Homicide Incidents Research Articles

Deadnamed and Denied Justice: The Role of Deadnaming and Other Factors in Transgender Homicide Clearance

Fatal violence against transgender people is a critical issue in contemporary America. There is also significant reason to believe that many transgender homicides are left unsolved. There has, however, been no systematic analysis of these patterns. This study uses data from a newly-collected, comprehensive database of transgender homicides occurring between 2010 and 2021 to conduct logistic regression analyses predicting the likelihood of clearance by arrest, accounting for the presence of deadnaming and various victim sociodemographic characteristics. Taken together, our research identifies two clear findings regarding the clearance of transgender homicide. First, we observe clear differences in the frequency of deadnaming by the police according to victim characteristics, such that incidents involving Black victims and victims with a history of involvement in sex work are more likely to involve deadnaming. Second, we find that homicide incidents in which transgender victims are deadnamed by the police are significantly and substantially less likely to be cleared by arrest, relative to transgender homicides. These findings suggest the critical importance of eliminating instances of deadnaming among police investigations of transgender homicides, not only for moral reasons, but also as a clear barrier to police efficacy in solving murder cases.

Enhancing forensic applications through the mineralogy of clays in surface soil horizon: A case study of baixada fluminense, Southeast Brazil

Clay minerals possess chemical, mineralogical, and crystallographic characteristics that make them potential forensic markers, as they can reflect geochemical and weathering processes on a detailed scale. Therefore, this study aims to use the mineralogy of the clay fraction to distinguish samples from the surface soil horizons in four municipalities in Brazil, to assess the possibility of geographical tracking for forensic applications. Studies characterizing clays in environments with a variety of soil types in forensic pedology are necessary but still in their early stages. Furthermore, due to the high incidence of homicides involving the displacement of bodies in the region and the low resolution of these crimes, this research is crucial for geoscientific applications, with the potential for global replication. The samples were separated by centrifugation and analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence, and thermogravimetry. Minerals were determined through quantitative mineralogical analyses using Rietveld and Biscaye methods. Additionally, in conjunction with the crystallographic parameters of kaolinite (Full Width at Half Maximum – FWHM), it was possible to form 8 Clay Mineral Assemblages and Gibbsite (CMAG), whose geographical delimitation considered geological and hydrographic aspects. The determination of CMAGs is based on mineralogy and is defined as follows: CMAG 1: kaolinite+(illite); CMAG 2: kaolinite+(gibbsite); CMAG 3: kaolinite + illite + montmorillonite; CMAG 4: kaolinite + illite+(gibbsite); CMAG 5: ordered kaolinite+(illite)+(gibbsite); CMAG 6: kaolinite + gibbsite+(illite); CMAG 7: disordered kaolinite + illite + gibbsite; CMAG 8: kaolinite+(illite)+(chlorite). The results indicate that the quantification of clay minerals in samples from surface soil horizons, FWHM, and the % of Al in goethite can represent valuable tools for forensic pedology. Moreover, through the characterization of iron and titanium (hydr)oxides, it was possible to distinguish samples with a distance of 335 m between them, further expanding the capability to identify the geographical origin of samples, making them potential forensic markers.

