Homicide Followed By Suicide: A Cross Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Approximately 30 incidents of homicide followed by suicide occur in England and Wales each year. Previous studies have not examined mental health characteristics in any detail.
Aims: This study aims to identify the social, clinical, and criminological characteristics of a national sample of perpetrators, to identify any previous contact with mental health services and to establish risk of suicide after homicide.
Method: A national cross-sectional study of perpetrators in England and Wales 1996–2005.
Results: 203 incidents were recorded over 9 years. The median age of perpetrators was 41 years (range 18–88 years); most were male. Men more often killed a spouse/partner, whilst women more commonly killed their children. Eighty-four (42%) perpetrators died by suicide on the day of the homicide. The most common method of homicide was sharp instrument (44, 23%). Fifty-nine (29%) used hanging as a method of suicide. Twenty (10%) had previous contact with mental health services, 14 were seen within a year of the offence. The most common diagnoses were personality...