A comparison of homicides with male and female suspects: National Violent Death Reporting System, 2004-2005

Data from the 2004 and 2005 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) were used to describe and compare homicides committed by male and female suspects. Homicide research has often focused on factors related to victimization. However, examining the similarities and differences between male and female suspects helps explain the context and dynamics of homicide. Such studies may yield important information leading to the prevention of violent deaths. This analysis included 3,422 homicides with a single suspect and single victim. Information included was suspect/victim demographics and relationships, precipitating circumstances, location, and methods used to commit the homicide. Among homicides with a known suspect, 89% involved a male suspect; 11% involved a female suspect. For 67% (n= 2,306) both suspect and victim were male. Intimate partner (IP) violence was documented as a precipitating circumstance in 19% (n=663) of all deaths; 531 were a current or former partners. Other family members (n=29) were also victims in these incidents (including 6 children). Over half the homicides committed by female suspects and 19% committed by male suspects occurred within a current or former IP relationship. Most homicides of children (under 12 years old) were committed by males (69%), but nearly 1 in 3 were committed by females. The NVDRS provides important information not otherwise available regarding violent deaths in the U.S. Evaluating homicides by sex of suspect and victim/suspect relationship well help identify risk and contextual factors and the dynamics of the violence, and help tailor programs to specifically address them.