NCJ Number
151332
Journal
Juristat Volume: 14 Issue: 15 Dated: (August 1994) Pages: 1-20
Date Published
1994
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report presents an overview of 1993 data by describing the nature and extent of homicide incidents, victim and accused characteristics, as well as recent trends at the national level; homicide data at the provincial/territorial and Census Metropolitan Area level are also presented.
Abstract
In Canada, homicide is classified as first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, or infanticide. In 1993, there were 630 homicides reported in Canada, a 14- percent decline from the 1992 total of 732 homicides. This is the second straight year that the number of homicides has declined. The large decrease in the number of homicides was primarily due to large declines in both Ontario and Alberta. Shootings have accounted for approximately one-third of all homicides since 1979. In 1993, this proportion was 31 percent, a decrease from 1991 (36 percent) and 1992 (34 percent). In 1993, 15 percent of solved homicides were committed by strangers, the same as in the previous year. Over one-half (51 percent) of homicide victims were killed by an acquaintance and one-third (33 percent) by a spouse, other immediate family member, or relative. Although the number of spousal homicides in 1993 (n=87) was fewer than in 1992 (n=105), spousal homicides continued to account for one out of every six solved homicides. Thirty-five youths aged 12-17 were accused of committing homicide, a 40-percent decline from the 58 youths accused in 1992. 6 tables and 8 figures