ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Homicide in Newfoundland: A Nine-Year Review
Avis, SP
Assistant Professor of Pathology (Forensic), Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland

(Received 19 January 1995; accepted 9 June 1995)

Abstract

Newfoundland has one of the lowest homicide rates in North America. The following study examined homicides in the province of Newfoundland for a nine-year period from 1985 to 1993. During this time there were 45 homicides, 25 male and 20 female victims with an average homicide rate of 0.74 per 100,000 persons. Sharp-force either by stabbing or incised wounds was the most common method followed by blunt-force and firearms. For sharp-force homicides the most frequent victim was a male between the ages of 31–40, while for firearm homicide the most frequent victim was female. A positive blood alcohol was found in almost 54% of victims tested but varied with the sex of the victim and the method of homicide used. Illicit drug use was not detected in any victim. The majority of victims knew their assailant, and the most frequent location for a homicide to occur were the victims home. There were two justifiable homicides during the study period.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, pathology and biology, homicide, crime, Canada

Paper ID: JFS13902J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13902J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.