NCJ Number
217064
Journal
Acta Criminologica Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: 2006 Pages: 42-52
Date Published
2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This paper examined the nature or offense characteristics of hired killings in intimate partner relationships in South Africa.
Abstract
In respect to hired killings in intimate partner relationships, several aggravating factors can be discerned: (1) the murder is carefully planned; (2) it is a rational act with the deliberate intent to kill; (3) others are persuaded to and offered a reward to commit the actual killing; (4) the ploy of playing the role of the bereaved partner; (5) the primary offender’s deliberate lies to the police; and (6) the lack of remorse. Despite the emerging pattern regarding hired killings, the complexities of these premeditated murders should not be ignored. Diverse motives, including financial considerations and abusive relationships particularly in the case of female primary offenders, place a heavy burden on the criminal justice system to act fairly and justly. Murder is an intensely personal type of crime and regarded by some researchers as the most problematic of all criminal behaviors. Due to some highly publicized incidents in South Africa, the spotlight has been placed on one pertinent variation of murder; the killing of one intimate partner or spouse through a third party/parties, known as hired killings. However, murder for hire is regarded as relatively rare. In addition, the phenomenon of hired killings in intimate partner relationships has received minimal attention. References