Child Homicide

Abstract

Between 1967 and 1988, 69 cases of single perpetrator/single victim child homicide resulted in remands into custody in the Yorkshire region. Sixty-four of these cases were examined retrospectively to identify the characteristics of the perpetrators and of victims under 16 years, the relationship of the victim to the accused and the circumstances of the offence. Sixty-four men singly accused of killing a single child victim are described in detail. They were characterized by relatively young age and a lack of long-term stable relationships. Previous psychiatric contact and/or a history of self-harm was noted in one-third of cases. Over half of the group had a criminal record and previous violence to children was noted in 28% of cases. Fathers or surrogate fathers accounted for nearly two-thirds of the accused. In terms of the victims, children under six months were at greatest risk. Nearly one-third of victims were the biological offspring of the accused. Sexually motivated homicide accounted for approximately 18.7% of deaths. Victim behaviours and domestic disharmony acted as precipitants in 64% of the cases, with 54.7% of the victims dying as a result of physical beatings. Alcohol consumption at the material time was more common than noted in previous studies of child homicide.