Predicting Case Clearance for Homicides Targeting the LGBTQIA+ Community

• In Event: Understanding and Preventing Crimes Against Targeted or Vulnerable Groups

Abstract

Objective:
This study examines the similarities and differences in anti-LGBTQIA+ homicide cases with and without arrests occurring in the United States since 1990. Several incident-level, victim-level and community-level characteristics are comparatively examined.

Data & Method:
Data are extracted from the Bias Homicide Database (BHDB) and other open-source data on anti-LGBTQIA+ homicides. The BHDB is an open-source database including detailed information on anti-LGBTQIA+ homicide victims, offenders, and incident characteristics.

Results:
Several similarities and differences in victim, incident, and community characteristics across anti-LGBTQIA+ homicides with and without arrests were observed.

Conclusions/Implications:
Findings suggest there is empirical value in comparatively examining anti-LGBTQIA+ homicides with and without arrests in the context of victim demographics as well as the community characteristics in which these homicides occurred. Findings can inform investigatory approaches and policies aimed at preventing anti-LGBTQIA+ homicides.

Authors

• Brittaney Alyssa Mann, University of Arkansas

• Kayla Allison, University of Arkansas