Medicolegal Characteristics of Firearm Homicides in Belgrade, Serbia: Before, During, and After the War in the Former Yugoslavia

• NCJ Number: 246244
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 1549-1553
• Author(s): Nemanja Rancic M.D.; Milena Erceg M.D.; Nemanja Radojevic M.Sc.; Slobodan Savic Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A comparative analysis of firearm homicides committed in Belgrade was performed including four representative years: 1987 before the civil war in the Former Yugoslavia, 1991 beginning of the war, 1997 end of the war, and 2007 period of social stabilization.

Abstract

A comparative analysis of firearm homicides committed in Belgrade was performed including four representative years: 1987 before the civil war in the Former Yugoslavia, 1991 beginning of the war, 1997 end of the war, and 2007 period of social stabilization. The increase in the number of homicides was established in 1991 and 1997 compared with 1987, with the decrease in 2007, but with the continuous increase in the percentage of firearm homicides in the total number of homicides, from 12% in 1987 up to 56% in 2007. The significant increase in firearm homicides during the last decade of the 20th century can be explained by the social disturbances and the high availability of firearms, while their reduction in 2007 could be linked to the gradual stabilization of social circumstances. The results showed that the actual social, political, and economical changes strongly influenced medicolegal characteristics of homicides and particularly firearm homicides. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.