Comparing Completed and Attempted Bias Homicides: The Likelihood of Third Party Presence

• In Event: Understanding Hate Crimes from a Theoretical and Empirical Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the situational factors that shape third party presence during completed bias homicides compared to attempted bias homicides. The purpose of the current study is to better understand how deadly bias crime events and attempted bias homicides involving third parties compare to those without bystanders, and how situational factors combine to increase the likelihood of third party presence across completed and attempted cases. Data come from the Bias Homicide Database, an open-source database on all homicides occurring in the U.S. since 1990. A corresponding sample of attempted bias homicides were collected and coded by researchers familiar with the database. A mixed-methods approach will be used, including descriptive statistics, multivariate analyses, logistic regression, and an exploratory conjunctive analysis. Analyses will examine how motive, victim-offender relationship, and situational factors are associated with third party presence. These variables will then be compared across completed and attempted bias homicides. Results can reveal new avenues for preventing hate crime homicides, specifically in regard to situational crime prevention and public policy.

Authors

• Keara Werth, Michigan State University

• Brittany E. Hayes, University of Cincinnati

• Jeffrey Gruenewald, University of Arkansas

• Steven Chermak, Michigan State University