Journal Published Online: 01 May 2001
Volume 46, Issue 3

Combined Homicide-Suicide in Galveston County

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Combined homicide-suicides have been classified based on the psychopathology of the perpetrator and the nature of the relationship between perpetrator and victim(s). To further understand the nature of this tragic phenomenon and to test the validity and practicality of a previously suggested classification system, investigators systematically collected data on all combined homicide-suicide events that occurred in Galveston County, Texas over a continuous 18-year period (n = 20). The most common psychopathological finding for perpetrators was high serum alcohol levels that suggested intoxication. Most combined homicide-suicides fell into one of the relational categories and most of these, as predicted, were of the consortial type, possessive subtype. As expected, due to the small sample size, the less common types of combined homicide-suicide were not represented in this sample.

Author Information

Felthous, AR
Chester Mental Health Center, Chester, IL
Hempel, AG
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, the University of Texas at Houston, Vernon, TX
Heredia, A
University of Texas Health Sciences Center, and Harris County Psychiatric Center, Houston, TX
Freeman, E
, Houston, TX
Goodness, K
Behavioral Management Treatment Program, Vernon State Hospital, Vernon, TX
Holzer, C
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
Bennett, TJ
Baylor College of Medicine, Honston, TX
Korndorffer, WE
Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office, Texas City, TX
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS15007J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15007J