Profile of Homicidal Death Cases: One-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Homicide is regarded as a notorious crime against the society that causes intentional killing, aggravated assaults resulting in death. Nowadays, the incidence of homicide is increasing worldwide and it is a matter of great concern all over the world and it has significant consequence for both social and economic security of the people as well as national development. Objective: This study was aimed to describe the pattern homicidal behavior and the relationships among socio-demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A record-based retrospective cross-sectional study includes 180 cases of homicide out of the total of 1296 medico-legal autopsies conducted at Forensic Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College during the year from July 2021 to June 2022. Results: A total number of 1296 medico-legal autopsies were conducted, of them 180(13.89%) cases were homicide and others (RTA, suicide, fall from height, poisoning, hanging, burn) were 1116(86.11%). Out of 180 homicidal death, most of them were 30-40 age group 66(36.67%), 144 cases were male (80 %) and 36 were female (20 %) whereas considering religion, the majority were Muslim 156 in number (86.67%) and the rest were of other religion. Among the homicidal death married were 150 (83.33%), in case of occupation most of them were Jobholder 39 (21.67%). According to the method of homicide, stab wound was the favorite homicide method used over victims 60(33.33%), 36(20%) cases were chop, 30(16.67%) cases were gunshot & strangulation and 24(13.33%) cases were others causes. Regarding place of residence of most of them were from Shahbag thana 108(60%). Conclusion: Stab wound was the favorite homicide method in Bangladesh and the most common age of the victims were 30-40 age group. The usefulness of the data in the scientific community is the database of homicide that should be advantageous for pathologists and forensic scientists work and particularly to be a guideline for homicide investigations in Bangladesh. KYAMC Journal Volume: 15, No: 01, April 2024: 25-28.

Sexual homicide: a descriptive analysis of demographics, behaviour, and body disposal in New Zealand

ABSTRACT As a rare and complex phenomenon, the study of sexual homicide continues to be understudied in international contexts. This exploratory study sought to address this gap, utilising a dataset of 26 sexual homicide incidents which took place in New Zealand between 1968 and 2022, sourced from both judicial sentencing reports and a Police database. Descriptive analyses revealed men were the most common perpetrators, with females being the predominant victims. The act of moving or concealing the body emerged as a prevalent behaviour. Significant variation was observed between incidents, with each involving unique and distinctive sexual behaviours, further emphasising the challenges in understanding this complex phenomenon. By shedding light on both the commonalities and distinctive features across sexual homicides in a unique sample, this research highlights the heterogeneity among homicide offences of this nature, and provides insight to support the prevention, investigation and intervention with sexual homicide in both a local and global context. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This study sheds light on the dynamics of sexual homicide in New Zealand, highlighting common trends and unique behaviours among perpetrators and victims. By informing more targeted investigation strategies, it contributes to the collective aim of improving responses to sexual violence at both a local and global level.

Exploring the Contributory Factors of Homicide Victimization within the Province of Pampanga, Philippines

In the province of Pampanga, Philippines, particularly from 2019-2022, homicide victimization is considered the third highest crime category in the region. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring and evaluating the factors contributing to homicide victimization in Pampanga during the specific years. The descriptive research design was employed using the survey questionnaire and secondary data sources to answer the objectives of the study. A survey questionnaire was distributed purposively to 101 Police Commissioned Officers (PCO) and Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO) stationed at various police stations in Pampanga. The study revealed that the homicide incidents in the province of Pampanga, Philippines from 2019-2022 occurred often in the evening and midnight during the first quarter. Homicide incidents can occur in public and private places and the perpetrators were sometimes under the influence of alcohol/liquor, and the weapons often used were guns/firearm, knives, and other blunt/bladed instruments. The motives of the perpetrators are usually out of anger or hatred, heated argument and revenge, and the often modus operandi were shooting the victims and stabbing or hacking the victims. Furthermore, the study also revealed that the crime prevention programs to prevent the occurrence of homicide incidents in Pampanga, Philippines were always implemented. Positive correlations were observed to the time of occurrence, involvement of perpetrators, weapons used, motives and community involvement.

Characterization of Homicides in Mexico: Analysis of 2015-2022.

