A 28-year (1963-90) study of homicide in Marion County, Oregon
Batten, P.J.; Hicks, L.J.; Penn, D.W.
American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 12(3): 227-234
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0195-7910 PMID: 1750395 Document Number: 382717
We describe 240 consecutive homicidal deaths that occurred in Marion County, Oregon [USA], over a 28-year period (1963-90). An epidemiological assessment of the homicides yielded the following information: More than 91% of these deaths were primary homicides. In primary homicide, 63% of the victims and 88% of the offenders were male. In secondary homicide, 76% of the victims and all of the offenders were male. A high percentage of victims (83%) and offenders (84%) in primary homicide were Caucasian, as were 100% of victims and offenders in secondary homicide. About 12% of victims and 10% of offenders in primary homicide were Hispanic. Fifty-nine percent of primary homicides were intrasexual, as compared to 87% of secondary homicides. An intraracial pattern was found in 90% of primary homicides and in 100% of secondary homicides. The most frequenct means of death in both primary and secondary homicides were firearms, physical beating, and stabbing. Strangers committed 80% of secondary homicides. This was in marked contrast to the victim-offender relationship found in primary homicides, where strangers were responsible for .apprx. 16% of the total, acquaintances for .apprx. 36%, and family members for .apprx. 48%. The overall clearance rate (i.e., the identification and charging of a suspect for the death) was 88%.