Homicide Research Articles

A natural language processing approach to detect inconsistencies in death investigation notes attributing suicide circumstances

BackgroundData accuracy is essential for scientific research and policy development. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data is widely used for discovering the patterns and causing factors of death. Recent studies suggested the annotation inconsistencies within the NVDRS and the potential impact on erroneous suicide-circumstance attributions.MethodsWe present an empirical Natural Language Processing (NLP) approach to detect annotation inconsistencies and adopt a cross-validation-like paradigm to identify possible label errors. We analyzed 267,804 suicide death incidents between 2003 and 2020 from the NVDRS. We measured annotation inconsistency by the degree of changes in the F-1 score.ResultsOur results show that incorporating the target state’s data into training the suicide-circumstance classifier brings an increase of 5.4% to the F-1 score on the target state’s test set and a decrease of 1.1% on other states’ test set.ConclusionsTo conclude, we present an NLP framework to detect the annotation inconsistencies, show the effectiveness of identifying and rectifying possible label errors, and eventually propose an improvement solution to improve the coding consistency of human annotators.

Psychosocial and pandemic-related circumstances of suicide deaths in 2020: Evidence from the National Violent Death Reporting System.

To describe and explore variation in 'pandemic-related circumstances' among suicide decedents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified pandemic-related circumstances using decedents' text narratives in the 2020 National Violent Death Reporting System. We use time-series analysis to compare other psychosocial characteristics (e.g., mental health history, interpersonal difficulties, financial strain) of decedents pre-pandemic (2017/2018: n = 56,968 suicide and n = 7,551 undetermined deaths) to those in 2020 (n = 31,887 suicide and n = 4,100 undetermined). We characterize common themes in the narratives with pandemic-related circumstances using topic modeling, and explore variation in topics by age and other psychosocial circumstances. In 2020, n = 2,502 (6.98%) narratives described pandemic-related circumstances. Compared to other deaths in 2020 and to the pre-pandemic period, decedents with pandemic-related circumstances were older and more highly educated. Common themes of pandemic-related circumstances narratives included: concerns about shutdown restrictions, financial losses, and infection risk. Relative to decedents of the same age that did not have pandemic-related circumstances in 2020, those with pandemic-related circumstances were more likely to also have financial (e.g., for 25-44 years, 43% vs. 12%) and mental health (76% vs. 66%) psychosocial circumstances, but had similar or lower prevalence of substance abuse (47% vs. 49%) and interpersonal (40% vs. 42%) circumstances. While descriptive, these findings help contextualize suicide mortality during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform mental health promotion efforts during similar public health emergencies.

Demographic Profile of Violent Asphyxial deaths in JSS Medical College, Mysuru – Five year retrospective study

The epidemiological risk factors for violent asphyxia deaths can contribute to construct a socioeconomic and demographic profile of victims of asphyxial deaths. This study is also very crucial in identifying the risk factors, triggers for common asphyxia deaths and especially suicidal asphyxial deaths like hanging based on the profile and data derived from this study. This study was undertaken to analyse the different aspects of asphyxial deaths.Main focus is given to study the type of asphyxia, age, sex distribution and seasonal variation, also to know the pattern in work area, seasonal and demographic variations. Among the asphyxial deaths hanging is the commonest which constituted 81% of the total asphyxia deaths and was predominant in males. Drowning is the second most frequent type of asphyxialdeath followed by strangulation. The incidence of hanging is highest during winter season. This suggests that seasonal factors and its resulting psychological fluctuations might aggravate depression and mood, which then might finally impact the victim’s suicidal tendencies leading to increased incidences of hanging.

Death, flies and environments: Towards a qualitative assessment of insect (Diptera) colonization of human cadavers retrieved from sites of death in Brazil