In Mexico, homicides are the leading cause of death among men aged 15 to 44 years; however, despite their increase in recent decades, the study of this issue is insufficient, given its magnitude and impact. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns and associated factors of homicides in Mexico from 2015 to 2022. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing death records from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography's general mortality databases. Simple frequencies and incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants by sex, year, and state of the Mexican Republic were calculated. Mortality was evaluated by age groups and geographic areas, and bivariate logistic regression models with sociodemographic variables were performed. Records of 229,182 homicides in Mexico were analyzed, with a median age of 33 years, interquartile range 18. A total of 203,898 (88.96%) were men and 25,284 (11.04%) were women. The majority of deaths occurred in public places and were caused by firearms; women had a higher percentage of homicides at home. States with high incidence rates for both sexes were Chihuahua, Zacatecas, Michoacán, Colima, and Estado de México. The total years of life lost were 9.19 million years. The national incidence of homicides in men showed an upward trend from 2015 to 2019; however, in the case of women, this incidence increased in various age groups during the study period. Occupation, education, marital status, and place of occurrence had significant associations in the logistic regression models. This study provides a spatial-temporal characterization of homicides in Mexico between 2015 and 2022, highlighting the high incidence in men and the upward trend in certain age groups among women. These findings underscore the need for preventive measures and public policies to address this issue in a multisectoral manner.

An Autopsy based Demographic Profile of Homicidal Deaths in Central India, Indore

Homicide is a serious crime committed against humans and its detection and solution is important to the entire society. The present study was taken up to know the incidence of homicides in the city of Indore and to determine the demographic trends in committing homicides. This was an autopsy based prospective study done on alleged homicide cases in Forensic Medicine Department M.G.M. Medical College, January Indore from 26 January 2021 to 25 2022 (1 year). Data was collected from 57 male homicide cases. Males outnumbered females with a ratio of 4.38:1. Most of the victims belonged to age group 21 to 30 years, unmarried (50.88%), belonged to nuclear family (68.42%), residing in urban area (68.42%). Mostly sufferers were employed (50.88%) cases and self-employed (28.81%) cases. Maximum of the victims (36.84%) were brought dead followed by spot dead (35.89%).

Blood and Desire: A Case of Preplanned Murder, following Torture by Spouse

As one of the oldest civilizations of the world, India has experienced several seismic changes in culture, migration and invasion in which violence has played an integral part which has also brought changes in patterns of homicide and responses to it. Attempts to camouflage 1the homicidal incidents is not an unknown phenomenon, which neither the science nor the law is always successful in unearthing and 2 when the element of premeditation is involved, the crime becomes much more heinous. Requisition for conducting post-mortem examination of a 42-year-old male was brought to Kolkata Police Morgue on 05/11/2022, being referred from a district hospital. External examination showed multiple injuries over the face, extremities and external genitalia with numerous nail scratch abrasions over the anterior aspect of the neck. Internally all visceral organs were congested.

Residential Time Spent and Homicide during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The United States has witnessed a significant upsurge in homicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic (NCHS, 2021). While multiple theories attempt to account for this increase, our study examines the impact of changes in human mobility resulting from stay-at-home and social distancing measures on variations in homicide incidents. We conducted a fixed-effects Poisson regression analysis using panel data that encompasses the day of the week and week collected from Chicago between February 2020 and July 2021. Our findings indicate that the increased time spent in residential settings due to stay-at-home orders is not a significant factor in explaining the rise in homicide numbers. Instead, our study suggests that the pandemic as a whole and its influence on individual strains provide a more plausible explanation for the increase in homicide incidence.

Changing Patterns of Domestic Homicide During Lockdown: Interrupted Time-Series Analysis in England and Wales

This study aimed to examine the effect of lockdown restrictions on domestic homicide incidents in England and Wales. We analyzed data on 1,104 domestic homicides recorded by the Home Office Homicide Index between January 2014 and March 2021 using interrupted time-series analysis. Findings showed an immediate drop in ex-partner homicides following the first lockdown and higher than expected levels of parent and child homicides at different points during the first, second and third lockdowns. Our results suggest a change in the composition of domestic homicide during lockdown and contribute to a more detailed understanding of the short-, mid- and long-term effects of lockdown measures on domestic homicide.

