NCJ Number
147140
Journal
Behavioral Sciences and the Law Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1993) Pages: 389-396
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed data contained in the FBI Supplemental Homicide Reports for 1984 and 1991 to determine whether there were differences between homicides committed by juveniles and adults in 1991 and what offense characteristics are related to the rise in juvenile homicide during this period.
Abstract
The total data set included 32,526 incidents resulting in the arrest of a single individual and 4,093 incidents resulting in multiple arrests. The most noteworthy shift in homicide trends was the 375-percent increase in the use of handguns in homicides. In 1991, guns were used in 75.9 percent of juvenile-committed homicides. The incidence of both crime- related and conflict-related homicides increased, but the largest rise was in crime-related murders. There was also an increase in the involvement of accomplices, suggesting greater involvement of gangs or less formally organized groups. The increase in juvenile homicides occurred primarily among male minorities. The author suggests that poverty, unemployment, family instability, and the deterioration of social institutions may be underlying factors which have a disproportionate impact on minority youth. The results highlight the need to examine further the role of handguns in juvenile crime. 2 tables and 12 references