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Giorgetti A, Pelletti G, Fiorentini C, Mazzotti MC, Fais P, Pelotti S. On tackling abuse of older people: The forensic challenges in fatal cases investigation. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 67:102398. [PMID: 38237384 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The World Health Organization recently presented the priorities for tackling abuse of older people in a coordinated and strategic way. However, data on the forensic scenario is still lacking. In this context, the aim of the present work was to provide a comprehensive literature review of this inherently complex phenomenon in the post-mortem setting, in order to better characterize it from a forensic point of view. A comprehensive literature search was performed in three electronic databases following the PRISMA guidelines. Sociodemographic and medical data of victims and perpetrators, post-mortem data, types of abuse and risk factors were extracted from non-aggregated data. Forty-eight papers dealing with abuse in the post-mortem setting were included, with a predominance of case reports and case series. The review showed that neglect was the most common type of abuse and victims are predominantly older women who are abused in a domestic setting by trusted family member. To generate more and better data, expanded research in the forensic field requires standardized methods and the raise of professional awareness about abuse of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Clara Fiorentini
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Paolo Fais
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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2
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Valença AM, de Almeida LR, de Oliveira GC, França MF, da Silva AG, Telles LB, Nardi AE. Matricide and schizophrenia- psychopathological, psychodynamic, and forensic aspects: a case report. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1240385. [PMID: 37706037 PMCID: PMC10495561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1240385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Matricide is the murder of a mother by her son or daughter, a form of homicide rarely seen in psychiatric practice. A narrative review was conducted on the relationship between matricide and schizophrenia, followed by a case report in Brazil of a schizophrenic patient who murdered his mother and was submitted to forensic psychiatric assessment for criminal liability. The article discusses psychopathological, psychodynamic, and forensic aspects related to the case. The observation of ambivalent and conflictive relations between schizophrenic individuals and their mothers suggests the need for family-level interventions to resolve the understandable occurrence of emotional conflicts, which can serve as stimuli that trigger the murder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Martins Valença
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Carvalho de Oliveira
- Department of Psychiatry, University Center of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
- Department of Physician, Escola Superior de Ciências da Saúde, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lisieux Borba Telles
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antonio Egidio Nardi
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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3
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Kopacz P, Juźwik-Kopacz E, Bolechała F, Strona M, Konopka T. Overkilling: A specific type of homicide - Constructing the definition: Perpetrator, weapon and circumstances. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 64:102273. [PMID: 37229939 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Overkilling in the Forensic Medicine is known as a specific type of homicide where the number of inflicted injuries greatly surpasses the number of fatal ones. Conducted research aimed to create a unified definition of the phenomenon and its classification criteria by analysing a vast majority of variables concerning its various characteristics. From the population of homicide victims autopsied in the authors' research facility a number of 167 cases were chosen consisting of both overkilling and other homicides. 70 cases were thoroughly analysed based on the completed court files, autopsy protocols and photographs. Second part of the research concerned the facts regarding the perpetrator, used weapon and the circumstances of the act. Conclusions of the conducted analysis allowed to add further characteristics to the overkilling definition: the perpetrators were almost exclusively men, around 35 of age, not related to the victim but might have been in a close relationship with them, often a conflicted one. They did not threaten the victim before the incident. Mostly perpetrators were not intoxicated, and they tried to cover up the homicide in various ways. Perpetrators of overkilling were in most cases mentally disturbed (and thus stated insane), had different levels of intelligence but also a low level of planning before the act - rarely taking actions as preparing the weapon in advance, choosing the scene or luring in the victim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kopacz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Juźwik-Kopacz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Filip Bolechała
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Strona
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Konopka
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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4
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Feola A, Ciamarra P, Mascolo P, De Simone M, Zangani P, Campobasso CP. Matricide and psychiatric evaluation: An update. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 63:102258. [PMID: 37121195 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Matricide is an infrequent crime that has often raised to the suspicion that the offender could suffer from a pathological mental status. Although it is hard to establish a relationship between mental disorders and specific forms of homicide, several studies suggest that matricide offender frequently suffers from schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Aim of the study was to review the literature in order to explore epidemiologic and psychiatric characteristics of matricide offenders with a focus on the cause of death and crime circumstances. According to the PRISMA statement, 16 out of 225 studies were included. Main findings were the following: 80 victims were reported in total, killed by 81 offenders. In one case two brothers were responsible for the matricide. 81.5% of the offenders were young males. The most represented psychiatric pattern of the offenders was schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (43.2%). 6.2% of victims had also psychiatric disorders. Sharp force injuries were the first cause of death (55%), followed by blunt trauma (15%) and asphyxia (15%). In 12% of cases overkilling was also reported. 