Weird winter weather in the Anthropocene: How volatile temperatures shape violent crime

PurposeCurrent evidence suggests volatile temperatures are becoming more common because of climate change and can be expected to become even more frequent in the future. By focusing on recent temperature variability, we attempt to estimate one important dimension of climate change's impact on violent crime by exploring associations between sudden temperature swings and the incidence of violence. We also explore whether sudden upward temperature anomalies have stronger positive impacts on violent crime in the coldest months of the year due to routine activities changes. MethodsThis study explores the association between sudden temperature anomalies (both upward and downward) and the daily incidence of homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault in 28 U.S. cities from 2015 to 2021 using multivariable two-way fixed-effects negative binomial panel regression models. ResultsWe find temperature volatility is significantly associated with the incidence of violence. Upward departures in temperature are associated with increases in robbery and homicide, while downward departures are associated in the opposite direction. These associations are more robust in winter, with unexpectedly warmer winter weather associated with larger increases in robbery. ConclusionsResults support the hypotheses and routine activities theory. We discuss the findings in the context of under-explored criminological consequences of climate change.

The epidemiology of homicide among older adults: retrospective analysis using data from the Victorian Homicide Register

Older adult homicide is unique and under-researched, requiring immediate attention due to the rapidly ageing population. The current study aims to contribute to the description of homicide at the individual, interpersonal, incident and community levels. This research comprised a whole of state jurisdiction population-based retrospective analysis of homicide deaths of older adults aged 65 years and older reported to the Coroner between 2001 and 2015. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to compare older adult homicides by sex and the deceased-offender relationship. There were 59 homicide incidents involving 23 female and 36 male deceased (median age=72 years) and 16 female and 41 male offenders (median age=41 years). Individual factors included the following: Deceased frequently had a recorded physical illness (66%), and over one-third were born overseas (37%) or had recent contact with general practitioners and human services (36%). Offenders frequently had a history of illicit drug or alcohol use (63%), diagnosed mental illness (63%) and historical exposure to violence (61%). Interpersonal factors included the following: The deceased-offender relationship tended to be intimate or familial (63%). Incidents factors included the following: incident predominantly occurred in the victim’s home (73%), involving the use of a sharp object (36%), bodily force (31%) or blunt force (20%). The older adult homicide is characterised by poor health in the victim, mental illness, substance abuse or a history of conflict in the either the victim or the offender, familial deceased-offender relationship and the home as the incident location. The results identify future prevention opportunities in clinical and human services settings.

Fall or homicide...? The imbroglio answered at autopsy...!

Homicide is one of the most dreaded consequences of interpersonal conflicts, culminating in ending the life of a person. Cases involving attempts to camouflage homicidal incidents with the accidental ones are not entirely unknown in forensic medicine. Most of the time however, neither medical science nor the law gain expected success in either curbing or unearthing such incidents, so there remains a great possibility of perpetrators escaping a meticulously planned homicide that has been disguised either as a suicide or as an accidental death. In such cases, the role of a scrupulous autopsy is of paramount importance to surface the truth. A careful observation and interpretation of the injuries in dubious circumstances may occasionally reveal an entirely unprecedented story and thereby the cause and manner of death. A case related to a young adult male is herein presented who was initially brought dead to the emergency dept. with an alleged history of assault leading to a blow over his head. In the inquest papers, however, his acquaintances stated the injury to be sustained from an accidental fall in the street. At autopsy, a discrepant location and form of the scalp injury and the additional findings suggestive of manual strangulation and kicking and/or stomping resulted eventually into an opinion of homicide. The characteristic postmortem findings and attempted circumstantial and crime scene alterations by the possible perpetrators are highlighted. The results of a modeled wound-weapon profiling that was carried out later to link the alleged crime weapon with the injury profile, are shown.

Proceedings from the Second Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention, 2022: Creating a Sustainable Healthcare Coalition to Advance a Multidisciplinary Public Health Approach.

Proceedings from the Second Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention, 2022: Creating a Sustainable Healthcare Coalition to Advance a Multidisciplinary Public Health Approach.

