Black Homicides in Baltimore 1974-1986: Age, Gender, and Weapon Use Changes

Abstract

Criminal homicides in the city of Baltimore during the period 1974 through 1986 are analyzed, focusing on those homicides that involved black offenders or black victims. Absolute numbers of black homicides, as well as black offender and victim rates and the percentages of all homicides involving black offenders or victims, declined somewhat from their highs in 1974 through 1977. These figures achieved a relative stability by 1980, but their levels remained higher than the comparable figures from the 1950s and 1960s. Black female involvement has declined, and the use of firearms in black homicides has increased substantially over comparable levels from the 1950s. The average age of offenders and victims is substantially lower, although the involvement of black juveniles in homicide appears to have declined somewhat. The suggestion is made that increased firearm use may be a key factor in the changing patterns of black homicide.