Multiple einzeitige tötungsdelikte - Forensische und kriminologische aspekte

Translated title of the contribution: Multiple homicides - Forensic and criminologic aspects

Stephan A. Padosch, Peter H. Schmidt, Markus A. Rothschild, Burkhard Madea

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The interpretation of medicolegal findings in homicide is an important tool of case profiling (so-called "operative case analysis"). In 17 cases of "multiple homicides" involving 22 offenders (21 males, 1 female; mean age 33 years) and 45 victims (21 males, 24 females; mean age 35 years; 41 fatalities, 4 survivors), the autopsy reports and the prosecution authorities' files were retrospectively analysed with regard to individual characteristics of perpetrators and victims, circumstances, and mode of commitment in order to comprehensively characterise relevant forensic and criminologic aspects. 31 victims were found to belong to the close social environment of the perpetrator, and 32 killings were committed in the victim's, perpetrator's or the joint flat. The main motives included greed (n = 7), personal conflicts (n = 5) and concealing of a crime (n = 9). The relevant injuries were attributable to gunshot wounds (n = 13), sharp force (n = 11), blunt force (n = 3), ligature strangulation (n = 3), smothering (n = 6), fire/carbon monoxide (n = 2) and combined impacts (n = 7). In 12 victims, defense injuries were found. The blood alcohol concentration exceeded 1.5 g/l in 5 victims. In 5 offenders, a psychiatric impairment of juridical responsibility was assessed § 20 German criminal code, n = 1, psychosis; § 21 German criminal code, n = 4; acute alcohol intoxication). As far as data were available, 16 crimes were judged as murder, 12 as manslaughter and one as physical injury with fatal outcome.

Translated title of the contributionMultiple homicides - Forensic and criminologic aspects
Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)92-101
Number of pages10
JournalArchiv fur Kriminologie
Volume213
Issue number3-4
StatePublished - Mar 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Case profiling
  • Multiple homicide
  • Offender-victim-relationship

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