When Parents Kill: Structural Correlates of Filicides in the U.S.

• In Event: International Trends and Patterns in Filicide

Abstract

Although child homicide deaths account for only about ten percent of homicides in the United States, their deaths constitute a greater tragedy compared with adults. When children are killed by their parents, society views this as even more of a tragedy, thinking it could have been prevented. Nearly two thirds of children under 5 who are killed, are killed by a parent. This study utilizes 2000-2011 Supplementary Homicide Reports to examine homicides involving parents who kill their children, under the ages of 18. First, descriptive data are analyzed, including the method of death, the weapons used (if any), the sex of the victim and offender, relationship to the victim (mother, father, step-parents), and race of the victim and offender. Employing constructs from the systemic reformulation of social disorganization theory, this analysis examines the relevant structural correlates of filicides. Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) data from 2000 and 2010, and Census data from 2000 and 2010 provide the structural independent variables that are used in a negative binomial regression on count data. Finally, implications for community change are suggested.

Author

• Sheryl Van Horne, Arcadia University