Violent Crime, Physical Inactivity, and Obesity: Examining Spatial Relationships by Racial/Ethnic Composition of Community Residents.

Violence is a public health issue that disproportionately affects communities of color in urban centers. There is limited understanding of how violent crime is associatedwith adult physical inactivity and obesity prevalence given the racial/ethnic composition of community residents. This research aimed to address this gap by examining census tract-level data in Chicago, IL. Ecological data gathered from a variety of sources were analyzed in 2020. Violent crime rate represented the number of police-reported incidents of homicide, aggravated assault, and armed robbery per 1,000 residents. Spatial error and ordinary least square regression models were evaluated to determine if violent crime rate was significant associated with prevalence (%) of adult physical inactivity and obesity among all Chicago census tracts (N = 798), majority non-Hispanic (NH) White tracts (n = 240), majority NH Black tracts (n = 280), majority Hispanic tracts (n = 169), and racially diverse tracts (n = 109). Majority was defined as ≥ 50% representation. After adjusting for socioeconomic and environmental measures (e.g., median income, grocery store availability, walkability index), violent crime rate was associated with % physical inactivity and % obesity at the census tract level in Chicago, IL (both p < 0.001). Associations were statistically significant among majority NH Black and Hispanic tracts, but not majority NH White and racially diverse tracts. Future studies should evaluate the structural drivers of violence and the influence these drivers have on adult physical inactivity and obesity risk, particularly in communities of color.

Mass homicide by firearm in Canada: Effects of legislation.

Canada implemented a series of laws regulating firearms including background checks and licensing, references, psychological questionnaires, prohibition of paramilitary style rifles, and magazine capacity restrictions in order to decrease the incidences and deaths from mass shootings. The associated effects of these laws were examined over the years 1974 to 2020. A model was constructed using difference-in-differences analysis of firearms and non-firearms mass homicide incidences and death rates. Mass homicides were defined as a homicide due to one event involving three or more deaths. Incidence rates of mass homicide by firearm were found to be 0.11 (95%CI 0.08, 0.14) per million compared to a non-firearm mass homicide rate of 0.12 (95% CI 0.10, 0.15) per million. Mass homicide death rates by firearm were found to be 0.39 (95% CI 0.29, 0.49) per million compared to a non-firearm mass homicide rate of 0.47 (95% CI 0.34, 0.61) per million. Overall, there is a gradual declining trend in the incidence of mass homicide by firearm (IRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96, 0.98)) and by non-firearm (IRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.97, 0.98)). The decline in mass homicide death rate by firearm and non-firearm is IRR 0.96 (95% CI 0.95, 0.97), and IRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96, 0.98) respectively. No specific associated decrease in mass homicide incidence rates or death rates with firearms legislation was found after the implementation of background checks and prohibition of full auto firearms in 1980, by the implementation of references and psychological questionnaires in 1994, by the restriction of magazine capacity in 1994, the prohibition of paramilitary rifles in 1994, or licensing in 2001.

Study of Homicidal Deaths Autopsied in VSSIMSAR, Burla: A Three-Year Retrospective Study

Killing of an individual is the highest level of aggression found in society. Incidence of homicide is on the rise and its pattern is also changing with time. The present retrospective study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, VIMSAR, st st Burla from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. All the cases brought to the department for autopsy, either confirmed or later registered as homicide by investigating officer were considered for study. Among 4918 autopsies conducted during the period of 3 years 119 cases (2.41%) were of homicidal deaths. 66.4% of homicide victims are males. Majority of homicidal deaths occur in the age group 21-30 years and 31-40 years accounting for 52% of total cases combinedly. 46.2% homicide victims succumbed to injuries at the spot. Majority of cases (44 cases, 37%) occurred during night hours. Infliction of injuries are present in multiple areas in 42.8% of cases. Blunt weapons (29.4%) were the most commonly used. Defence wound were present in 19% of cases. Most common site of fatal injury is head in 46.2% of cases. In majority of cases (46.2%) cause of death was due to craniocerebral injury.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Teenage Homicide Incidence: A Retrospective Review of Forensic Autopsy Cases in Maryland from 2018 to 2021

