Elderly Homicide Offenders in Switzerland – How, Whom, Where, and Why Do They Kill?

• In Event: Homicide in Europe

Abstract

In Switzerland, one in seven homicides is committed by an offender aged 65 or older. These homicides differ significantly from those committed by younger perpetrators in terms of victim characteristics, crime scene, preferred modus operandi, circumstances, and motive. Based on data from the Swiss Homicide Monitor—a comprehensive database of all intentional homicides in Switzerland following the methodology of the European Homicide Monitor—this presentation compares homicides committed by offenders of different age groups, highlighting the specific characteristics of these crimes.

Authors

• Simone Walser, University of St. Gallen

• Martin Killias, University of St. Galen

• Nora Markwalder, University of St. Gallen