Murder in a Peaceful Setting

• NCJ Number: 88506
• Journal: International Annales of Criminology Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: (1979-80) Pages: 19-28
• Author(s): K Lithner
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: France

Annotation

The State's attorney in Karlskrona, Sweden, describes and analyzes the 13 cases of trial for murder or manslaughter that have been handled by him or his office from 1965 to 1978.

Abstract

The incidence of crimes against life is low in Sweden compared with most other countries because of three factors: no inherited tradition of serious violence exists in Sweden, no serious race or group conflicts exist and Sweden has strict firearms control. From 1965-78, the State's attorneys office handled 13 cases comprising 15 crimes, as one person killed 3 victims. Four of the cases happened in the province of Blekinge and nine in the province of Kronoberg. Three cases occurred in towns, four in smaller places, and six in rural districts. Three murders remained unsolved which occurred in modern times. All offenders were male, and all but one were Swedish citizens. The age range was 20 to 82, with the average being 41 years. Ten were blue-collar workers, and three were retired. The victims included six men, six women, and three children. Relations between offenders and victims were usually very close; 9 of the 15 crimes were directed against family members. Murder weapons included firearms, knives, axes, and belts. Three murders were committed by shooting, and five each by stabbing, strangling, and beating. In three cases, two methods contributing to death were used against the same victim. Extended suicide, mental illness, and jealousy provided the most frequent motivations for the murders. Five of the offenders had no previous criminal record. Police investigation was required in only one case to effect apprehension of the criminal; in five cases the offender reported the crime immediately. Eleven defendants were prosecuted for murder and two for manslaughter. Punishments ranged from psychiatric care in an institution to 10 years in prison. Three footnotes and 12 tables are provided.