Homicide-Suicide (Dyadic Death), Homicide, and Firearms use in England and Wales

An analysis of cases in the Yorkshire & Humberside region of England between 1991-2005 revealed 37 episodes of homicide-suicide with 42 victims. In this study all assailants were male. 16% of victims were killed by firearms, a reduction compared with a previous study in the same region. All of those who shot their victims also died by firearm suicide. There were no multiple killings with firearms in this study & no stranger killings. Firearms use remains low in both homicide & homicide-suicide episodes in England. Further analysis is needed to determine changes in patterns. (33 refs.)