NCJ Number
165759
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 837-840
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Autopsy and police records were examined to determine the incidence and the circumstances of homicide committed by young people between 15 and 29 years of age in Paris and its suburbs between 1991 and 1993.
Abstract
All homicides occurring in the study area were autopsied at the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Paris. Numerators for homicide rates were calculated using homicides in Paris and its suburbs, while denominators for homicide rates were calculated using data from the 1990 national census. Homicide victims were divided into three age groups: 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 years, and 25 to 29 years. Information about weapons, victims, perpetrators, motivation, gang involvement, and drug use came from police records. Toxicological analyses were performed on all homicide victims. Of 138 homicides involving young people between 15 and 29 years of age, 69 (50 percent) occurred in Paris and 69 occurred in the suburbs. The mean age of victims was 25 years, 50 persons were killed in their homes, and stabbing and shooting were the most frequent homicide methods. Males were more frequently victims of street violence, whereas females were more likely to be involved in domestic violence. Data indicated that homicides were overrepresented in Paris, compared to the suburbs. 18 references and 2 tables