Empirical data on decomposition ecology have long established blowflies (Calliphoridae) and flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) (Diptera) as the most frequent colonizers of carrion, especially at early stages of decomposition. However, the scarcity of studies based on human cadavers has hindered inferences about colonization of homicide victims in real case scenarios. We describe here a survey of insects associated with cadavers retrieved from the site of death in Northeastern Brazil, with emphasis on the association between species diversity and the surrounding environment. We examined 81 cadavers, most of which were of men and resulting from violent death. Twelve cadavers (14.8 %) contained insect larvae, which were reared in the laboratory until adult emergence and identification. Ten species of Diptera effectively colonized the cadavers; seven of Family Calliphoridae – Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1830), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775), Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius, 1805), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) and three of Family Sarcophagidae, Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) stallengi (Lahille, 1907), Microcerella halli (Engel, 1931) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830). The species C. albiceps and C. macellaria were the most frequent colonizers, while Sarcophagidae was reported in only four cases. Insects were present on cadavers found in urban (n = 8) and rural (n = 4) sites, outdoors (n = 6) and inside (n = 6) residences. Presence of larvae was more frequent in the natural orifices in the head (n = 11). Clothing did not prevent from ovi/larviposition for most species. We present the first register of B. stallengi colonizing human corpses and expand the knowledge on the geographical distribution of necrophagous insects. Our protocol may contribute to forensic entomology in areas exposed to fast decomposition, such as the Neotropical Region.

The leading causes of death in the US and Mexico's pediatric population are related to violence: a note on secondary analyses of registered deaths from 2000 to 2022.

our objective was to analyze the trends in the leading causes of death among the pediatric population aged 1-19 years in Mexico and the United States (US) from 2000 to 2022. Methods. Data for Mexico were sourced from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), while the US data were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC-WONDER) databases. Homicide has been the leading cause of death since 2017 in Mexico and since 2019 in US youths aged 1-19. In Mexico, it reached 6.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022. Despite the overall pediatric mortality decline from 2000 to 2022 in both countries, the pediatric homicide rate has increased by 93.3 and 35.8% In Mexico and the US, respectively, and suicide by 86.6 and 36.9%. In both countries, death by firearm-related injuries had risen in a parallel sense. In the US, deaths by drug overdose and poisoning have increased by 314.8%. Despite advancements in infant healthcare over the past two decades in Mexico, there remains a significant gap in the provision of healthcare services to the adolescent population. Addressing issues related to violence, mental health, and substance abuse through targeted public policies is imperative for both Mexico and the US, especially given their shared border region.

Beyond the binary female/male sex classification: The impact of (trans)gender on the identification of human remains.

In cases of unidentified deceased persons, sex determination is a routine task in forensic medicine. However, the binary biological sex categories 'female' and 'male' may be challenged if it is not clear whether the information in the missing persons databases refers to the biological sex or the (felt and lived) gender. An umbrella term for people who do not identify with their birth sex (which usually is the biological, chromosomal sex) is 'transgender'. In recent decades, the legal and social situation of transgender people has changed in many countries making it easier to live their felt gender more openly. This development highlights the issue of potential challenges in the postmortem identification of transgender individuals. Serious problems in corresponding cases may be rare-but they must be considered and addressed in forensic practice to minimize the risk of delayed or failed identification. The impact of (trans)gender on the identification of human remains was examined by a narrative literature review under special consideration of the prevalences of transgender identities in general populations and in the group of unidentified deceased; possible actions to avoid problems in the postmortem identification of transgender persons in forensic practice are being proposed. One can assume that 1 of 200 people in the United States, the European Union and comparable societies is transgender with an opposite-sex identification, and 2 to 3 of 100 people live outside the typical female/male binary, with numbers increasing. If legally possible, an increasing number of transgender individuals will change their name and gender in civil registration. Transgender individuals are likely to be overrepresented in suicides and in victims of homicides. Although there are no precise data on the prevalence of transgender individuals in the group of unidentified deceased, the remarkably high reported prevalence in the general population and the over-representation of transgender individuals in suicides and homicides suggest that the topic is relevant to forensic practice. An autopsy does not always provide evidence of transgender identity, for example in skeletal remains. Particularly in unsolved cases, the possibility that an unidentified person may have been transgender should be considered. Knowledge and awareness of forensic practitioners on this topic should be strengthened by research and training. Databases and data reporting should be optimized. Recording in antemortem databases should clearly distinguish between 'biological sex' and 'apparent sex /lived gender identity'. When collecting postmortem data, a clear distinction should be made between "chromosomal sex" and "sex based on morphological findings". CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable (review article).

