ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 17 December 2003
Page Count: 5

Homicide Victim/Offender Relationship in Florida Medical Examiner District 8
Drawdy, SM
University of Florida, FL

Myers, WC
Associate Professor and Chief, University of Florida, FL

(Received 13 January 2003; accepted 25 August 2003)

Abstract

This study examined the correlations between victim/offender relationship and three variables: motive, weapon choice, and number of injuries inflicted. Empirical relationship and motive categories were used. The sample consisted of 57 intentional homicide cases from Florida Medical Examiner District 8 between the years 1992 and 1996. Relationships were divided into primary and secondary categories. Primary relationships included intimates, relatives, and friends; secondary relationships included acquaintances and strangers. Motives were classified as romantic dispute, argument/conflict, revenge, or felony type; weapons as firearm or contact; and number of injuries inflicted as single or multiple. A significant correlation was found between victim/offender relationship and homicide motive; however, the revenge and felony type motive categories did not differ. Unexpectedly, no correlation was found between victim/offender relationship and either weapon choice or number of injuries inflicted. Further study is needed of the interactions between homicide victim/offender relationship and motive, weapon selection, and number of injuries inflicted.

Keywords:
forensic science, homicide, victimology, victim/offender relationship, motive, weapon

Paper ID: JFS2003006
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003006
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