13.6% of offenders were considered not guilty for reason of insanity while 25.9% of the offenders had diminished criminal responsibility. A case study of a young homicide offender suffering from personality disorder is reported. In this case the victim also suffered from psychiatric disorders and an overkilling occurred as she was stabbed multiple times post-mortem. In a second case of matricide, the victim was dismembered and the human remains were concealed in several plastic bags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Ciamarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Mascolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariavictoria De Simone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pierluca Zangani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Pietro Campobasso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Kennedy B, Bugeja L, Olivier J, Johnson M, Hua P, Koppel S, Ibrahim JE. Epidemiology of Homicide in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:390-406. [PMID: 34253097 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211030250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empirical research investigating older adult homicide is sparse and rarely accumulated for greater insights. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantifies the prevalence and characteristics of homicide victimization among older adults (65 years and older) compared with younger adults (18-64 years). METHOD We searched Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published before December 31, 2018 (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration: CRD42017054536). Included were English-language, original, peer-reviewed studies describing the homicide of older adults. Excluded were studies not meeting age criteria, residence as an institution, or with insufficient outcome variables. The review included 39 studies; 17 were included in the meta-analysis. Data were extracted via open access or from study authors. Heterogeneity was assessed through study-level random effects estimates. RESULTS Pooled homicide rates per 100,000 population were 2.02 (95% CI [1.23, 3.33]) for older adults (n = 35,325) and 3.98 (95% CI [2.42, 6.53]) for younger adults (n = 607,224; rate ratio = .51, 95% CI [0.37, 0.70], p < .001). Proportion estimates for older adults: victim female 46.3%, location home 71.4%, offender familiar 25.2%, compared to stranger, 24.2%, motive argument 36.1%, compared to felony 30.8%, and weapon firearm 24.5%. Older adults were significantly different to younger adult victims (p = <.001) for female (OR = 2.5, 95% CI [2.02, 3.10]), home (3.87, 95% CI [3.45, 4.35]), stranger (1.81, 95% CI [1.66, 1.98]), argument (0.33, 95% CI [0.28, 0.39]), felony (2.78, 95% CI [2.58, 2.99]), and firearm (0.38, 95% CI [0.36, 0.40]). CONCLUSIONS Homicide against older adults differs from younger adults and warrants specific research and tailored prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briohny Kennedy
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyndal Bugeja
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jake Olivier
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marilyn Johnson
- Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phuong Hua
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sjaan Koppel
- Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph E Ibrahim
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Southbank, Victoria, Australia
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Petroni G, Mandarelli G, Marasco M, Catanesi R, Tavone AM, Potenza S, Marsella LT, Marella GL. From overkill to beheading: A case report of a schizophrenic matricide. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:404-407. [PMID: 34346506 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Initial evidence exists on a subtype of matricide committed by subjects suffering from severe mental disorders. Matricide perpetrators often undergo a forensic psychiatric evaluation during the subsequent criminal trial because of supposed legal insanity. The few studies on matricide by mentally disordered perpetrators suggested a possible association between such extreme form of violence and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, especially in case of active delusions or hallucinations. METHODS we analyze a case of a young male with a recent diagnosis of psychotic disorder who committed matricide by inflicting multiple injuries and beheading. Data emerging from the forensic pathological analysis of the victim, as well as the forensic psychiatric analysis of the matricide perpetrator are discussed within an interdisciplinary perspective. RESULTS the autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds in the regions of the upper limbs, abdomen, chest, and neck, the latter determining beheading. The forensic psychiatric evaluation yielded a diagnosis of schizophrenia and clarified the causal role in the homicidal behavioral of active psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSION the specific type of delusional content, and perpetrator-victim relationship might contribute explaining a subtype of extremely violent homicide in recent onset schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Petroni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," via Montpellier 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marasco
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Roma Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Catanesi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro Tavone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," via Montpellier 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Saverio Potenza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," via Montpellier 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," via Montpellier 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Marella
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," via Montpellier 1, Roma, Italy
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Karakasi MV, Nastoulis E, Zisopoulos K, Markopoulou M, Alexandri M, Bakirtzis C, Douzenis A, Zaggelidou E, Pavlidis P. Investigating the phenomenon of overkill in Greece: A forensic psychiatric autopsy study between 2005 and 2020. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 81:102184. [PMID: 34020236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate overkill in the Greek population from a criminological and victimological point of view and explore possible correlations of the phenomenon with socio-cultural or psychiatric factors. Overall, 158 autopsies of overkill victims were identified throughout the 15-year records of the national forensic laboratories throughout the northern Greek mainland. The pattern that has emerged from the statistical results of the present study on the victims of overkill within the Greek borders was generally in line with global statistics on homicide victims, but also presented differences. The phenomenon correlated more with homicides in the context of mental disorders (within schizophrenia spectrum), other crimes (such as burglary) as well as domestic violence. Overall, males outnumbered females both as victims (approximately threefold) and as perpetrators in overkill homicide cases, but regarding domestic violence, the sad majority of overkill victims stood for females murdered with excessive violence by male relatives. Close female relatives (especially mothers and grandmothers) were also victimized by psychiatrically ill offenders. Female perpetrators tended to attack male individuals with whom they shared a relationship (intimate partners). An important finding was the fact that less than half the offenders' population with major mental disorders were diagnosed at the time of the offense. Overkill victims were found, on average, to be older than average homicide victims, being probably associated with the entailed difference in the physical strength ratio between the victim and the perpetrator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Valeria Karakasi
