Integrating the Literature on Lethal Violence: A Comparison of Mass Murder, Homicide, and Homicide-Suicide

Although mass murder is traditionally examined as a separate construct from homicide generally, few studies have explored their similarities and differences. This study compares the incident, victim, and offender characteristics of: (1) mass murderers and homicide offenders; and (2) mass murder-suic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Homicide studies 2022-05, Vol.26 (2), p.123-147
Main Author: Fridel, Emma E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Criminology
Mass murders
Mental disorders
Murders & murder attempts
Suicides & suicide attempts
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Summary:Although mass murder is traditionally examined as a separate construct from homicide generally, few studies have explored their similarities and differences. This study compares the incident, victim, and offender characteristics of: (1) mass murderers and homicide offenders; and (2) mass murder-suicide offenders and homicide-suicide perpetrators. Mass murderers are more likely to be male; commit suicide; kill young, white, and female victims; use firearms; co-offend; operate in public places; and kill as part of drug trafficking and/or gang warfare. The analysis demonstrates that mass murderers are distinct from both homicide and homicide-suicide perpetrators, and represent a unique type of violent offender.
ISSN:1088-7679
1552-6720
DOI:10.1177/10887679211002889