NCJ Number
156232
Date Published
Unknown
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study was conducted to identify characteristics of arson-homicides and to provide arson and homicide investigators with information on patterns and common characteristics of such crimes.
Abstract
Data for 183 cases of arson-homicide were obtained from the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program. The cases were reported from 36 States and the District of Columbia between 1985 and 1994. Only 31 of the cases have been cleared by arrest. The variables examined related to the victim, to the known offenders, and the offense. Tabular data and narrative information are provided on victims' gender and age, cause of death, time of fire injury to victims, location of the arson-homicide, whether the victim was known to the offender, whether there was more than one victim, other crimes associated with the arson-homicides, victim lifestyles, victim-risk factor, and offender lifestyle traits. The authors advise that investigators should note that time of fire injury to the victim's body may provide valuable investigative information. Findings show that burning was post- mortem in 80 percent of female victims, in 60 percent of male victims, in 76 percent of single-victim cases, for 82 percent of high-risk victims, for 79 percent of outdoor locations, and in 64 percent of the cases in which bodies were found indoors. Overall, victim-risk factor may be an important asset to the arson- homicide investigator. In this study, the findings show that victims involved in drugs were killed, for the most part, by offenders who were also involved in drugs. Homosexual offenders killed homosexual victims; transient victims were killed by transient offenders; and alcoholic victims were killed by alcoholic offenders. Suggestions for additional research are offered. 21 tables and a 17-item bibliography