- Third University Department of Psychiatry, AHEPA University General Hospital, Department of Mental Health, Aristotle University, Faculty of Medicine, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece; Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, School of Medicine, GR 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evangelos Nastoulis
- Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, School of Medicine, GR 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Zisopoulos
- Forensic Medical Service of Thessaloniki, Eleftherio Kordelio, GR 54628, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Markopoulou
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, GR 56429, Stavroupolis, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Alexandri
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR 11527, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Bakirtzis
- Second University Department of Neurology, AHEPA University General Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Aristotle University, Faculty of Medicine, GR 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanassios Douzenis
- Second Psychiatry Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR 12462, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Eleni Zaggelidou
- Forensic Medical Service of Thessaloniki, Eleftherio Kordelio, GR 54628, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pavlos Pavlidis
- Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, School of Medicine, GR 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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8
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Valença AM, Carvalho de Oliveira G, Telles LEDB, da Silva AG, da Silva JAR, Barros AJS, Nardi AE. Matricide, parricide, and filicide: Are major mental disorders or personality disorders involved? Assessment of criminal responsibility in Brazilian cases. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:2048-2053. [PMID: 33963540 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Violence committed by individuals with severe mental disorders has become a growing focus of interest among physicians, law enforcement officials, and the general population. Homicide involving relatives, specially parricide, matricide, and filicide, despite the relatively low incidence of these crimes, may be enigmatic, so forensic psychiatrist are frequently called on the courts to answer questions about insanity and criminal responsibility. The current study aims to describe Brazilian cases of parricide, matricide, and filicide associated with presence of major mental disorders and personality disorders, discussing the assessment of criminal responsibility in each case. The case series described were specifically related to people with mental illness, as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality with comorbidity of drug abuse. Two of them were considered not guilty by reason of insanity, and the other one was considered partially criminally responsible, according to Brazilian Law and Forensic Psychiatric Reports of the cases. The justice determined compulsory psychiatric treatment for all of them. The question of criminal responsibility of individuals with mental disorders is challenging for criminal justice, psychiatry, and society. Adequate treatment is mandatory to prevent crimes involving mental disorders, as shown in literature. The verification of criminal responsibility is essential for persons' adequate referral in any system of criminal law, thus protecting human rights and referring those who need psychiatric treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Martins Valença
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Gustavo Carvalho de Oliveira
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centro Universitário de Brasília - UniCEUB, Brasília, Brazil.,Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia.,Government of Brasília, Emergency Service - SAMU, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lisieux Elaine de Borba Telles
- Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antonio Geraldo da Silva
- Brazilian Psychiatry Association - Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria (ABP), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alcina Juliana Soares Barros
- Departamento de Psiquiatria e Medicina Legal, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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9
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Parricide cases of adult offenders from Turkey: A descriptive study. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 39:151-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Catanesi R, Rocca G, Candelli C, Carabellese F. Matricide by Mentally Disordered Sons: Gaining a Criminological Understanding Beyond Mental Illness--A Descriptive Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2015; 59:1550-1563. [PMID: 25100768 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x14545772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Matricide is one of the rarest of reported murders and has always been considered one of the most abhorrent crimes. Psychiatric investigations as to why a son might murder his mother yield indications of a high rate of mental illness, primarily psychotic disorders, in perpetrators. In an attempt to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of the mother-son bond in the etiology of matricide by mentally disordered sons, this article presents a qualitative study of nine cases of matricide examined at two Italian Forensic Psychiatry Departments between 2005 and 2010 and retrospective analysis of forensic psychiatry reports on the offenders. Most matricides suffered from psychotic disorders, especially schizophrenia. Nevertheless, not all the perpetrators had psychotic symptoms at the time of the crime. A "pathologic" mother-son bond was found in all cases. However, mental illness is not the only variable related to matricide and, taken alone, is not enough to explain the crime. Several factors in the history of the mother and son need to be probed, especially how their relationship developed over the years. The peculiar dynamics of the mother-son relationship and the unique personalities and life experiences of both subjects are the real key to cases of matricide.
