Year: 2010 Source: Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, v.38, no.3, (September 2010), p.305-311 SIEC No: 20100957

In a retrospective study of data from coroners’ files on domestic homicides involving individuals killed by an older spouse or family member over a 15-year period in Quebec, several specific offender & victim characteristics, & circumstances were identified. The homicide was frequently followed by the suicide of the perpetrator. Several victims had pre-existing medical illnesses. At the time of the offense, most perpetrators had a mental illness, usually a depressive disorder, but few had received psychiatric help. The impact of mental illness on domestic homicide-suicide is indicated, underscoring the importance of identifying existing psychopathology. (36 refs.) JA