The Homicide–Suicide Phenomenon: Findings of Psychological Autopsies
-
James L. Knoll [2] ; Susan Hatters-Friedman [1]
-
[1] Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University
City of Cleveland, Estados Unidos
-
[2] SUNY Upstate Medical University
SUNY Upstate Medical University
City of Syracuse, Estados Unidos
-
- Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 60, Nº. 5, 2015, págs. 1253-1257
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
-
Resumen
Homicide–suicide represents a single episode of violence which may decimate an entire family. This study aimed to further describe motives and context of these tragedies. Psychological autopsies were completed for 18 homicide–suicide cases in Dallas, Texas. This included postevent interviews with surviving family members and review of police and coroner records. Two-thirds of perpetrators had made either verbal or written threats prior to the homicide–suicide. A simplified typology describing victim–perpetrator relationship and motive type is suggested for future studies and clinical ease. Two-thirds of perpetrators fell into the category of Intimate-Possessive, most of whom were depressed men who were abusing substances and undergoing separation. Additional categories included Intimate-Ailing, Filial-Revenge, Familial-Psychotic, and Friend-Psychotic. Further, implications from this psychological autopsy study regarding risk assessment include use of collateral interviews regarding threats and past violence