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Raymond S, Léger AS, Lachaux B. A descriptive and follow-up study of 40 parricidal patients hospitalized in a French secure unit over a 15-year period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2015; 41:43-49. [PMID: 25910927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Parricide is rare and represents 3% of all homicides in France, and 4% of resolved homicides in North America. Consequently, related international literature is sparse, especially concerning the evolution of offenders, and most studies concern small samples or anecdotal cases. We wished to identify the main characteristics of parricidal subjects and their victims, and to assess the socioclinical evolution of the offenders after the assault. To this end, we first studied the sociodemographic, clinical and forensic characteristics of all parricidal patients admitted to France's Henri Colin secure unit between 1996 and 2010 (40 patients). We also assessed the evolution of the 36 patients who had left the secure unit, using questionnaires sent to the psychiatric hospitals where the patients were transferred. We found most offenders to be men (97.5%), with a mean age of 28 years, who were mostly single, unemployed, living with the victim prior to the assault (77.5%), and with a history of psychiatric disorder (72.5%). The population of offenders also displayed an overrepresentation of schizophrenia (87.5%), significant toxic exposure and criminal or violent history. Some patients had attempted suicide before or right after the offense. The assault was mostly committed in the parent's house with an edged weapon, and was characterized by brutality and lack of premeditation. Precipitating factors included substance use and cessation of psychotropic medication. Matricide was more frequent than patricide. At the time of this study, half of the parricidal patients were working or attending therapeutic activities, and most were actively keeping in contact with their family, living as compliant outpatients with no signs of violent behavior. The results of our study on 40 parricidal patients are consistent with data in the literature. With regard to sample evolution, family and community reintegration was relatively effective considering the seriousness of the offense. Several biases in our study disallow the generalization of these findings, and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Raymond
- UMD Henri Colin, EPS Paul Guiraud, Villejuif, France.
| | - A S Léger
- UMD Henri Colin, EPS Paul Guiraud, Villejuif, France
| | - B Lachaux
- UMD Henri Colin, EPS Paul Guiraud, Villejuif, France
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12
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Austin AE, Guddat SS, Tsokos M, Gilbert JD, Byard RW. Multiple injuries in suicide simulating homicide: Report of three cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2013; 20:601-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 09/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Ventura F, Portunato F, Pizzorno E, Mazzone S, Verde A, Rocca G. The Need for an Interdisciplinary Approach in Forensic Sciences: Perspectives from a Peculiar Case of Mummification. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:831-6. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ventura
- Department of Legal Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology; University of Genova; via De' Toni 12; Genova; 16132; Italy
| | - Federica Portunato
- Department of Legal Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology; University of Genova; via De' Toni 12; Genova; 16132; Italy
| | - Enrico Pizzorno
- Department of Legal Medicine, Section of Forensic Pathology; University of Genova; via De' Toni 12; Genova; 16132; Italy
| | - Silvana Mazzone
- Medical Chief, Health Office of Italian State Police; Genova; Italy
| | - Alfredo Verde
- Department of Legal Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry; University of Genova; via De' Toni 12; Genova; 16132; Italy
| | - Gabriele Rocca
- Department of Legal Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry; University of Genova; via De' Toni 12; Genova; 16132; Italy
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14
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Heide KM. Matricide and stepmatricide victims and offenders: an empirical analysis of U.S. arrest data. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2013; 31:203-214. [PMID: 23558726 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Almost all of the clinical and empirical literature on female parricide victims focuses on mothers killed, with only little information available on stepmothers murdered. This study is the first to compare the victim, offender, and case correlates in incidents when mothers and stepmothers were killed. Supplementary Homicide Report Data for 1976-2007 were used to investigate similarities and differences between the two female victim types in the United States. Similarities between stepmothers and mothers included that more than 70% were White and killed in single victim, single offender incidents. Their killers were adult sons in between 67% and 87% of incidents. Several significant differences emerged with respect to age, involvement in multiple offender incidents, and weapon use. Stepmothers and their stepchildren, relative to mothers and their offspring, were significantly younger. Sixty-four percent of stepchildren, compared with 35% of biological children, were under age 25 at the time of their arrest for murder. A higher percentage of juveniles than adult killers was involved in multiple offender (MO) incidents involving mothers. Relative to their male counterparts, higher percentages of female juveniles were involved in MO incidents involving the deaths of mothers and stepmothers. A higher proportion of female adults, relative to their male counterparts, were involved in MO matricide incidents. Offenders who killed stepmothers, relative to those who killed mothers, were significantly more likely to use guns. Juvenile matricide offenders were significantly more likely to use firearms than their adult counterparts. Possible reasons for the differences are discussed in the conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Heide
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Social Sciences Room 107, Tampa, FL 33620-8100, USA.
