Dyadic death (instances of homicide followed by the suicide of the perpetrator, &/or double suicide pacts) were studied from the case files of the Office of the Medical Examiner of Metropolitan Dade County in Miami, Florida, USA. 65 cases occurring between the years 1977 & 1983 were analyzed as to the age, race, sex, cause of death, blood alcohol & drugs detected at autopsy of both the homicide & suicide victims. An analysis of who was the instigator or aggressor of the action, the reason for the action, & the age difference of the consorts was performed. (6 refs)