NCJ Number
189131
Journal
Journal of Threat Assessment Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 35-45
Editor(s)
Joseph T. McCann
Date Published
2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reviewed factors helpful in the assessment of potential for the murder of parents or parricide by both adult children and adolescent perpetrators.
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that specific characteristics distinguished adolescent murderers of family members (parricide) from other adolescent murderers. This article discussed these characteristics, as well the difference between adult children and adolescent perpetrators of parricide. The article discussed factors or characteristics in order to review their predictive implications as they relate to parricide. The risk factors identified for adult children included: (1) they are male; (2) they live near their parents; (3) they are financially and emotionally dependent on their parents; and (4) they have limited social relationships and activities outside the family. Several factors were identified when assessing the risk of parricide among adolescent perpetrators which included: (1) they are male; (2) there is a pattern of prior violence; (3) the child feels the existing situation in the family is intolerable; (4) there is alcohol or drug abuse by the parents or child; and (5) the child reports that one or both parents are physically abusive. All these factors have different implications for threat assessment and the opportunity for intervention. Adult children were often already in treatment for serious mental illness, making prevention and intervention easier. The detection of the potential for parricide among adolescents was more delicate. School counselors and teachers were seen as the most likely to recognize the warning signs. Three case studies were presented and illustrated the dynamics of parricide. References