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Homicide-suicide in older persons

D Cohen1, M Llorente, C Eisdorfer

  • 1Department of Aging and Mental Health, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, USA.

The American Journal of Psychiatry
|March 21, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Homicide-suicide rates were higher than previously reported, particularly in older couples. Spousal homicide-suicides were most common, influenced by factors like health, race, and relationship dynamics.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Public Health
  • Criminology

Background:

  • Homicide-suicide events, particularly within spousal/consortial relationships, represent a critical area of public health concern.
  • Understanding the incidence and patterns of these events is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the annual incidence of homicide-suicide in Florida.
  • To compare the patterns and antecedents of homicide-suicide in younger versus older spousal/consortial cases.

Main Methods:

  • Data were collected from four medical examiner districts in Florida spanning 1988-1994.
  • Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 population, stratified by age group and region.
  • 160 variables were coded from medical examiner reports to compare case characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Annual homicide-suicide incidence rates were higher than previously reported, ranging from 0.3-0.9 per 100,000.
  • Spousal/consortial homicide-suicides were the most frequent type in both younger and older age groups.
  • Older couples (West Central FL) were typically Caucasian, married, in poor health, with perpetrators showing depression/alcohol abuse; younger couples (Southeast FL) were often Hispanic with significant age differences and prominent discord/violence/separation.

Conclusions:

  • Homicide-suicide rates in Florida exceeded prior studies, with spousal/consortial cases dominating.
  • While psychopathology is implicated, these acts result from complex interactions of individual vulnerabilities, cultural factors, and stressful experiences.

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