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Teixeira EH, Meneguette J, Dalgalarrondo P. Matricídio, seguido de canibalismo e automutilação de pênis e mão em paciente esquizofrênico motivado por delírios religiosos. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s0047-20852012000300011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUÇÃO: A automutilação em pacientes psiquiátricos ocorre, sobretudo, associada a psicoses esquizofrênicas ou tóxicas, podendo estar relacionada a crenças religiosas, impulsividade, abuso de substâncias e outros sintomas psicóticos como alucinações ou delírios. MÉTODO: Relatamos o caso de um jovem de 22 anos que cometeu matricídio, seguido de canibalismo e automutilação do pênis e mão direita em primeiro surto psicótico, motivado por delírio religioso. RESULTADOS: Relatos de mutilação genital e olhos em pacientes esquizofrênicos são encontrados na literatura médica, contudo são raríssimos os casos que cometeram tais atos em primeiro surto psicótico. O matricídio é menos frequente que o parricídio e o agressor é geralmente filho homem. CONCLUSÃO: Trata-se de um caso grave, complexo e possivelmente o primeiro caso descrito na literatura de matricídio seguido de canibalismo e automutilação do pênis e mão.
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Catanesi R, Carabellese F, Troccoli G, Candelli C, Grattagliano I, Solarino B, Fortunato F. Psychopathology and weapon choice: A study of 103 perpetrators of homicide or attempted homicide. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 209:149-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Menezes SB. Parricides by mentally disordered offenders in Zimbabwe. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2010; 50:126-130. [PMID: 21133262 DOI: 10.1258/msl.2010.010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to examine the similarities and differences between matricide and patricide committed by mentally disordered offenders in Zimbabwe. METHODS A comprehensive, retrospective and national study was carried out of all individuals in Zimbabwe who, between 1980 and 1990 inclusive, were charged with homicide of their biological parents. The data were obtained from a hospital-wide survey, in a written semistructured format. RESULTS The sample size was 39 offenders (34 men, 5 women) and there were 39 victims (20 matricides and 19 patricides). Sons committed 18 patricides and 16 matricides, and daughters committed one patricide and four matricides. The mean age of the offenders was 35 years with a standard deviation of 9.8, and the mean age of the victims was 60 years with a standard deviation of 9.3. Ethnicity of all the offenders and their victims was African. About one-third of the offenders were known to the psychiatric services and the rest were found to be mentally ill at the time of the crime when they were tried in the court of law. Most of the offenders were suffering from a psychotic illness and one offender had a diagnosis of personality disorder. Half of the offenders had been to a traditional healer some time before committing the crime. Most of the offenders used a blunt instrument, 15 used sharp instruments and one woman used strangulation. Firearms were not used in committing parricide. CONCLUSION The study showed that sons committed most parricides. However, daughters committed matricide more frequently than patricide. Male offenders were 10 years younger than female offenders. In all cases both the offender and victim were African, and lived in the same house in the rural areas of Zimbabwe. Psychosis among the offenders had substantially increased the risk of parricide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Menezes
- The Oleaster, National Centre for Mental Health, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2SY, UK.
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Le parricide psychotique : description et évolution des patients pris en charge à l’unité pour malades difficiles Henri-Colin. EVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2009.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Matricide, the killing of mothers by their biological children, is a very rare event, comprising less that 2% of all U.S. homicides in which the victim-offender relationship is known. This manuscript examines more than 20 years of U.S. homicides to determine the age and gender characteristics of matricide offenders. These data reveal that most mothers are killed by their adult sons. Daughters younger than 18 years are the most infrequent killers of mothers. This article examines the incidence of parricide, the involvement of sons and daughters in matricidal incidents, and synthesizes the literature in terms of offender gender. Special attention is given to female matricide offenders, given the lack of research currently available with respect to this population. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Heide
- Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA.
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