6676 Exposure to Neighborhood Violence Rewires Glucocorticoid Receptor Binding and Drives Proliferation and Invasiveness in Lung Tumor Samples

Abstract Disclosure: H. Heath: None. J. Yoo: None. S. Akter: None. A. Jain: None. V. Sharma: None. H. McGee: None. A. Soliman: None. A. Mohamed: None. A.K. Matthews: None. R. Winn: None. Z. Madak Erdogan: None. S. Kim: None. Background: Despite the lower rates and frequency of smoking, Black men experience a higher incidence of lung cancer compared to white men. This health disparity is even more prevalent in Black men from Chicago, suggesting local neighborhood factors impacting tumorigenesis. Preliminary data indicate that, compared to white men, Black men are more likely to reside in neighborhoods with high levels of violence and have elevated levels of hair cortisol. Objective: To understand the link between lung tumorigenesis and exposure to neighborhood violence, our objective is to investigate the chromatin recruitment of the receptor for cortisol, called the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and to correlate this recruitment with target gene expression levels. Methods: Utilizing CUT & RUN, we identified the gene binding sites of GR using 15 lung tumor and corresponding healthy tissue samples from lung cancer patients living in Chicago. GR recruitment to chromatin was correlated with the neighborhood homicide rate obtained using patients’ zip codes. Spatial transcriptome profiles for these 15 lung tumor samples were obtained from the Space Ranger pipeline and gene expression hot spots of GR target genes were visualized using Loupe Browser (10x Genomics). Results: GR recruitment to regulatory regions of chromatin increases with greater zip code level violence rates. In patients from high violence neighborhoods, tumor samples had higher magnitude of binding compared to normal neighboring tissue. In tumor samples from patients living in high violence compared to low violence neighborhoods, GR binding is seen in genes that are associated with increased tumor aggressiveness. Hot-spot analysis of these genes found strong co-expression of genes associated with proliferation and invasion in samples from high violence but not low violence neighborhoods. Conclusion: Exposure to neighborhood violence may impact tumor biology via increased GR recruitment to genes associated with proliferation and invasion. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Medico-Legal Importance of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase-L1 in Traumatic Brain Injuries: Prospective Study

Abstract Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most common causes of lifelong disability and violent death (Refaat et al., 2019). Since several complications may occur after traumatic brain injuries, some of them are fatal. So, the allegation of negligence may be common. The patient relatives may claim that death is the result of improper management of treating medical team rather than the unavoidable complications (El- Sarnagawy et al., 2018). Objectives The present study was designed to investigate the medico legal importance of serum GFAP and UCHL-1 as predictive biomarkers of outcome and evaluation of medical care in mild and moderate TBIs to ascertain malpractice claims. Subjects and Methods The present study was carried out on 60 admitted cases with mild and moderate traumatic brain injuries in neurosurgery department, Ain Shams University Hospitals in the period between March2021 to Febraury2022. Serum level of GFAP and UCHL-1 was measured within 12 hours after traumatic brain injuries. Results Males cases were more predominant than females. Age group (18-25 years) represents the most common group subjected to TBIs while age group (>61 years) was the least common among the studied cases. Road traffic accidents were the most frequent cause of traumatic brain injuries while firearm was the least frequent among the studied cases. There was a high significant increase in serum UCHL-1 levels in moderate TBIs cases in comparison to that in mild TBIs cases with 95% and 90% sensitivity and 95% and 75% specificity respectively. Also, there was a high significant increase in serum GFAP and UCHL-1 level in diffuse brain lesions than focal lesions seen in CT scan of the studied cases with TBIs with 78.95% and 89.46% sensitivity and 100% and 91.43% specificity respectively. The combination of GFAP and UCHL-1 increased the sensitivity to 94.74% and specificity to 97.14%. Conclusion The accuracy of serum GFAP alone was greater than accuracy of measurement of both biomarkers, the accuracy of combination of all variables was slightly better than the accuracy of serum GFAP alone as predicators of unfavorable outcome. So, depending on serum GFAP alone instead of combination of all variables didn’t change the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of predication of unfavorable outcome obviously.

The Influence of Weather Temperature on Crime Occurrence in Babylon Province

Objectives: This study investigates the influence of temperature fluctuation on specific types of crimes in Babylon in Iraq. It also analyzes how varying temperatures leave an impact on crime patterns and trajectories. Methods: The study uses quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine temperature and crime data. Statistical techniques, including correlation and regression analysis, are applied to assess the relationships between temperature variables and crime rates. Results: The study results showed that there is a strong affinity between temperatures and crime rates. Murder crimes reach their peak in hot summer months. The study also showed that theft crimes, including burglary, increase during cold winter months. Statistical analysis validates these findings, highlighting a direct correlation between temperature and murder rates and an inverse correlation with theft rates. Conclusions: This study confirms the huge impact of temperature fluctuation on criminal behavior in Babylon, Iraq. Recognizing these seasonal variations may help construct effective crime prevention strategies. Additionally, the study explores multiple theoretical perspectives, underlining the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensively grasp the intricate relationship between climate and crime.

