Homicide in the Canadian Prairies: Spousal killers, amnesia and self-harm

Abstract

This study identifies the incidence of claims of amnesia in homicide offenders and explores the associations with other psychopathology. It is a retrospective file review and analysis of 901 non-selective, adult men convicted of homicide. Claims of amnesia occurred in 31% (280) of the total homicide population and 46% of spousal killers compared to 28% of non-spousal killers. Claims in both groups were significantly associated with alcohol use and in the spousal group with actual or threats of self-harm at the time of the killing. Spousal killers were more likely to claim some degree of amnesia for the homicide and engage in or threaten self-harm after the killing. These and other features suggest that some spousal killers may have borderline personality traits/disorders. This study proposes a new classification for spousal homicides.