NCJ Number
182245
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 151-161
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined four cases of female-perpetrated marital homicides that occurred in Fiji over an 11-year period.
Abstract
Between January 1, 1982, and December 31, 1992, four men were killed by their wives in Fiji. These homicides represented about 1.5 percent of the 169 homicides reported to the police over the 11-year period. Most of the homicidal couples were living together at the time of the homicide incidents. With the exception of one separated couple, homicides occurred at the residences of victims and assailants. Two homicides involved interracial couples; in the other two homicides, both victims and assailants were Indian. Three of the four homicides involved a sexual triangle in which the wife was engaged in an extramarital relationship and colluded with her paramour to plot and execute the homicide. In the fourth case, the woman acted alone, killing her husband after repeated physical abuse and threats to her life. Although most homicides were premeditated, the method of killing varied from case to case. Two victims were killed by strangulation, a third victim was beaten to death, and a sleeping victim was hacked in the neck with a machete. Case histories are included. 66 references and 1 note