark was the much greater prevalence of firearms involved in IPH homicides in Indianapolis.
This suggests the need for future research that sorts out patterns of household gun possession, factors influencing community
levels of household gun possession, and the use of legally- or illegally-possessed firearms in IPH homicide.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-011-9371-7
- Authors
- Christina DeJong, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824–1118, USA
- Jesenia M. Pizarro, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824–1118, USA
- Edmund F. McGarrell, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, 560 Baker Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824–1118, USA
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482