Co-occurrence of Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide Mortality Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States

PurposeSuicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10–24 in the United States (US). Intimate partner violence (IPV) is also prevalent, and studies suggest that IPV is associated with youth suicide risk. However, limited research has investigated such associations. We conducted an in-depth analysis of youth suicides that were preceded by or coincided with IPV (i.e., IPV-related) to characterize how decedents were involved in IPV, IPV types experienced, and prior legal systems involvement. MethodsUsing US National Violent Death Reporting System (2014–2018) data for suicide decedents aged 7–24 (n = 15,430 deaths), we manually reviewed case narratives for IPV-related suicides (n = 882) and coded details concerning IPV circumstances. We conducted bivariate analyses to compare IPV-related suicides to other (non-IPV) youth suicides and examined differences in antecedent circumstances between IPV perpetrators (n = 651) and victims (n = 81) using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsAmong IPV-related suicides, most decedents were male and were described as IPV perpetrators. Physical IPV was most frequently reported. Compared to decedents with a history of IPV perpetration, decedents with a history of IPV victimization were more often female and younger. Narratives of IPV victim decedents had higher odds of reporting physical IPV; narratives of IPV perpetrator decedents had higher odds of reporting psychological IPV. DiscussionFuture research should explore the relationship between IPV perpetration and suicide and potential impacts on surviving partners. Research and practice should seek to develop effective assessments and interventions for young people that address IPV and suicide risk simultaneously.

Economic growth, income inequality and lethal violence in developed countries

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate the effect of GDP growth on crime and to test the hypothesis of nonlinearity. Additionally, we estimate the interaction between GDP and income inequality and examine its impact on the relationship between GDP and homicide rates.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes panel data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), spanning the period from 2000 to 2018 and estimates dynamic panel GMM models.FindingsWe found a nonlinear relationship between GDP and homicide rates, indicating a dual effect of GDP on the occurrence of lethal crimes. Moreover, income inequality conditions the effect of GDP on homicide rates, exerting a significant influence. We conclude that in contexts characterized by high levels of income inequality, GDP growth is more effective in reducing crime, as there is greater potential for improvement.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the complex nonlinearity between economic conditions, income inequality and homicide rates.

Pediatric Firearm Deaths and State Policies on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development

Objective: To determine whether state-level SEAD policies are associated with pediatric firearm homicides and suicides. Summary Background Data: Firearm deaths continue to rise among United States (US) children. School-based efforts to promote social, emotional, and academic development (SEAD) may be a means to reduce such deaths, but state-level policies vary and the effect on firearm deaths is unknown. Methods: We used Education Trust data regarding state-level SEAD policies, averaging 6 domains to create a cumulative score and investigating each domain individually. The primary outcomes were pediatric firearm homicides and suicides, using covariates from the American Community Survey and State Firearm Laws database. We mapped SEAD policies and pediatric death rates. Poisson regression was used to investigate associations between SEAD policies and pediatric firearm deaths. Results: Annual statewide pediatric firearm deaths ranged from 0.85 to 7.81 per 100,000; homicides from 0.64 to 5.69, and suicides from 0.21 to 4.75. Univariate analyses demonstrated associations between SEAD scores and both homicides (P=0.003) and suicides (P=0.032), but these were nonsignificant after adjustment. Professional Development and Engagement policies were associated with lower rates of pediatric firearm homicides after adjustment (IRR=0.33, P=0.004 and IRR=0.46, P=0.014, respectively). There was no significant association between any domain and pediatric firearm suicide. Conclusion: Professional Development and Student, Family and Community Engagement policies are associated with lower rates of pediatric firearm homicides, however, there was no significant association between pediatric firearm deaths and summary SEAD measures after adjustment. Certain SEAD policies may be helpful in decreasing pediatric firearm deaths.

