Issues and Answers

It is asked if murder-suicides are a frequent occurrence, why they occur, & if it is possible that there is a copycat effect when these stories are publicized. The response notes that murder-suicide is a rare phenomenon; in the USA, only 4% of homicides also involve suicide. Generally, men are the perpetrators of these acts. There is a possibility that media coverage can cause contagion. A case from India which was nationally publicized was followed by a similar incident a few weeks later.