Does type of psychiatric disorder affect patterns of homicidal behavior?

• In Event: Causes of Violence

Abstract

Homicide case files for defendants referred either for competency or criminal responsibility evaluations in the state of Michigan were examined. The 330 case files included information about primary and secondary DSM diagnoses for defendants as well as the circumstances surrounding the homicide and victim-offender relationships. The presentation will examine how patterns of homicidal behavior (E.g., motive, victim identity, method of killing) vary across types of psychiatric disorder.

Authors

• Christine Tartaro, Stockton University

• Joshua Duntley, Stockton University

• Stephanie Medvetz, Stockton University

• Nicole Hafner, Rider University