Homicides in the United States disproportionately affect minorities, and previous research also indicates that increased economic deprivation and social disorganization correlates with increased rates of homicide. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic disparities and may have magnified existing disparities in homicide rates. Few studies have examined the incidence of teenage homicides throughout the United States, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a retrospective case review of homicides involving youth between the age group of 13 and 19 years from 2018 to 2021 in the state of Maryland. The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 affected rates of youth homicide. A total of 230 teenage homicides occurred in Maryland from 2018 to 2021 with 113 cases during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (2018/2019) and 117 cases during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020/2021). The majority of teenage homicide victims were African − American male. More than 83% and 79% of victims were African − American in 2018/2019 and 2020/2021, respectively. Victims were also predominantly male (90% in 2018/2019 and 88% in 2020/2021). Maryland has a population of approximately 6 million people and is made up of 23 countries and Baltimore City. Nearly half of the overall incidents of teenage homicide took place in Baltimore City (49.6% pre-COVID-19 and 44.4% during COVID-19, respectively). While the average victim age did not vary considerably between 2018/2019 (17.8 years) and 2020/2021 (17.5 years), the percentage of cases involving victims ages 13–15 years more than doubled from 5.3% of cases in 2018/2019 to 12% of cases in 2020/2021. The majority of teenage homicide cases were due to firearm injuries (91.7%, n = 211), but during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise in violence involving sharp objects such as knives. The incidence of teenage homicide did not change considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, although we did observe a trend toward younger males who were African American.

Historic redlining, social mobility, and firearm violence.

Much of the recorded medical literature focuses on individual-level factors that contribute to firearm violence. Recently, studies have highlighted higher incidence of firearm violence in historically redlined and marginalized areas, but few have gone on to study the downstream associations causing these differences. This study aims to understand the effects of historic redlining and current income mobility on firearm violence. Using a retrospective cross-sectional design, shooting incidents were spatially joined with redlining vector files and linked to income mobility data (how much a child makes in adulthood). Participants included all assault and homicide incidents involving a firearm in the city of Boston, between 2016 and 2019. The exposure of interest was redlining designation as outlined by the Home Owner's Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the 1930s and income mobility, stratified by race, defined as the income of a child in their 30s compared with where they grew up (census tract level). The outcome measured was shooting rate per census block. We find that increases in Black income mobility (BIM) and White income mobility (WIM) are associated with significant decreases in rates of firearm incidents in all HOLC designations; however, there is a larger decrease with increasing BIM (relative risk, 0.47 per unit increase in BIM [95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.64]; relative risk, 0.81 per unit increase in WIM [95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.93]). Plotting predicted rates of firearm violence in each HOLC designation at different levels of BIM, there were no significant differences in shooting rates between historically harmful and beneficial classifications above $50,000 of BIM. Despite level of WIM, there were continued disparities between harmful and beneficial HOLC classification. These findings highlight the importance of structural racism in the form of redlining and discriminatory housing policies, and the preclusion from economic mobility therein, on the incidence of firearm violence today. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

COVID-19’s Effects on Homicide Investigation

COVID-19 affected every aspect of our society, including homicide incidence, investigation, and prosecution. This case study examines the impact of COVID-19 on homicide investigation in one large metropolitan police department. Two homicide investigators were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A thematic analytic approach was used to identify two overarching themes: fear and changes to investigative procedure. Detectives feared getting COVID-19 and possibly transmitting it to their loved ones, particularly in the early day of the pandemic when little was known about transmission. Homicide investigators faced several changes to how they conducted interviews, met with families, and sought warrants. While this case study only offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by law enforcement departments due to COVID-19, it is clear that homicide investigations were greatly affected and may continue to be so. More research is needed to unpack the relationship between COVID-19 and policies that were implemented in response to it.