“You Never Know Who’s Gonna Be Next”: The Role of Community Violence Intervention Workers in Responding to Homicides and Survivor Support

The racial and spatial concentration of homicides coupled with the low levels of protection, safety, and accountability afforded to surviving family, friends, and community members raises the question of who is capable of accompanying impacted individuals and negotiating safety in the aftermath of violent death. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workers are a growing professional field of indigenous peacemakers who lead community-based efforts to both prevent and intervene violence. The current study presents original, novel research engaging CVI workers’ experiences responding to homicides to prevent retaliation and support survivors and how persistently responding to violent death in their community impacts their wellbeing. This exploratory study involved 35 in-depth, qualitative interviews with CVI workers and their supervisors in Chicago, IL. Thematic analysis indicates they are “first among first responders” and are critical information intermediaries to designate appropriate violence prevention and intervention strategies. CVI workers also experience traumatic grief, largely associated by their relationship and proximity to homicide victims. The implications highlight the distinctive contributions of CVI workers in formulating more comprehensive, community-based post-homicide strategies aimed at supporting marginalized survivors and communities disproportionately affected by violence.

Reprisal Actions of Partisans in Kaunas County (1944–1952), Part 1

This research focuses on the punitive operations of Lithuanian partisans in Kaunas County. The data covers the voloks that belonged to Kaunas County before the administrative-territorial reform of 1946, after which the territory of the county changed. During the administrative-territorial reform of 1950, instead of the abolished voloks, regions and districts were formed, so there may be some inaccuracies in the attribution of the dead to Kaunas County, but they are minor, as the partisans did not actually carry out punitive operations from 1950 on. The number of casualties between 1950 and 1952 is very small and does not affect this research. All violent deaths are investigated. The research aimed to find out which cases were partisan actions and which were criminal offences attributed to the partisans during the Soviet era.

Pathways of Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Peer Bullying in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review

Growing up in socioeconomic disadvantage increases risk of peer bullying at school. Both socioeconomic status and involvement in bullying are predictive of a range of adverse developmental outcomes. However, neither (a) the mechanisms whereby disadvantage increases bullying risk nor (b) the developmental outcomes for which bullying may mediate disadvantage are clear. This review scoped the literature on the relationships between socioeconomic disadvantage, bullying, and health and developmental outcomes for school-aged children and adolescents. Four databases were searched up to June 3, 2023 with 565 studies retrieved, of which 17 met criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional, and studies varied greatly in their definition and measurement of both bullying involvement and disadvantage. No intervention studies were found. Mediators of the disadvantage-bullying association ranged from individual level (e.g., depression) to the national level (e.g., homicide rate); only two studies examined bully–victim status. Of studies where bullying was a mediator, none examined bullying perpetration; the range of outcomes examined was narrowly focused on mental health, failing to capture the full range of developmental outcomes associated with either socioeconomic disadvantage or bullying involvement. This review highlights that future research is needed on identifying and understanding the mediators of the association between disadvantage and bullying victimization, and on the developmental outcomes mediated by bullying perpetration for disadvantaged children. These insights are critical to increase the effectiveness of community- and school-based bullying prevention, particularly in communities with high proportions of socioeconomically disadvantaged families.

Older Adult Family Homicide in Victoria, Australia 2001–2015: A Description of Family and Family Violence Homicide Victimisation

Abstract Purpose This study examined factors present among older adult family homicide victims and their offenders compared to younger adult family homicide using the social-ecological model. Method The study used a population-based single-jurisdiction cross-sectional design of consecutive homicide cases of adults (aged 18 years and older) reported to the coroner in Victoria, Australia for the period 2001–2015. Included were homicides involving an intimate or familial relationship. The data source was the Victorian Homicide Register, maintained by the Coroners Court of Victoria. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed to compare the presence of factors between younger and older adult family homicides. Results During the study period 37/283 (13.1%) family homicides occurred among older adult victims (aged 65 years and older) and 246/283 (86.9%) occurred among younger adults (aged 18–64 years). The deceased older adult was often male (57%), with a documented physical illness (54%). Offenders against the older adult were frequently male (68%), non-intimately related (73%), with diagnosed mental illness, a history of substance use and/or historical exposure to violence (all 57%). There were 15 older adult family violence (FV) homicide victims, eight that were previously victims of the homicide offender, primarily enduring emotional, physical and psychological violence as well as the perpetrator assaulting another family member. Seven older adults had perpetrated FV against their offender. Conclusions The history of violence perpetration in the deceased and mental health factors in their offender, as well as the greater proportion of parent-child and other familial relationships offer interesting focal points for future prevention research.

