A population‐based study of juvenile perpetrators of homicide in England and Wales

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the social, behavioural and offence characteristics of all convicted perpetrators of homicide aged 17 and under; to examine their previous contact with mental health services, and to discuss strategies for homicide prevention. An eight‐year (1996–2004) sample of 363 juvenile homicide perpetrators in England and Wales was examined. The majority of perpetrators were male, used a sharp instrument, and most victims were acquaintances or strangers. Over half had previously offended. A history of alcohol and/or drug misuse was common, as was the prevalence of family dysfunction, abuse, educational difficulties or discipline problems. Previous contact with mental health services was rare. Earlier intervention targeting social and psychological adversity and substance misuse could help to reduce the level of risk for future violence, and may reduce homicide rates among juveniles. Strengthening engagement with young offenders and increasing resources to prevent recidivism may also be beneficial.

Age effects on juvenile homicide perpetration

“…In England and Wales the rate of homicide perpetrated by individuals under 18 years of age is approximately 0.1 in 100,000, compared to an overall homicide rate of 1.4 in 100,000 (Rodway et al, 2011). In the U.S. the equivalent rate is around 3 per 100,00 juveniles, totalling an estimated 840 cases per year (Puzzanchera, 2013).…”

“…Rodway et al (2011) provide some basic information on the ages and genders of the victims of their sample of juvenile homicide offenders; the median age of victims killed by those aged 16 or 17 was 22.5 years, and 75% of these were male. The median age of victims killed by those aged 15 and under was 28 years, and 87% of these were male.…”

“…In a detailed study of 363 juvenile homicide offenders from England and Wales, Rodway et al (2011), examined the prevalence of mental disorder and alcohol/drug misuse across the sample, alongside background and family history factors. They found that 20% of the sample had a lifetime diagnosis of some form of mental disorder and a further 8% had characteristics suggestive of an emerging personality disorder.…”

“…-In England and Wales the juvenile homicide rate is around 6% (Rodway et al, 2011) -In the U.S. the juvenile homicide rate is around 8% (Puzzanchera, 2013) -In Canada the juvenile homicide rate is around 12% (Dauvergne, 2007) -In Finland, the juvenile homicide rate is around 8% (Hagelstam & Häkkänen, 2006) Shumaker and McKee (2001) discuss how the phenomenon of homicide perpetrated by juveniles represents a major concern for society, for a variety of reasons. In particular, it challenges long-standing conceptions of childhood and adolescence, and creates serious dilemmas for criminal and juvenile justice systems (Shumaker & McKee, 2001).…”

“…Shumaker and Prinz, 2000); the characteristics of victims of juvenile homicide (e.g. Bailey, 1996;Rodway, Norrington-Moore, While, Hunt, Flynn, Swinson, Roscoe, Appleby & Shaw, 2011); weapon use and preferences in juvenile homicides (Carcach, 1997;Rodway et al, 2011); gender differences in the perpetration of juvenile homicides (e.g. Heide & Sellers, 2014) and gender/age interactions in juvenile homicide (Heide, Solomon, Sellers & Chan, 2011).…”