Del insomnio zamorano. Lo que no se platica, pero que la noche permite mostrar.

This photo essay features moments captured during late-night walks in Zamora, Michoacán, between 2020 and 2023, the years in which the city had among the highest murder and disappearance rates in the world. It explores the use of home altars and cenotaphs in the face of the silence surrounding these crimes in public expressions. Following the lead of Zamorano (2022), Reyero (2007), and others, the images were handed out at random, generating an opportunity for people to discuss violence, mourning, fear, and the stigma that hangs over families who have lost relatives. The most moving part of the text—responses sent in anonymously by people who had seen these photographs—is shared in the captions.

Public Mass Shootings: Counterfactual Trend Analysis of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.

Assault weapon and large-capacity magazine bans are potential tools for policy makers to prevent public mass shootings. However, the efficacy of these bans is a continual source of debate. In an earlier study, we estimated the impact of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (FAWB) on the number of public mass shooting events in the United States. This study provides an updated assessment with 3 additional years of firearm surveillance data to characterize the longer-term effects. This study aims to estimate the impact of the FAWB on trends in public mass shootings from 1966 to 2022. We used linear regression to estimate the impact of the FAWB on the 4-year simple moving average of annual public mass shootings, defined by events with 4 or more deaths in 24 hours, not including the perpetrator. The study period spans 1966 to 2022. The model includes indicator variables for both the FAWB period (1995-2004) and the period after its removal (2005-2022). These indicators were interacted with a linear time trend. Estimates were controlled for the national homicide rate. After estimation, the model provided counterfactual estimates of public mass shootings if the FAWB was never imposed and if the FAWB remained in place. The overall upward trajectory in the number of public mass shootings substantially fell while the FAWB was in place. These trends are specific to events in which the perpetrator used an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine. Point estimates suggest the FAWB prevented up to 5 public mass shootings while the ban was active. A continuation of the FAWB and large-capacity magazine ban would have prevented up to 38 public mass shootings, but the CIs become wider as time moves further away from the period of the FAWB. The FAWB, which included a ban on large-capacity magazines, was associated with fewer public mass shooting events, fatalities, and nonfatal gun injuries. Gun control legislation is an important public health tool in the prevention of public mass shootings.

The Unbearable Uncertainty of Being on the Front Street-level Military in the Mexican War on Drugs

Abstract Since the so-called war on drugs began in Mexico in 2006, the military has been the leading actor in charge of the government’s public security policy, undertaking tasks that should be carried out by the police. Analyses of this security strategy are based on quantitative methods and have focused on its results: e.g., an increase in the homicide rate or the committing of human rights violations. In contrast, based on in-depth interviews, this article explores the testimony of military personnel to understand what they experience in the field. Contrary to what the existing literature argues, which maintains that the military acts with a logic of war, this article shows that the situation is far more complex: they act in a scenario characterized by improvisation, facing the dilemma between acting and being accused of human rights or not acting and being accused of disobedience.

Bioarchaeology and evidence of violence from a precolonial later stone age communal burial in South Africa.

This study reports on the bioarchaeology and evidence of interpersonal violence in a group of archaeological skeletons found near Ladismith, Western Cape, South Africa. The co-mingled skeletal remains derive from at least ten individuals of varying ages and both sexes. Overlapping radiocarbon dates on three individuals place them in the first half of the 15th century CE, pre-dating first European contact at the end of that century. Three juvenile crania have perimortem perforations, the locations of which indicate violent deaths. The sizes and shapes of the lesions suggest impact by a blade at least 110mm long and 50mm wide but with edges only 2mm thick. Based on these dimensions, we hypothesise that this was a metal-tipped spear. The nearest metal-working communities at this time lived approximately 500 km away, implying long-distance trade or exchange. δ13C, δ15N and 87Sr/86Sr values indicate that this was a heterogenous group of individuals who had spent their early lives in different locations and consumed varied diets, who had come together and were living in or travelling through the Ladismith area at the time of their deaths. This finding extends the timeframe and location for the practice of communal burial in the Holocene of southern Africa and provides additional support for the hypothesis that communal burials in this region tend to be associated with violence.